Financial - Wheel Hot Mojor

The College of St. Catherine’s

Promising Careers and Hot Majors for St. Catherine students
by Hilary Novacek

For 100 years the College of St. Catherine (CSC) has been a leader in women. Throughout the years CSC has been preparing students for some of the newest and hottest jobs in the market, giving CSC graduates a leading edge in the business world.

In 2001 a major in Financial Service Sales was offered, with the first students graduating in 2003. The curriculum includes an emphasis on preparing women for careers in fields such as banking, investment management, risk management and financial advising. It is also one of the only majors in the country that combines financial services along with sales.

According to Sarah Rand, the Financial Services Sales Program Manager at CSC, “the Financial Services Sales major is hot because it prepares you for a career in one of the fastest growing and rewarding industries around.”

The money making potential is also very promising, with beginning salaries starting from $30,000 to $50,000. CSC has also partnered with Wells Fargo, American Express and ING, all major financial service firms, to provide students in this major with a vast array of opportunities to intern in these fields.

Rand also adds that, “in financial services sales you get an opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor for your clients. You will help others identify their financial dreams and provide them with solutions that will turn those dreams into reality!”

Working Woman magazine also classifies Financial Service Sales as one of their top 25 “Hottest Careers.” Careers in the top 25 that have an emphasis on Financial Service Sales include Personal Income Advisor, Sales Manager and Securities Sales Agent.

In addition to the opportunities in the career world, a major in Financial Service Sales also prepares students for real life situations, skills for interviewing, resume building and learning how to make corporate connections.

Pooja Rajput, a 2004 graduate in Financial Service Sales says, “I started out majoring in financial economics and in my second year I realized that I wanted a job that would enable me to interact with clients. This program complimented my financial economics major. It's been great - very unique. The affiliation with corporate partners has really opened doors for me. For women who have the right aptitude and strive for success, this is the best major.”

According to Rand, “smart women with strong analytical and communication skills are in demand.” Through a major in Financial Service Sales, these skills can be refined to help CSC graduates find success in a variety of fields after graduation.

For more information about the opportunities that Financial Service Sales has to offer, contact Sarah Rand at X6986.