Business, Finance, & Consulting

Advertising and marketing are words that tend to be synonymous in the minds of many, and rightfully so; the two functions are complimentary and intertwined. In the simplest terms, marketers determine packaging, pricing and promotion strategy (marketing campaign) for current and new products, keeping the Brand, or the image the company is trying to convey with their products, in mind. Advertisers carry out the product promotion through development and strategic placement of memorable and persuasive advertisements, both subtle and overt, to get the message out to the target market.

Advertising and marketing functions take place at all types of businesses, from large corporations to small businesses. Additionally, companies and organizations may outsource some or all of their marketing and advertising functions to agencies. Advertising and marketing are not limited to for-profit organizations but are also necessities at non-profit organizations as well. Museums, health care organizations, universities, government agencies and other non-profits all advertise and market their programs and services. Examples of Advertising and Marketing Jobs include; Account Executive, Copywriter, Creative Director, Production Assistant, Graphic Designer, Digital Analyst and Media Buyer.

Business analysts identify a company’s needs through the use of analytical tools and collect data to determine the state of the company. They are skilled at gathering and processing information and problem-solving. Additionally, business analysts are able to interact with a variety of people, from external customers, managers, and executives to industry experts, and are employed in a variety of industries.

Responsible for providing banking and financial services to corporations. Banking services include treasury management services and foreign exchange and derivatives strategies and execution. Financing solutions include lines of credit, term loans, asset securitizations, and equipment leases/loans. Typical career options include relationship manager (RM), underwriter (UW), and product partner. Important skills to have are financial analysis, sales, and communication skills.

Provides expert advice to C-Suite executives of organizations on major strategic, financial, and operational issues. Organizations hire consultants in light of major disruptions to their business (e.g., acquisitions and divestitures, technology disruptions). Consulting firms hire undergraduates for analyst roles. Responsibilities include identifying business problems, conducting analyses, providing recommendations, and implementing solutions. Consulting career paths are known for their “exit opportunities” into high-level corporate roles and graduate school.

Finance Industry Snapshot

Check out this finance Career Path resources from the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) This is a great resource to explore industries that interest you the most.

Investment banking, or I-banking, as it is often called, is the term used to describe the business of raising capital for companies and governments and advising them on financing and merger alternatives. Capital essentially means money. Companies need cash in order to grow and expand their businesses; investment banks sell securities (debt and equity) to investors in order to raise this cash. These securities can come in the form of stocks, bonds, or loans. Once issued, these securities trade in the global financial markets.

Investment banking, or I-banking, as it is often called, is the term used to describe the business of raising capital for companies and governments and advising them on financing and merger alternatives. Capital essentially means money. Companies need cash in order to grow and expand their businesses; investment banks sell securities (debt and equity) to investors in order to raise this cash. These securities can come in the form of stocks, bonds, or loans. Once issued, these securities trade in the global financial markets.

Investment banks act as intermediaries between an issuer of securities and the investing public, distributing an offering through their dealer networks or direct sales to clients. Services offered, in addition to underwriting, typically include asset securitization, structuring corporate mergers and acquisitions, and arranging private placements of debt or equity securities. When working with clients, an investment banker offers his or her expert advice and counseling on pricing securities to be offered for sale, filing the registration documents with government agencies, managing the sales distribution syndicate, and communicating periodically with the investor community.

The insurance industry comprises companies and people who develop insurance policies and sell, administrate, and regulate them. Some insurance companies offer investment products and employ people who develop, sell, administrate, or service these products. Insurance is about managing risk, for both the insurance company and its customers. The company must make sure it collects enough money in premiums to offset customers’ claims while still maintaining a profit. Customers use insurance to minimize risk to their finances in the case of lost or damaged property, lawsuits, illness or accident, business interruption, or premature death.

Today, there are few items of value that can’t be insured. The most common insurance policies are business insurance, car/vehicle insurance, health insurance, home/rental insurance, life insurance, and other property/casualty insurance policies.

Wealth management is a comprehensive financial service that helps individuals and families grow, protect, and transfer their wealth over time. It combines investment management with broader financial planning to help clients achieve their long-term financial goals.

A wealth manager typically helps with: Risk Management, Investment Management, Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning, Estate Planning