[JamesJ10]

Hi,
I'm awaiting my A-level results, and hopefully will be doing a bachelors in Maths at Newcastle University in September. Recently I've further developed my interest in economics a lot. I'd quite like to be a Financial analyst or Actuary in the future, and am wondering if this is possible via a Maths degree, as opposed to an Economics or Financial Maths degree. Would I need to take any exams afterwards to enter the aforementioned occupations? (I've read a lot about the CFA charter etc)

Any other information you wonderful people have and think is relevant would be greatly appreciated. I feel like a rabbit in the headlights, at a crucial crossroads in my life trying to get to where I want to go.

TL;DR - Is a maths degree a viable way of getting into the financial sector or would it be too much hassle doing other minor courses to wriggle my way in?
Many thanks,
~James

[UKiwi]

I'm fairly sure you'll be fine doing a straight maths degree, in fact the analytical nature will prove desirable. You can get into most jobs in the financial sector with a degree in History or English etc. without having to complete any 'extra' exams, so maths will be fine. For jobs and qualifications in actuary I believe you usually need to have done a strong maths-based degree (from what I've read).

That said, if you've developed a strong interest in finance/economics, and if you're not completely passionate about straight maths, why don't you aim to take as many optional modules in those subjects as possible, or even consider a change in degree subject? I doubt either course of action will effect your future career options to any noticeable degree.

Basically, I'd strongly advise doing a degree in the subject you are most passionate about and believe you can achieve the highest marks in. Degree classification will make far bigger difference to potential graduate positions than whether you have taken maths, financial maths or economics.

[Mark13]

(Original post by JamesJ10)
Hi,
I'm awaiting my A-level results, and hopefully will be doing a bachelors in Maths at Newcastle University in September. Recently I've further developed my interest in economics a lot. I'd quite like to be a Financial analyst or Actuary in the future, and am wondering if this is possible via a Maths degree, as opposed to an Economics or Financial Maths degree. Would I need to take any exams afterwards to enter the aforementioned occupations? (I've read a lot about the CFA charter etc)

Any other information you wonderful people have and think is relevant would be greatly appreciated. I feel like a rabbit in the headlights, at a crucial crossroads in my life trying to get to where I want to go.

TL;DR - Is a maths degree a viable way of getting into the financial sector or would it be too much hassle doing other minor courses to wriggle my way in?
Many thanks,
~James

Don't know about exams for Financial Analysts, but as an actuary you take 15 exams during the first few years of your work to qualify, regardless of what degree you've studied. Maths is one of the most common degree subjects for actuaries, so you'd be well placed to go into the profession.

[Tokyoround]

(Original post by JamesJ10)
I'd quite like to be a Financial analyst or Actuary in the future, and am wondering if this is possible via a Maths degree, as opposed to an Economics or Financial Maths degree. Would I need to take any exams afterwards to enter the aforementioned occupations? (I've read a lot about the CFA charter etc)

You'll be fine. Might have to take the first few levels of professional exams after graduating just to give yourself an edge if you don't have any relevant experience or struggling to get your foot in the door.

The CFA is made up of 3 levels and only really useful for banking/buy side work. It is expensive, time-consuming and unforgiving.

With a maths degree you should be eligible for one or two exemptions from the Institute of Actuaries. Actuaries can work anywhere in finance, people who say you'll be pigeon-holed to insurance or pensions don't know what they're talking about.

[M1011]

I imagine you'll be fine. Maths is relevant to most jobs in some way or another, and employers tend not to focus on degree subjects to much (usually at most they ask for a 'highly numerate degree' which you have covered). For example the most popular degree for accountants seems to be History. Maybe an exaggeration, but not far off!

[P-K]

I did Maths and I'm a Financial Analyst. Also someone from my course is an actuary

[Chewwy]

doing a maths degree is probably the *best* way to get a decent job in the financial sector

[in my opinion, and using my definition of 'decent']

[JamesJ10]

Thankyou all for your help!