relevant coursework resume

Does Relevant Coursework on a Resume Matter?

Experts are divided on whether this tactic helps your resume stand out.

Can relevant coursework on a resume help grab the attention of hiring managers when you lack real-world job experience? It depends.

First, let's define relevant coursework. These are the classes and subjects you took at school that relate to the job(s) to which you are applying. Examples of relevant coursework for particular jobs include:

• For law firm jobs
  • American Government: Constitutional Foundations
  • the Presidency and the Shape of the Supreme Court
  • Comparative Judicial Systems
• For graphic design jobs
  • Introduction to Engineering and Design
  • Integrated Digital Media
  • Animation and CGI Motion
• For public relations jobs
  • Reputation Management in a Digital World
  • Online Marketing Strategies
  • Strategic Brand Management

You want your resume to be the most compelling advertisement for your skills—of that there is no doubt. However, when you're gathering your credentials to apply to jobs, people are often divided on the subject. Experts generally believe three things when it comes to relevant coursework for a resume:

• some say it has no place whatsoever
• some are in favor
• others believe it depends on the job position you're pursuing

There's a designated spot on your resume for your education history; some prospective employers might be interested to know the details of your studies—and others might not. Ask yourself the following questions to help determine when and how to use your course experience to your best advantage.

What Kind of Job Are You Applying To?

If you're applying for a summer job bussing tables at a restaurant, your coursework is obviously irrelevant because the skills you'll need to perform well on the job have little to do with what you studied in school.

On the other hand, if you're applying to intern at a magazine, the hiring manager may want to know that you took creative writing courses, were nominated for a short fiction prize, and spent time working on the school paper. Those experiences and the knowledge you gained from them directly pertain to working at a magazine.

Think about the skills that you'll need in order to perform well on the job, and ask yourself if you've taken any classes or courses that contributed to those particular skills.

What's Your Work Experience Like?

We live in a strange world where many employers request entry-level candidates to have a few years of work experience under their belts. It's a frustrating, convoluted predicament for graduates and anyone else who's new or just coming back to the workforce.

When you don't have a lot of work experience, you need something to fall back on. Relevant coursework on a resume is one of the more effective substitutes. Including it shows you have knowledge and skills even if you don't have any real-world job experience. Just remember not to go overboard. You don't need to list every class, lecture, lab, and practicum you've ever taken. The keyword is relevant.

Putting Relevant Coursework on a Resume

Opinions also vary regarding where to put your relevant coursework on a resume. Again, it generally depends on the job.

For example, if you're applying to an academic position, put your coursework in a place of pride toward the top of your resume. If it's a technical position, place your coursework credits below your special skills. Otherwise, you could list it in the education section like this:

Bachelor of Arts, English, University of LMNO
Relevant Coursework: Literature, Creative Writing, and Literary Explication

Get Your Resume to the Head of the Class

Use your best judgment, and always consider the position before including relevant coursework on a resume—remember to avoid mentioning unrelated courses or listing all of your academic accomplishments. We know, it's a lot to remember. But don't worry, Monster has your back. Need some help fine-tuning your resume? Get a free evaluation from Monster. We can show you which areas could use some extra attention so that your resume gets an A+ in the eyes of hiring managers. 

HOW TO EXPLAIN BEING FIRED TO POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

 

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU EXPLAIN A TERMINATION TO A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER.

Job interviews are stressful under the best of circumstances. So if you’ve been fired, your nerves will likely go into overdrive, especially when they ask the inevitable question: “Why were you fired?”

Just as you prepare answers for other common interview questions, it's important to prepare an answer for this one. Rehearsing some go-to phrases will help you craft a professional answer during your interview.

Here are some tips to help you explain a termination to a potential employer.

Honesty is the best policy
Review the incident or issue that caused you to lose your job with an unbiased eye. Were you let go because of a conflict with a co-worker? Honestly evaluate your role in the clash. Did you fail to meet production quotas? Ask yourself whether it was due to a lack of effort or lack of affinity for the work you were doing. Before you can answer your potential employer honestly, you need to be clear-eyed with yourself.

When addressing your termination with your interviewer, don't try to position it as a layoff or any other less serious situation. Even if you've relocated to a new city for a fresh start, your employer will find out the truth. Be truthful in a way that reflects on you as favorably as possible.

Don’t bash your old boss
You want to portray yourself as a valuable addition to their team. One way to raise an instant red flag is to speak negatively about the last person who offered you a job.

Perhaps even more important, don't gossip about your last boss, your co-workers or the company you worked for. Besides showing a lack of maturity and discretion, gossiping is a strong sign that you'll be a divisive employee.

