Financial Services

Careers focused on managing financial records for individuals and businesses and advising on individual and family financial planning and debt management. This field includes accountants, who ensure financial accuracy and compliance, and personal finance advisors, who guide individuals in savings, investments, and retirement planning. This Sub-Cluster also includes financial auditors and forensic accountants, who play a crucial role in this field by ensuring the integrity and reliability of financial information through comprehensive audits and assessments.

Example Programs of Study

• Accounting

• Business Finance
• Economics

Careers centered on money management, loans, microlending, and commercial and consumer credit across banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, and finance companies. Professionals in this field have expertise in evaluating creditworthiness, managing loans, providing financial solutions to facilitate access to capital for individuals and businesses, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Example Programs of Study

• Banking
• Credit

Careers involved in managing a company’s capital structure and corporate financial strategies, operations, and investments, including venture capital and private equity. This field also includes careers focused on the acquisition of investment offerings such as stocks, bonds, fixed-income products, pension plans, emerging digital assets, and other resources aimed at income generation or asset appreciation. The Sub-Cluster encompasses tactics for small business fundraising and financing via microlending and operational scaling and for devising exit strategies to evolve startups into sustainable enterprises. Professionals in this field ensure that financial practices and transactions adhere to legal and ethical standards.

Example Programs of Study

• Business Administration
• Securities & Investments

Careers rooted in assessing risk; providing financial protection against loss; and offering products including life, health, and property insurance. Professionals in this field hold expertise in analysis and the ability to evaluate risk factors, investigate and process claims, create risk management strategies, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. This field uses applied mathematics and statistics to predict future events and design viable insurance policies.

Example Programs of Study

• Insurance Operations

Careers focused on the buying, selling, leasing, and management of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Professionals in this field navigate the complex landscape of licensing, fair housing, zoning, environmental regulations, health, safety, and financial laws to facilitate legal and ethical property transactions.

Example Programs of Study

• Real Estate

Examples intended to show potential alignment with currently existing state or local secondary or postsecondary programs of study and provide inspiration for the expansion and innovation of future programs. Please note that the programs of study mentioned in the Framework are purely illustrative, are not comprehensive, and may vary from state to state. States or local institutions are encouraged to demonstrate for learners which specific programs are offered instead.