Whether you are using your Handshake account or attending a career fair, the College of Business is working to put you in the room with representatives from companies that want to hire JMU graduates. Your opportunity can also come from employers that visit the college to recruit or alumni that engage with you in the classroom and during student organization meetings.
92%
of the Class of 2025 (Aug '24 - May '25), had acheived a career outcome 6-months post graduation.
The finance major is designed to prepare students for careers in the financial management of industrial and commercial enterprises; commercial, retail and mortgage banking; investment analysis and portfolio management; real estate; insurance; and for finance positions in federal, state and local governments
Some students pursue further education in law or finance following graduation, often after gaining several years of valuable work experience.
In addition, many of our graduates earn professional designations, including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter; the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation; the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification; and the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification. Along with our specialized programs and offices, the faculty work with students to explore potential career choices, and the department sponsors numerous career oriented events each semester.
Career fairs
You can begin building important job search skills by participating in career-oriented events within the department and college and taking advantage of the JMU career fair.
A career fair gives you the chance to network, practice interview skills and gain industry knowledge in a less stressful environment than a typical one-on-one. As a job or internship seeker, you’ll have the chance to ask questions, make connections and discuss your skills and professional goals with employers who are excited to meet potential applicants.
Meet the Firms
Intended for juniors or seniors pursuing degrees in Accounting, Finance or Computer Information Systems, “Meet the Firms” attracts 200-plus recruiters representing more than 50 firms throughout the mid-Atlantic region. This event is suited to students who range from those looking to perfect their "elevator pitch" to those who simply want to polish their networking skills.
Network Connect
Junior and senior CIS & Business Analytics (BSAN) students can meet with industry consultants to gain experience in engaging with professionals working in the IS/IT world. They can ask questions, learn about future trends, explore employment options and discover career topics. Additionally, companies interested in recruiting CIS & BSAN students can meet with recruiters to gain knowledge about employment opportunities. Traditionally, about ten firms attend Network/Connect events.
Career Possibilities:
- Assoc. Research Consultant
- Bank Examiner
- Business Consultant
- Certified Financial Planner
- Financial Risk Manager
- Private Equity IPO Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Loan Officer
- Securities Trader
- Wealth Manager
Employers of recent finance graduates:
- CoStar Group
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- Freddie Mac
- KPMG
- Leidos
- PwC
- RSM
- Wells Fargo
Employers of recent quantitative finance graduates:
- Ellucian
- Financial Growth Partners
- Northwestern Mutual
- Philips North America
- Rockingham Insurance
- Samson Properties Chantilly
- Self-employed
Career Advisors
Finance: Carl Larsson, PhD
Quantitative Finance: Jason Fink, Ph.D