Don’t pass the blame
Along with bashing, blaming is a bad way to go. Your potential new employer wants to see that you take responsibility both for your past actions and for your performance on the job. No matter how unfairly you felt you were treated at your old job, you must recognize and accept your role in your termination.

This doesn't mean you need to give major details about what you did wrong in your previous position, though. Just make sure at some point you say, "I take responsibility for not performing up to my boss's expectations," and move on.

Stick to the point
A big mistake candidates make when answering this question is trying to explain every nuance of the situation. Don't spend five minutes setting up the circumstances around your termination. Cut to the chase and keep it simple.

If you were terminated because you had an attendance problem, for example, don't go on and on about your sick grandma, your chiropractor appointments or any other life situation that caused you to miss work. Instead, say something like, “I let personal circumstances interfere with my attendance at work. My situation is stable now and attendance won't be a problem.”

Don’t sound bitter
You'll make yourself unattractive to a potential employer if you come across bitter and defeated. Even if you think your previous employer was wrong to let you go, showing bitterness only makes you look bad.

Don't use language that emphasizes a past failure. Speak in ways that minimizes the impact of your termination.

Explain what you’ve learned
Including a “lessons learned” sentence in your answer shows potential employers you're aware and adaptable. It turns a negative into an asset. It also demonstrates candor and maturity by letting your interviewer see that you are objective about your shortcomings and learn from past experiences.

Promote your positives
It's difficult to turn talk of your termination into a way to showcase your skills and experience. Learning to segue gracefully into a discussion of your value to the company is an effective way to keep your interview on track.

Try transitioning with a phrase like this: “I was sorry to leave Company X; I learned a lot about the app development lifecycle there, which is why I thought my skills were well suited to this position."

Practice makes perfect
Getting fired is an emotional experience, and it's hard to talk objectively and calmly even weeks or months after the event. Practicing your answer helps you keep emotions at bay so you don't derail your interview.

Start by writing your response down; put it away, then come back to it a day later and read it again. If you are satisfied with your written answer, try it out on an objective friend or family member. Weigh their criticisms and tweak it if necessary.

Once you're completely satisfied with your answer, commit it to memory. Practice it in front of a mirror several times. Once you're comfortable with your answer and you've internalized it, you'll be able to speak naturally about your termination with your interviewer.

The Best-Paying Jobs in Finance

 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow (7%) slightly faster than the average for all occupations (5%). Employment projections for the best-paying jobs in finance are even more positive and most report a growth up to three to four times faster than the average. Find out if finance is the right industry for you and then read on to discover the highest paying jobs in finance in the U.S., their salaries, requirements, career ladders and more.

Best-Paying Jobs in Finance: Requirements

Let’s start from the basics. To achieve any of the best-paying jobs in finance you must have the appropriate education, skills, and work experience. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most jobs in this industry, but a MBA or other master’s degrees or Ph.D. gives you better chances of faster advancement up the career ladder. Among the many great schools offering suitable degrees for the highest paying finance jobs, the following are the best colleges in the country for finance programs according to U.S. News.

Best Undergraduate Finance Programs:

• University of Pennsylvania
• New York University
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Best Finance MBA Programs:

• The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania
• The Booth School of Business at University of Chicago
• The Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University

Must have skills for those wanting to land the best paying finance jobs include, but are not limited to:

• financial planning and reporting
• computer and technology skills
• mathematics and statistics
• great verbal and written communication skills
• attention to detail and problem solving

Once you satisfy the main requirements for any of the best-paying jobs in finance, you need to prepare to find employment. Before you can apply to finance jobs, you must have an optimized resume and cover letter ready. If you don’t know where to start or need a refresher, read our guides on how to find your first finance job, how to prepare a finance resume and cover letter tips for finance professionals.

What Do Finance Jobs Pay? A Closer Look at the Best-Paying Jobs in Finance

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Chief financial officers oversee the implementation of policies and procedures to make sure organizations’ funds are properly used and accounted for. While a bachelor’s degree might suffice to find employment as a CFO, an MBA or other master’s increase your chances. On top of a great education, chief financial officers need many years of work experience, and it typically takes most people 10 to 15 years to become one. Take a look at our CFO resume example to see how a well written one should look.

Chief Financial Officer Salary and Career Path

There are several career paths you can take to reach this high paying finance job, like working as a company controller or corporate treasurer. Chief financial officer is the highest finance position within a company with only CEO above it there. The national chief financial officer salary ranges from $83,423 to $156,063 and averages at $119,063.

