Is 35 Too Old to Get a Finance Degree?

Looking to pursue or advance a career in finance? Getting a degree can help you meet your career goals. But if you're 35, you may be wondering: am I too old to get my degree?

You're never too old to go back to college. Getting a finance degree at 35 can provide you with many new career opportunities, helping you stay competitive and pursue promotions.

Keep reading as we learn more.

Reasons To Earn Your Finance Degree at 35

There are many good reasons to pursue a new degree as an older adult. Some reasons you may be considering a degree in finance include:

To Change Careers

Are you looking to make a career change? Pursuing a relevant degree can help you qualify for new jobs that you may not have previously had the credentials for. Getting a degree in finance can lead you down many different career paths in accounting, analytics, and other business roles. If you're good with numbers and want to try something new, this may be a good degree path for you.

To Pursue Career Advancement

Maybe you already hold an entry-level position in a finance-related industry such as banking or accounting. Perhaps you'd like to climb the corporate ladder within your current industry and pursue potential pay increases. A finance degree will make it possible to pursue many positions in finance that you wouldn't qualify for without a degree.

To Improve Your Skills

Whether you want to pursue a new career or stay in your current field, improving your skills is a great way to remain competitive in the workforce, ensuring you remain a desirable job candidate as you grow older.

Finance degrees provide training in:

• business
• management
• money handling

These skills can come in handy in a variety of industries.

What Will I Learn In a Finance Degree Program?

You can pursue finance degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs will vary based on the type of degree you're pursuing and the school you attend.

That said, all finance degree programs teach students about money management. Courses that are often a part of finance degrees include:

• business law
• accounting
• economics
• corporate finance
• real estate finance

Finance is a very broad topic, so many finance degree programs offer concentrations that allow students to focus on a particular area of interest. Concentrations may include:

• risk management
• banking and financial services
• investment management and analysis

Finance students may have opportunities to participate in internships as part of their degree program depending on the school and the availability of local internship opportunities. Internships provide an excellent opportunity for finance students to put their classroom knowledge into action in real-world situations.

What Can I Do With My Finance Degree?

A variety of career options are available to those who get a degree in finance. A few of the job titles you may want to pursue include:

Accountant

Accountants provide various services relative to analyzing and interpreting financial statements. They help businesses and individuals file their taxes on time, answer financial questions, prepare profit and loss statements, and provide guidance on best practices for companies.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help businesses and organizations establish and maintain budgets. They analyze potential and existing investments, offering advice to companies about how to maintain their budget and improve their financial management. They also provide training relative to staying within the bounds of company budgets.

Chief Financial Officer

Chief financial officers oversee all financial operations within a company or organization. They are responsible for ensuring a company adheres to all tax laws, and they provide expert guidance whenever the company makes new financial decisions. Most chief financial officers hold at least a master's degree in finance.

Auditor

The primary job of an auditor is to ensure that various financial records are accurate. They may work for government agencies, such as the IRS, for private companies, or in freelance roles.

Business Development Officer

Business development officers perform various job duties in the process of helping their company grow. Common job duties include:

• managing a budget
• training staff members
• assisting with sales

FAQs About Starting a Finance Degree at 35

If you still have questions about getting your finance degree at 35, we're here to provide answers. Read on as we discuss some frequently asked questions.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Finance Degree at 35?

Starting a degree at 35 can have many benefits. By now, you probably have some career experience and may have gained professional skills that will help you as you work through your degree program. You may also have clearer career goals than you did when you were younger, which can help you maintain your focus as you complete each challenging course on your degree path.

Will Transfer Credits Apply To My Finance Degree?

If you have previous college credits, you will likely be able to transfer some or all of those credits to your finance degree program. Check with your school to find out about its specific transfer policy.

Can I Complete My Finance Degree Online?

Yes, many schools offer online finance degree programs. These programs are often highly flexible, allowing students to complete coursework on their own time as long as they meet class deadlines. Online programs can make getting a finance degree more accessible for busy adult students like you.