About Financial Management
Through in-depth coursework, case studies and unique Learn by Doing projects, students learn about everything from income securities to portfolio management with an emphasis on corporate finance. This coursework helps prepare students for careers in several different banking roles, wealth management positions or internally for any company in various corporate finance roles.
Career Pathways
Corporate finance professionals can be responsible for many different tasks including analyzing company’s key metrics, advising company management on project costs/potential, handling day-to-day operational cash flows and evaluating and executing potential Mergers and Acquisitions as well as other investment opportunities.
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Key Recruiting Programs & Timelines
Apple Launch & Finance Development Program (FDP)
Those in investment banking can handle a wide range of responsibilities. These responsibilities may include helping clients raise money in capital markets, developing financial models utilizing various valuation methods to reach conclusions when leading companies through Mergers and Acquisitions and other investment opportunities. Investment bankers can either work in regional/industry specialized segments or on product teams offering a unique service to clientele.
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Key Recruiting Programs & Timelines
JP Morgan Advancing Black Pathways/Hispanics & Latinos Fellowship, Goldman Sachs Virtual Insights Series, Barclays Discovery Program
Commercial Bankers satisfy client’s needs through offering various banking solutions and products. Those in the role require a strong knowledge of traditional banking solutions that may include services such as cash management, transfer/payment services, access to credit or general advising for other opportunities. Commercial Bankers can also work in specialized roles such as Commercial Real Estate focused teams.
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Key Programs
JP Morgan Advancing Black Pathways/Hispanics & Latinos Fellowship
Equity Research professionals interpret data within the various stock market industry focused segments to provide insightful recommendations to those looking to trade the securities. Associates identify patterns in market price changes through quantitative analysis and coding skills to accurately anticipate potential market trends.
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Key Recruiting Programs & Timelines
- Goldman Sachs Virtual Insights Series
Wealth managers assist clientele through providing long term guidance in personalized investment strategies, tax strategies, estate planning and risk management. Wealth managers clients include a variety of individuals or institutional clients and focus on managing and growing their wealth based on the client’s preferences and needs.
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Graduate Outcomes
Top Jobs
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Relationship Banker
- Associate Financial Analyst
- Rotational Analyst
- Business Technology Analyst
- Investment Banking Analyst
- Financial Planning and Analysis
- Client Services Associate
- Economic and Valuation Services Associate
- Financial Development Program Financial Analyst
- Private Client Associate
Salary Report
- $80,000 - Median Based Salary
- $5,000 - Median Signing Bonus
*40 respondents from 2022-23 Graduate Status Report
Top Companies
- Lockheed Martin
- Oracle
- Amgen
- Cisco
- Apple
Finance Alumni Mentors
Steve Ashford: Retired Senior Manager @ Apple
Steve worked at Apple for over 16 years in various finance roles, most recently as a Senior Manager for Retail Finance Real Estate Analytics. He have several years of experience managing interns and analysts, and mentoring dozens of young professionals. Recently, he retired to take care of my two kids full time.
Nicholas Stolecki: Credit Risk Associate @ JP Morgan Chase
Nicholas studied real estate finance at the Orfalea College of Business. He’s a commercial real estate underwriter for JP Morgan Chase with previous experience in brokerage and real estate valuations. His specializations include everything real estate and finance. In his free time, he is an avid golfer and skier.
Donna Moazeni: Financial Analyst @ Apple
Donna is a results-driven professional with over 8 years of experience in program and project management. She excels in driving cross-functional teams towards successful project delivery. With a background in both finance and technology, Donna has a unique ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. She is passionate about leveraging her skills to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Outside of work, Donna enjoys painting, hiking, and volunteering at local animal shelters.
Connect with Alumni
To gain mentorship from these alumni or other industry professionals, apply to the Alumni Mentoring Program or reach out on Cal Poly Career Connections. Mentors exist in various pathways in Financial Management and provide career-related support to launch your career.