High-demand job locations include San Francisco (CA) with a median salary of $160,877 and Washington (DC) with $129,048. Chief financial officers are the best-paid finance jobs and depending on your credentials, skills and experience, your yearly salary can increase exponentially to over $300,000 or even $400,000.

Browse all chief financial officer jobs available on Monster.

Tax Director / Senior Tax Manager

Depending on the work environment, tax directors and senior tax managers are two best-paying jobs in finance often considered with interchangeable duties and responsibilities. In companies where they are instead treated as two complementary but separate roles, the tax director is usually further along on the career path.

Tax directors are responsible for their company’s tax compliance, tax planning and income tax accounting. To pursue a career as a tax director or senior tax manager, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in tax accounting and several years of experience in the finance industry.

Tax Director / Senior Tax Manager Salary and Career Path

Most tax directors or senior tax managers have previous work experience in the tax industry as a tax manager, tax accountant, or tax analyst. Possible career paths after working as a tax director include best-paying finance jobs like corporate controller, finance director, and chief financial officer.

The national senior tax manager salary ranges from $91,664 to $148,372 and averages $117,787. High-demand job locations include Los Angeles (CA) with a median salary of $132,637 and Chicago (IL) with $119,829.

Browse all senior tax manager jobs and financial director jobs available on Monster.

Financial Quantitative Analyst

Financial quantitative analysts are experts in using math and statistics to analyze financial data, develop financial models, conduct research on financial products and assess risks. Quantitative analysts can work in banks, insurance companies, asset management firms and other financial institutions.

Like some of the other highest-paying finance jobs, to be considerate for employment, financial quantitative analysts need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification. Read our article on how to become a financial quantitative analyst to learn more about one of the best-paying jobs in finance.

Financial Quantitative Analyst Salary and Career Path

After satisfying the educational requirements, to become a financial quantitative analyst you need to learn the skills of the field through an internship or assistant position. Once ready to move up the career ladder, financial quantitative analysts can become data scientists, directors, or take on other senior managerial roles in the industry.

The national financial quantitative analyst salary ranges from $76,418 to $125,766 and averages at $98,942. High-demand job locations include Charlotte (NC) with a median salary of $103,400 and Atlanta (GA) with $96,596.

Browse all financial quantitative analyst jobs available on Monster.

Finance Manager

Finance managers in charge of making long-term planning and investment decisions for their clients. They work closely with many departments and executives, and usually have the last word on important financial decisions. Like some other of the highest-paying finance jobs, most finance managers have at least a bachelor’s degree even if a master’s degree is preferred.

After filling the educational and work experience requirements, a lot of finance managers attain a financial analyst certification. Check out our finance manager resume sample if you are thinking about choosing this career path.

Finance Manager Salary and Career Path

According to BLS, employment of financial managers positions are projected to grow 17%, which is way above the 5% average growth rate for all occupations and most other best-paying jobs in finance. Finance managers typically start their career as finance analysts, accounting managers, or similar. To land entry-level finance manager roles you usually need at least five years’ experience in finance and accounting. Common career paths for finance managers include senior management positions, corporate controller, and director of finance.

The national finance manager salary ranges from $59,849 to $124,441 and averages $93,166. High-demand job locations include San Jose (CA) with a median salary of $109,482 and Seattle (WA) with $101,742.

Browse all finance manager jobs available on Monster.

Financial Risk Manager

A financial risk managers main responsibilities include developing and implementing risk management and compliance policies and procedures, identifying potential risk exposure, and promoting loss prevention. Like other best-paying jobs in finance, skills to excel in this role include superior organization, strong interpersonal and project management skills, and attention to detail. Besides obtaining a post-secondary education degree, to become a financial risk manager you need to be accredited by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).

Financial Risk Manager Salary and Career Path

Most financial risk managers begin their career as risk or insurance analysts or consultants. Possible career paths for financial risk managers include becoming a risk management director, chief financial officer, vice president of operations, or other senior management roles.

The national risk manager salary ranges from $67,481 to $117,589 and averages $93,123. The average salary climbs even higher when you progress to director. High-demand job locations include Charlotte (NC) with a median salary of $98,836 and Chicago (IL) with $99,303.

Browse all risk management jobs available on Monster.

Accounting Manager

Accounting managers are responsible for the day-to-day accounting operations in their department. Their work is usually reviewed by the finance managers who determine the financial strategy. Accounting manager candidates need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field. While a master’s degree is not commonly required to work as accounting manager, with it is easier to achieve this role that is one of the best-paying jobs in finance.

Accounting Manager Salary and Career Path

Many accounting managers begin their career working as accountants, bookkeepers, and finance analysts. Popular career paths for accounting managers include moving onto becoming a finance manager, cost accounting manager, tax manager, assistant controller, and senior managerial roles in accounting and finance.

