Is it still worth getting a finance degree to get into FS? Or would you say that tech skills are more important

What would be your advice for the younger generation ? Are tech degrees more valuable in FS now?

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Alvarez & Marsal NewAnalyst Feb 20, 2020

Tech will definitely be a bigger and bigger part of finance however I assume that finance degrees will still be extremely important so A mix of both types of classes and degrees is likely going to be preferred in the future

Barclays PLC PFAdjCash Feb 20, 2020

It depends in large part what part of FS you’re talking about. If you know you want to do investment banking and/or private equity, there is no substitute for a finance or similar degree. You simply won’t use a single bit of your tech skills. The only exception is if you want to do specifically tech banking or tech PE, at which point you still should get a solid fundamental understanding of finance, possibly a double major or minor. A computer science degree still coveys a great deal of knowledge, skill, and hardship to attain. The danger when recruiting is if recruiters think you are more likely to jump ship to a tech company shortly, at which point it would have been better off to take on someone more long term in nature.

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MAanalyst Feb 20, 2020

I would say it depends on what position you are applying for. Obviously, there is gonna be no need of Tech skill for a junior analyst position in investment banks or PE/VC. Solid finance-related majors such as BA, Econ, Finance, Accounting are preferred for junior level. However, tech skills can be utilized if you are applying for managing positions for certain investment sectors like healthcare, fintech, etc.