Finance back in favor with career-seeking grads, but AI shakes up expectations

Finance is back on top for new grads sizing up their career prospects – but artificial intelligence is casting a long shadow.

That’s the takeaway from the CFA Institute’s 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey which shows finance is now the leading career choice among students and recent grads.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents in the survey, which included 11 regions globally, named finance as the most promising field – up from 30 percent last year and 24 percent in 2023.

“Over the last few years, we have seen increased interest in finance as a career choice,” Margaret Franklin, president and CEO of CFA Institute, said in a statement revealing the results. “That 93 percent of graduates express a desire to pursue a career that positively impacts society is inspiring and gives me hope for the future of the profession.”

A college degree won't cut it

While students are increasingly bullish on finance, their outlook comes with a side of tech anxiety. Two-thirds said they believe AI could make it harder to land a job, even as 88 percent claim confidence in their AI skills. Forty percent said AI know-how would improve their job prospects more than traditional skills like learning another language.

And grads aren’t betting everything on degrees. Half of respondents said technical and soft skills will have the biggest impact on career advancement – more than connections, internships, or even academic pedigree. Nearly all – 96 percent – said upskilling or advanced certifications would be key to future success, and 42 percent are already planning to pursue further education.

“The modern graduate clearly understands that a university degree, while highly valued, may no longer guarantee career success,” said Peter Watkins, senior director of university programs at CFA Institute. “Today’s students are proactively seeking to equip themselves with specialized skills, particularly in AI, which is fast becoming essential in the finance sector.”

Humans still top the trust charts

Still, career motivations haven’t changed much. Salary remains the top driver at 58 percent, with flexible work arrangements close behind at 49 percent. Students are also changing how they seek career advice – turning to professors (44 percent), social media (36 percent), and even influencers (29 percent) for guidance.

As digital tools reshape the advisory business, the survey highlights what tomorrow’s clients are likely to trust. Ninety percent of grads said they place the most trust in human financial advisors, but a large majority also rely on alternative sources. That includes online financial education (81 percent), advice from friends and family (81 percent), and AI assistants like ChatGPT (71 percent).

Financial security remains a top goal, with 54 percent citing peace of mind as their reason for building wealth. But 39 percent are thinking beyond dollars—pointing to life experiences and personal fulfillment as equally important.