The finance industry is a critical sector that employs millions of people. The Finance Career Cluster prepares students for careers in financial and investment planning, banking, insurance and business financial management. Finance career opportunities are available in every sector of the economy and require skill in organization, time management, customer service and communication.

This career cluster is organized into four career pathways:

• Banking and related services
• Business financial management
• Financial and investment planning
• Insurance services

Careers

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Students in finance learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-high school education and training opportunities, from apprenticeships and two-year college programs to four-year college and graduate programs.

CTE classes in this cluster will introduce you to a variety of interesting careers including:

Note: Each school and school district has different CTE options. Not every district has classes in every cluster, nor does every district offer CTE dual credit and Advanced Placement options.

Career and Technical Student Organizations

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Career and technical student organizations are much more than clubs. They provide opportunities for hands-on learning, and for applying career, leadership and personal skills in real-world environments. Participants build their skills by developing projects, attending events, and competing regionally and nationally.

The student organization for finance is Washington Future Business Leaders of America.

To view the list of CTSOs.

Education After High School

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It is fact that young people who have at least one year of post-high school education earn thousands of dollars more a year. So, if you spend even one year at a two- or four-year college, in a certificate program at a technical school, or in an apprenticeship after you graduate from high school, you will very likely earn higher wages all your life. By furthering your education, you will be better-prepared to successfully navigate the world of work.

Students with at least one year of post-high school education earn thousands of dollars more a year.

After taking CTE classes in finance, you could pursue any number of opportunities including:

• A two-year college degree in accounting, business statistics, principles of economics, investments or electronic financial services
• A four-year degree in finance, international business, accounting, information systems or operation management

Student Resources

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Middle and High School

For information about your district's CTE offerings and how to move forward with planning for your future, contact or visit:

• Preparing for your future: Why CTE?
• Your school career or guidance counselor
• Your principal or school district Career and Technical Education office
• OSPI Career and Technical Education Office

Apprenticeship and College

More than 1,000 jobs in Washington are connected to an active, registered apprenticeship program. For more information about apprenticeships and colleges, visit:

• How to become an apprentice: Five steps to getting started
• Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Checkoutacollege.com
• Washington Student Achievement Council
• Washington Career Bridge
• University of Washington Foster School of Business Finance Department - Finance deals with the management of funds and the ways in which the flow of capital affects the management of firms and decision-making processes of investors. The finance curriculum prepares students for careers as financial managers, bankers and administrators.

Additional Resources

• Financial Career Options - Find rewarding and interesting jobs in finance
• Bank Jobs - Jobs and resumes for the banking and financial industry
• Be an actuary - Actuaries are experts in evaluating the likelihood of future events, designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events, and decreasing the impact of undesirable events that do occur.

For Educators

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Forms and Standards