Careers in finance
and real estate

The current global financial and economic climate may present the greatest opportunity for finance and real estate students that we’ve seen in a generation or more. W. P. Carey School’s Department of Finance helps shape these industries by preparing graduates to forge dynamic careers. 

Our elite faculty and relationships with successful alumni, corporations, private foundations and government agencies locally, nationally and internationally provide you with the skills and connections necessary for success in the job market. We provide access to best–in-class industry tools and a leading curriculum that can provide the basis for professional licensure. Additionally, resources such as career coaches, our alumni network, and recruiters from top global firms help you advance both during your academic pursuits and after graduation.

Traditional finance roles

Students graduating with a finance or related degree continue to be in strong demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of financial managers is expected to grow 17% over the next decade. 

Since the finance function sits between a firm’s internal operations and capital markets, with access often facilitated by specialized financial institutions, the range of careers available to someone with structured knowledge of finance is vast. Our students prepare for careers in corporate finance, public or private asset management, banking, and other financial services.

You can pursue a multitude of financial roles as a practitioner or scholar within: 

• Corporate financial management
• Investment banking
• Business and financial consulting
• Commercial lending
• Portfolio analysis and management 
• Regulatory agency responsibility
• Brokerage and investment analysis
• Financial services
• Treasury operations

BLS data shows that the need for responsible advisors who can provide comprehensive financial advice is growing much faster than in other occupations, driven by rising life expectancies and the retirement of existing planners. For those pursuing a client-facing advisory role in financial services, the undergraduate degree in financial planning is excellent preparation for a career path that helps households and families achieve their financial goals. You’ll gain expertise in areas beyond traditional finance, including estate, insurance, and personal tax planning. 

Some alumni have pursued entrepreneurial career paths, using the skills learned in finance classes to navigate foreign currency and risk.

Financial technology

Careers at the intersection of finance and technology, also known as fintech, are becoming increasingly important as the finance industry evolves. Financial functions are undergoing rapid transformation, as demonstrated with the development of digital-only financial companies as an alternative to traditional banks, digital payment systems and currencies, personal financial management automation, peer-based lending, and AI-driven payment processing and transaction reconciliation. 

With traditional financial institutions under pressure to keep up with changing consumer expectations and fintech startups challenging traditional players with innovative financial products and services, there is a large market need for fintech professionals who have both technical and financial expertise to help organizations stay ahead of the curve. 

Students who combine finance knowledge with technical skill, whether through the undergraduate degree in financial technology or a dual major, have opportunities across the corporate, financial services, and entrepreneurial sectors. Fintech specialists often work across departments to ensure that technological solutions are aligned with business and regulatory needs and in areas including: 

• Digital payments
• Quantitative investment analysis
• Financial regulation and compliance
• Financial risk management
• Product management

Real estate 

The finance department trains students to excel in the real estate investment, development, and related industries. You'll learn the skills and knowledge needed for careers in commercial and residential brokerage, appraisal, property management, research, and project management. These positions can be within a wide spectrum of entities, such as private equity firms, government agencies, or consulting firms. 

Combined real estate and finance knowledge prepares you for a variety of roles, including: 

• Real estate analyst
• Property, real estate, or association manager
• Commercial or residential project manager
• Real estate sales agent
• Real estate appraiser
• Real estate broker
• Loan officer

Professional organizations and licenses

Students benefit from our relationships with professional organizations and boards that oversee licensure. Based on the career path you’d like to pursue, specific certification exams can aid you in your journey.