What jobs could you do with a Master's Degree in Financial Technology?
Brought to you by the University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Technology is changing every Australian industry at a rapid pace. One of the industries that’s being most noticeably affected by technology is the finance industry. Automation technologies are changing the nature of the work to be done by humans across the entire sector. Much of the work that used to be done by accountants and auditors can now be automated; considering this, it is prudent for aspiring industry professionals to ensure they acquire skills to do more than just basic accounting.
That’s one reason financial technology (also known as ‘FinTech’) skills are in such high demand right now. There is unprecedented demand from employers for individuals who have acquired FinTech expertise. A master’s degree in financial technology is one proven way to demonstrate this expertise; it is a versatile degree with many possible outcomes. Consider the following five job titles you could potentially be qualified for if you successfully graduate with a master’s degree in financial technology:
1. Chief Financial Officer
Chief financial officers (CFOs) are trusted with oversight of an organisation’s financial planning, budgeting, resource allocation and negotiations. This role typically requires a solid background in finance, an aptitude for managing others, a robust understanding of current financial technologies and a keen business sense. Many CFOs complete postgraduate studies; a fintech degree would be highly useful for aspiring CFOs who need to have specific expertise in the implementation, manufacture or use of financial technology.
2. Blockchain Developer
On a global basis, there has been widespread adoption of blockchain technologies by governments and businesses. Organisations are extremely interested in exploiting this technology to their best possible advantage. A FinTech expert would be well positioned for developing productive and lucrative uses of the technology to bring to the marketplace.
3. Big Data Analyst
Big data analytics is now an important concept in FinTech. Many finance industry organisations are now using patterns in data to better understand their businesses. They’re also using these data patterns as a tool for making better informed decisions. In the finance industry, patterns in data are extremely helpful to use for distinguishing fraudulent transactions from normal ones, and for determining ways of improving profitability overall.
A big data analyst is a person who can figure out how to best collect, store, organise, use and interpret this data and extract meaningful insights from it.
The successful graduate from a Master of Financial Technology degree program will typically have studied data management specifically for FinTech, which can have some different nuances than data management for other industries. This can be powerfully advantageous for the candidate who seeks to work as a big data analyst in the finance industry, especially if the credential is paired with an undergraduate degree in data analytics, data science or a similar relevant subject.
4. Project Manager
There is huge demand for capable project managers who have FinTech expertise. Aside from a solid knowledge of FinTech, this role requires an ability to plan, research, schedule, budget, communicate, collaborate and motivate other people to do their best work.
5. Crypto Investment Portfolio Manager
A crypto investment portfolio manager focuses on implementing investment strategies on behalf of individual or institutional investors. The goal is to choose profitable investments so the investor’s wealth will grow as a result.
There are now numerous automated solutions that can do this job, but there are some key advantages to having a human do it. The first of these is that human portfolio managers can develop relationships with their clients, which automated apps and services cannot do. This allows portfolio managers to interview clients and tailor their investment strategies more precisely. A human portfolio manager can also conduct research and analysis, allowing for a sophisticated understanding of current market conditions.
Of course, these aren’t the only jobs that a Master of Financial Technology graduate is capable of doing. This is a degree that has relevance to many other job titles in the finance industry. However, there tends to be high demand for talent in these particular roles, and the jobs are typically interesting, challenging and lucrative ones.
If you’re interested in launching a new career in the finance industry, or you’re a tech or finance industry professional who is interested in advancing your career, you’re invited to contact the enrolment advisors at UNSW for further information about the Master of Financial Technology online degree.
