Business - Finance BFN

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see the website for details.

Arts & Literacy High school courses in Business Studies would be beneficial.

Math & Science Prospective students should enjoy math and have a solid high school background in math. Grade 12 high school Math would be beneficial, but grade 11 math is accepted.

Applicants who do not have a math background should consider the one-year Business Fundamentals program.  This program is recommended for students who require or desire academic upgrading, particularly in Mathematics and English, before pursuing a business diploma program.  Students who complete the Business Fundamentals program may be eligible for admission to Level 2 of any two-year business diploma program at Fanshawe College.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet).

Group Work Applicants should expect to work in a group setting on case studies.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Entrepreneurial and business marketing skills
• A willingness to keep up to date and consider new approaches to problem-solving
• Confidence in your knowledge and suggestions
• Able to work in a competitive environment
• Able to deal with rejection
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Respect for client confidentiality
• The ability to get along with all kinds of people
• Self-motivated

Useful background experience for this program would be

Experience in a secondary school business club or Junior Achievement and/or sales or customer service experience.

What kind of work will I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a …

Sales representative/ customer service representative, account manager, insurance advisor, investment advisor, credit advisor, financial planner, retirement planner, or mortgage advisor.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Mobility is an asset for promotion
• Work is in an office environment
• Work closely with colleagues in teams
• Can be a stressful work environment when meeting timelines

Places you may find yourself employed include …

Trust companies, banks and other lending institutions, stock brokerage firms, insurance agencies, accounting firms, mutual fund companies or private financial planning companies.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Financial Planner

• Help clients gather information from bank account records, income tax returns, life and disability insurance records, pension plan information and wills
• Help clients calculate their net worth
• Help clients identify financial goals and objectives
• Explain and compare financial products
• Make recommendations regarding how clients can achieve their financial goals and objectives
• Help clients implement plans or refer them to other financial services or professionals
• Build and maintain a client base by keeping current client plans up to date and recruiting new clients on an ongoing basis
• Meet with financial product representatives

Investment Advisor

• Discuss investment objectives with clients and make recommendations accordingly (for example, low-risk securities only or a balance of high and moderate risk securities with long term growth potential)
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information
• Buy and sell investment products
• Advise clients on investment decisions such as what and when to buy and sell
• Recommend securities and help clients develop a portfolio
• Seek out new clients by identifying and calling on potential clients

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program

• Some courses in this program will prepare students for the Canadian Securities Course exams.
• Graduates may be eligible to write the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) examination
• Life License Qualification Program (LLQP)
• National Fund License
• Financial Planning Standards Council www.fpsc.ca  

Opportunities for further development or education

• Students in this program have the opportunity to spend one semester abroad in countries in South America or Europe.
• Graduates may apply to Fanshawe's Business Administration - Leadership and Management advanced diploma program.
• Graduates may apply to one of the following Fanshawe graduate certificate programs: International Business Management; Human Resources Management; Professional Financial Services; Project Management; or Marketing Management
• Course work may be used as a basis of university admission or credits may transfer to a university degree at many different schools. More information online.

Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: January 11, 2024