10 Important Personality Traits of a Finance Major

If you're pursuing a bachelor's degree in finance from an accredited institution, you will likely gain a number of important skills throughout your education. For students majoring in finance, there are 10 important personality traits that can help you succeed in your career.

What Type of Person Should Major in Finance?

A person who seeks a finance degree should be trustworthy and knowledgeable. They should be capable of learning organizational techniques to manage financial files and important data. The type of person majoring in finance should exhibit various qualities, including strong leadership, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

10 Traits of a Finance Major

Anyone working to secure a job in the finance world may find that certain personality traits can be beneficial. If you are a financial analyst, personal financial advisor, or certified public accountant (CPA), you'll review numbers and important financial data for businesses and individuals.

To be fully prepared for a major in finance, it will be beneficial to gain traits, such as being detail-oriented, remaining organized, and becoming a problem solver.

1. Detail-Oriented

One of the most important traits for people working in finance is paying attention to detail. Since you will be reviewing important and crucial financial data for both business and personal finances, it's important that you remain detail-oriented, focusing on each number.

Errors in accounting or investment banking can be detrimental to the job. This is why it's necessary to maintain focus to ensure financial data is accurate.

2. Strong Leadership

Although many finance careers begin with an entry-level job, you may want to continue your journey by applying for high-salary positions once you've gained more work experience. To prepare for a promotion within your company, consider learning leadership skills, focusing on team management, and improving communication with employees.

Becoming a strong leader allows others to trust you and can ultimately improve productivity, allowing operations to move smoothly. Strong leadership requires respect for your workers and qualities which allow you to not only be a team player, but also lead a team of finance professionals.

3. Constantly Learning

Throughout your career, you may have various opportunities to partake in continued learning. Whether you decide to go back to school for a master's degree or you attend seminars, it's important to stay up to date in the finance industry.

As you continue to gain more knowledge of finance, these skills can produce a high-paying salary and offer advancement in your career.

4. Organization

If you research financial information and keep track of important data, you must remain organized. Organization is crucial, especially when compiling data and handling the most crucial part of a business.

As a finance professional, you must maintain financial records and information for clients and learn organizational techniques along the way.

5. Clear Communication

Clear communication allows you to understand better and acknowledge any discussions with co-workers and employees. Communicating financial advice clearly is also an essential part of the job of a financial advisor.

Effective and clear communication must be understood by your employees, clients, and others you work with throughout your career.

6. Self-Starter

A strong financial career involves taking the initiative to recommend financial programs and options for individuals and corporations. A self-starter can work independently without supervision, which is an invaluable skill in the finance industry.

For example, if you decide you want to become a CPA, you will need to renew your license yearly. You must also have the traits of a self-starter to become comfortable managing your own clients and solving problems on your own.

7. Problem Solver

A strong trait for finance majors is problem-solving. Throughout your finance career, you will inevitably encounter problems that need to be solved.

Having problem-solving skills, such as identifying problems, analyzing answers, and researching data, is crucial to any career in finance. When you can implement new strategies and address problems directly, you learn to solve difficult problems that may occur throughout your career.

8. Emotionally Intelligent

In order to understand certain computer programs and financial analytics, you must be emotionally intelligent and able to take on multiple tasks at once. Additionally, you must be communicative with your clients, making certain they understand any financial recommendations you provide.

As an emotionally intelligent finance leader, you must put empathy first, focusing on your team and the impact of your influence. You must create a strong and comfortable work environment for all. To do this, you must remain emotionally intelligent and available to ensure success in your career.

9. Adaptable

The financial industry is constantly changing, requiring you to remain adaptable. Many jobs, such as financial planning, can require certificates that need to be renewed.

Those in the finance field may need to adapt to certain transitions within the company or when changing jobs. Financial institutions will require updated platforms and computer systems, which you'll need to use in your role.

10. Versatile

Lastly, you should remain versatile in your career endeavors, keeping doors open to the numerous jobs available in finance. Versatility is a crucial trait to have due to the finance world constantly changing.

For growth companies, you may be required to step into different roles. Becoming versatile provides depth. Many finance jobs are always evolving, requiring you to remain quick on your feet and versatile, no matter which job requirements come your way.

Should You Major in Finance?

If you are detail-oriented or a problem-solver, a finance major may be an excellent option for you. A finance career offers numerous opportunities for a person to change roles. With a major in finance, you have the ability to choose from various career paths in this industry.