Drake Finance Major
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Drake University Finance Major: A Comprehensive Overview
Drake University's College of Business and Public Administration offers a robust finance major designed to equip students with the analytical, technical, and decision-making skills necessary for success in the dynamic world of finance. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing graduates for a wide array of career paths.
Curriculum Highlights
The finance curriculum at Drake is structured around a core set of courses that provide a solid foundation in fundamental financial principles. These courses typically include:
- Financial Accounting: Understanding the language of business and how financial information is reported.
- Managerial Accounting: Using accounting information to make internal management decisions.
- Financial Management: Exploring core concepts like time value of money, risk and return, and capital budgeting.
- Investments: Analyzing investment opportunities and managing portfolios.
- Financial Modeling: Building and utilizing financial models for forecasting and valuation.
In addition to the core courses, students can choose from a variety of elective courses to specialize in areas of interest, such as:
- Corporate Finance
- Investment Management
- Real Estate Finance
- Financial Institutions
- International Finance
The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest industry trends and best practices, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern financial landscape.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Drake's finance program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students have opportunities to apply their knowledge through:
- Internships: Gaining real-world experience by working in financial institutions, corporations, or government agencies. Drake's location in Des Moines, a hub for the insurance and financial services industry, provides ample internship opportunities.
- Student-Managed Investment Fund (SMIF): Participating in the management of a real investment portfolio, gaining hands-on experience in investment analysis and portfolio management.
- Case Competitions: Applying financial knowledge to solve complex business problems in a competitive environment.
- Networking Events: Connecting with industry professionals and potential employers through career fairs, guest speaker events, and alumni networking opportunities.
Career Prospects
Graduates of Drake's finance program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers, including:
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Portfolio Manager
- Corporate Treasurer
- Risk Manager
- Financial Planner
- Commercial Lender
Drake's strong reputation and its emphasis on practical skills contribute to high placement rates for its finance graduates. Many alumni go on to successful careers in leading financial institutions and corporations across the country.
Faculty and Resources
The finance faculty at Drake consists of experienced professionals and scholars who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and industry consulting, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. The university also provides access to state-of-the-art financial databases and software, enabling students to conduct sophisticated financial analysis.
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