The goal of the finance program at OSU is to provide a professionally oriented program to prepare students for successful careers in institutional finance which includes careers in banking, brokerage, insurance, and other financial fields.

Individuals entering a career with a financial institution have many opportunities open to them.  A large number of persons going into banking select career paths in either operations or lending.  Within the lending area, persons can specialize in installment credit lending to consumers of durable goods, mortgage lending to home builders and buyers, or commercial lending to help finance the growth of business firms.

Men and women entering the securities industry find careers as stock and bond brokers, security analysts, or portfolio managers.  Individuals choosing the area of insurance typically enter company operations through either claims or underwriting positions. Those with sales positions can choose to work either with corporations or individuals as a client base.  In addition, many persons decide to work for the government as finance personnel in charge of revenue and expenditure programs.

Advances in computer technology have made the subject of finance more rigorous and analytical.  As a result, individuals who study finance must possess a knowledge of statistical and quantitative methods, systems analysis, and computer applications in addition to finance and accounting skills.

Participating in finance-specific "enrichment" activities enables you to expand your understanding and build your skills beyond the classroom.  The Finance Club hosts a variety of functions that put you face-to-face with potential employers.  The Investment Club invites you to become an investor in the equity markets.  Being active in these experiential learning activities helps increase the opportunities of finding a job after graduation.