The Future of Finance

Finance has grown to be one of the top career choices among university students and graduates, according to a 2025 survey conducted by the CFA Institute. However, with the rise of new artificial intelligence technology, students will need to equip themselves with more than a degree to keep up with the evolving job market. 

An education in finance at C. T. Bauer College of Business provides students with strong analytical tools and experiential learning that teaches them to excel in their careers and helps prepare them to face the challenges of the ever-growing climate around AI.  

“The career success in finance will still depend on the analytical ability and industry specific knowledge of the graduate,” said Department of Finance Chair Praveen Kumar. “The role AI will perform will be that of support to enhance the skills and knowledge the graduates will acquire in a good finance program.” 

For example, trust based on analytical skills and experience is crucial when working with a financial advisor, and that cannot be replicated by AI, Kumar added. He said he hopes for students to understand AI as a tool but focus on developing their judgement and knowledge to excel in the industry. 

“I think what totally distinguishes us is a unique combination of analytical excellence and its application to financial executive problems before graduation,” he said.  

Bauer finance students learn from world-class research faculty and industry professionals who share real world skills and experiences alongside classroom learning. As part of a strategic emphasis on experiential learning and industry connection, the college regularly brings in finance executives from around Houston to teach students how to apply their learning to a business setting.   

MBA and MS Finance students also have the opportunity to participate in the Cougar Investment Fund, an experiential learning model where students apply the skills they’ve learned in the classroom to manage a multi-million-dollar private investment fund.  

Last fiscal year, Bauer finance students had a 93.9 percent placement rate with an average salary of $75,067 for full-time employees. Bauer finance students have been hired by top companies and industries such as Baker Hughes, Deloitte, Insperity, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, according to data from the Rockwell Career Center. 

"Because of their experience while at Bauer, our students already know how to approach challenges of the industry,” Kumar said. “Along with their work ethic, our students are very motivated. They know they are in charge of their own success.”