The Value of a Finance Degree in Today's Job Market

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In this podcast, I sit down with Dr. Brian Adams a Ph.D., a Professor of Finance at the University of Portland. We discuss a variation of topics focusing on finance and the finance degree, as well as the application of the finance degree to one's career, and other areas of life.

A finance degree prepares future professionals to guide individuals, corporations, government agencies, and other firms or organizations through financial struggles and uncertainty but also with short-term and long-term planning responsibilities.

Finance majors complete a balance of theoretical and practical courses in a myriad of areas including business development,
economics, organizational management, marketing, risk management, accounting, investments, supply chain, statistics, and IT.

The value of an MBA can vary depending on the individual and their career goals. For some people, an MBA can provide valuable skills and knowledge that can help them advance in their career and possibly increase their earning potential. For others, an MBA may not be as useful or necessary. It is important to carefully consider the costs and potential benefits of an MBA before making a decision to pursue one. Everyone's situation is different so there is no universal answer

It is ultimately up to each college to decide whether or not to remove testing requirements for admission. There are arguments for and against removing testing requirements, and the decision will depend on the specific circumstances and goals of the college.

There are many opportunities for women in finance. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on diversity and inclusion in the finance industry, and many organizations are making efforts to hire and promote more women in finance. There has also been a push at the university level to increase diversity amongst majors where there is a lack of gender neutrality. Finance is one of those majors that has long been a male-dominated space. I as Brian what he thinks about this and how the university and industry as a whole is working and adapting to resolve this.

Self-censorship in the classroom refers to the practice of students suppressing their own thoughts, opinions, or expressions in order to avoid offending or upsetting their classmates or teacher. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a fear of social rejection or a desire to conform to group norms. Self-censorship can be detrimental to the learning process because it hinders open and honest discussions, and it can prevent students from fully engaging with the material. Teachers and educators can help to prevent self-censorship in the classroom by creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas.

Higher education has changed significantly in recent years due to a variety of factors, including advances in technology, changes in the job market, and shifts in the economy. Many of these changes were a result of the recent and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The podcast concludes with Brian sharing his advice for anyone considering a finance degree. How might one should approach it. What it is useful for. Why some sort of financial education is important for anyone.

0:00 Intro
2:05 Why Consider a Finance Degree?
12:37 Is the MBA Still Worth It? Is the MBA a waste of money?
22:29 Should colleges remove testing requirements?
28:33 Females Opportunities in Finance
35:35 Self-Censorship in the Classroom
43:33 How Has Higher Ed Changed
46:46 Advice for Young People