Computational Finance as a Professional Tool for Financial Graduates

One of the most important tools that financial graduates need for professional success is computational finance. This study combines computer analysis, mathematics and financial knowledge to assess the total risk of specific types of investments. Computational finance is used a variety of situations in financing to increase information available to clients who are concerned about a volatile economy.

There are numerous jobs available for financial graduates conversant in computational finance. The use of risk management and computer analysis in the financial industry can help investment professionals provide sound advice to clients. Investment funds are notoriously fickle during periods of economic growth and decline. These funds are favoured by financial advisors who arrange high-growth and high-risk retirement accounts for clients. Computational finance allows financial graduates to analyse investment fund histories as well as independent market factors to forecast returns for clients. Another area where computational finance helps financial graduates is the murky market for derivatives and junk bonds.

Derivative contracts allow investors to make significant profits off of upward and downward movements in other financial vehicles. Junk bonds are financial vehicles that are deemed substandard according to investment grades but offer large-profit potential for investors willing to risk large amounts of money. These investments become less risky when financial graduates use computational finance to map out the likelihood of market downturns. It is important to note that derivatives and junk bonds are never safe investments even though computational finance removes part of the mystique.

Financial graduates can use computational finance for successful careers in corporate planning and strategy. The detailed reports that can be produced by inserting corporate profits, expenses and other statistical information into finance programmes can help executives chart a course for future success. This specialised area of financial planning makes the job market lucrative for the right financial graduate. You can work as a consultant for multiple companies or work within a single corporate setting to use your analytical skills to help push quality products.

Graduates with a familiarity in computational finance do not need to stay within the financial industry to find work. Your desire to teach others computational finance can lead to instructional opportunities at business institutes and technical schools. Government agencies are looking for financial graduates to use computer skills and analytical talents to remedy budget problems. It is wise for financial graduates to keep their options open while computational finance remains a niche industry.

Mike Sandiford is the Sales Manager at JustClick, who are a leading source of Graduate Jobs and Graduate Careers, also offering a Graduate Lifestyles portal with news and reviews on current affairs.