Finance

From corporate finance to investment banking and risk management - finance offers a wide range of career paths at the interface of figures, strategy and communication. Whether as a treasurer in a company, an analyst at a bank or a portfolio manager on the capital market: at FH Aachen, practical modules, modern tools and real market examples prepare you for a dynamic occupational field with excellent future prospects. Prof Dr Martin Büdenbender, Prof Dr Sebastian Gell, Prof Dr Philipp Schmitz and graduate Marlon Josipovic provide insights.

What is the occupational field of finance generally about?

Finance is a central pillar of every modern economy. Generally speaking, it involves the planning, management and control of financial resources, i.e. tasks that are necessary and important for every company and every organisation. At company level, for example, decisions are made on investments and financing as well as on dealing with financial risks. The aim is to ensure long-term value creation and financial stability and to minimise financial risks.

What different areas of activity are there in the occupational field and what specific tasks are associated with them?

There are various areas of activity, each of which comprises different tasks, focal points and therefore also requirements. One important area of activity is corporate finance. Corporate finance deals with the financial analysis and assessment of possible investment decisions, the selection and procurement of the funds required to realise the corresponding investments and the management of liquidity.

Risk management is another area of activity that deals with the identification and management of financial risks. It is therefore important for companies to understand the impact of possible price or interest rate developments on the company's success. In financial analysis and planning, financial reports are prepared, budget plans are developed and the financial performance of a company is assessed. Both risk management and financial analysis and planning often involve close cooperation with the Controlling Section.

The Mergers & Acquisitions department provides advice on company takeovers. The focus here is on the assessment of companies and carrying out due diligence in the transaction process. In the area of banking and financial services, private and business clients are advised on financial issues, lending and the organisation of payment transactions. Finally, in the area of investment management, the focus is on analysing capital investments and managing portfolios.

What does a career start in finance usually look like?

You usually start your career after completing a degree in economics with a focus on finance, supplemented by specialisations in controlling, accounting, tax and/or law. Dual study programmes or a commercial apprenticeship also offer solid entry opportunities. Graduates often start as trainees or junior analysts in order to develop a broad understanding of the various areas. Practical trainings during the course of study are a great advantage here, as they not only provide initial insights into practical work, but also allow valuable contacts to be made.

How can you develop in the occupational fields?

Extra-occupational specialist and internationally recognised further training courses such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification are one way to develop further. There are also focused Master's programmes that can be completed on an extra-occupational or full-time basis. In addition to purely professional development, it is extremely important to exchange views on current developments at industry conferences, for example.

What does the labour market in finance currently look like?

In my view, the labour market in the financial sector is relatively stable and continues to be characterised by the existing shortage of skilled workers. Due to increasing regulation and the growing relevance of ESG criteria (environmental, social and governance), experts with specific expertise are in particularly high demand. At the same time, technological change is altering work roles. Specialists with knowledge of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and automation are particularly in demand. Many traditional activities, such as accounting, are increasingly being automated, leading to a shift towards analytical and strategic roles.

What salary do you usually start with and what developments are possible?

According to current market estimates, the starting salary for bachelor's graduates is around €44,000 to €47,000 gross per year. In addition to your own qualifications and academic achievements, the starting salary depends on external factors such as company size, industry and location. Depending on the industry and performance, considerable salary increases are possible.

What qualifications and skills are necessary to be successful in this occupational field?

In addition to sound specialist knowledge in the areas of finance and economics, analytical skills and a good understanding of figures are essential. A high degree of self-motivation, teamwork and strong communication skills are also among the most frequently mentioned soft skills. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team are important because many projects are interdisciplinary. In the course of digitalisation, knowledge of data analysis and the use of special financial software tools are also becoming increasingly important. Another key success factor is the ability to adapt to changing requirements in the occupational fields, such as those arising from the use of artificial intelligence and the increasing importance of sustainability.

What compulsory foundation modules does our faculty offer in the field of finance?

Our faculty teaches the basic module of the same name, "Finance", which is compulsory for various German-language Bachelor's degree programmes (including Business Administration/Business Studies B.Sc., Business Law LL.B., International Business Studies B.Sc.). The basic module "Finance" is compulsory for the purely English-language Bachelor's degree programme Global Business and Economics B.Sc.

Which specialisations can I choose?

The finance specialisations "Corporate Finance" and "Financial Markets and Financial Services" are currently offered for the German-language Bachelor's degree programmes. In the English-language Global Business and Economics degree programme, the three specialisation modules are "Corporate Finance", "Financial Markets and Financial Services" and "Derivative Financial Instruments". From the winter semester 2025/2026, FH Aachen will also be offering a German-language Master's degree in Finance. This Master's programme is aimed at all students who are interested in the subject area and would like to deepen and apply their knowledge in a practical way.

Are there any modules from other areas that you would also recommend in order to be successful in the occupational fields? If so, why?

Due to the close cooperation with the occupational fields of controlling, accounting, law and tax, specialisation modules in these areas are a useful addition. Our faculties offer a wide range of different specialisations. Students can thus select additional specialisations according to their individual preferences and hone their professional profile.

Are there any current developments in the occupational field that have an influence on the occupational fields?

Digitalisation, artificial intelligence and ESG criteria and regulation will continue to have a strong influence on the occupational fields in the future. Artificial intelligence and big data make it possible to carry out complex analyses faster and more precisely. On the other hand, companies and investors are increasingly emphasising the importance of making financial decisions that take environmental and social aspects into account. These developments offer both challenges and opportunities and make the occupational field of finance a dynamic and future-oriented area of work.