The median national accounting manager salary is $89,298 in a range that goes from $63,335 to $119,063. High-demand job locations where the average salary goes up to over $100,000 include San Francisco (CA) and New York (NY).

Browse all accounting manager jobs available on Monster.

Economist

Economists are analysts who track, observe, and analyze major economic trends. They can work in different environments in the public and private sector and can easily switch between types of employers. Economists are not the same as Finance analysts, although they share some similar duties. They focus more on research and analysis while finance analysts advise on how to act to increase profits. To start working as economist a bachelor’s degree might suffice for entry level positions. However, in certain work environments and for senior roles you will most likely need a master or Ph.D.

Economist Salary and Career Path

The most common careers prior to becoming an economist include economic research assistant and other types of economic and finance analyst jobs. Besides moving up to a senior economist role, to climb the best-paying jobs in finance career ladder, economists can become consultants, directors, managers, and VPs.

Projected job growth for economists is as fast as the average for all occupations and about 1,400 openings per year are expected. The national economist salary ranges from $58,477 to $123,192 and averages $89,072. High-demand job locations include Washington (DC) with a median salary of $107,776 and Seattle (WA) with $92,671.

Browse all economist jobs available on Monster.

Investment Portfolio Manager

As the name suggests, an investment portfolio manager is in charge of how clients’ money is invested and takes care of day-to-day tasks with the help of a team of financial analysts. They are often also the ones who communicate with and explain investment decisions to clients, on top of providing updates and reports on portfolio performance.

The minimum educational requirement to become a portfolio manager is a bachelor’s degree, but it’s not uncommon to find employers requiring a master’s degree. Similar to other best-paying jobs in finance, investment portfolio managers also need to hold financial analyst certifications like the one awarded by the CFA Institute.

Investment Portfolio Manager Salary and Career Path

Many investment portfolio managers begin their career as financial analysts and end up in senior management positions or move onto a leadership position. According to Monster’s Salary Tool, investment portfolio analysts’ salary averages $82,498 in a range of $61,602 to $106,511.

In managerial positions and high-demand job locations the average salary increases. For example, financial planning managers earn an average of $125,953 in San Francisco (CA) and financial services managers’ median salary in Bellevue (WA) is $102,972.

Browse all portfolio manager jobs available on Monster.

Underwriter

Loan, insurance, and security underwriters work to assess the risk behind credit and lending decisions. It’s one of the best-paying jobs in finance where within five to 10 years you can work your way up to a senior position. Underwriters usually hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have great analytical, communication, math, and computer skills. For more information about this career check out our guide on how to become an insurance underwriter, and download our mortgage underwriter sample resume when you are ready to job hunt.

Underwriter and Career Path

Underwriters can begin their career in different ways, but usually they start by taking entry-level jobs in their chosen industry sectors. If, for example, your goal is to work as an insurance underwriter, you should start by looking for entry-level jobs the insurance industry.

Underwriters climbing the career ladder typically become senior underwriters and underwriting directors, or take on other roles in management like account and portfolio managers, branch managers, and risk managers. The national insurance underwriter salary ranges from $48,711 to $90,666 and averages $69,020 while the senior insurance underwriter salary ranges from $64,971 to $96,679 and averages $78,527.

Browse all mortgage underwriter jobs and underwriting assistant jobs available on Monster.

Trader

Traders deserve to be among the best-paying jobs in finance because, with superior skills and knowledge of their work, these professionals truly have the potential to earn a richer salary every year. In a nutshell, their job consists in buying and selling securities to earn a profit for their clients. They can be found working in many different environments including banks and hedge funds. While it’s possible to become a successful trader without a college degree, having one makes it easier to find employment and work your way up in the career ladder.

Trader Salary and Career Path

Depending on the type of trader career you pursue, such as hedge fund trader or sell side trader, there are different ways to start. The easiest route is to get an undergraduate degree, a license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and an entry-level position in the industry, like being an assistant to a senior trader or analyst.

Traders advancing in their career typically become senior managers, directors, or even a VP of finance. The national securities and commodities trader salary ranges from $48,183 to $104,152 and averages $78,145. High-demand job locations include Houston (TX) with a median salary of $72,977 and Chicago (IL) with $71,466.

Browse all equity trader jobs and commodity trader jobs available on Monster.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts study market trends to understand and predict how they can affect a company’s performance, securities, bonds, and stocks. Through their work and precious financial reports, finance analysts help companies to set up the right financial strategies to increase revenue and best manage their assets.

The requirements to work in this role are similar to other best-paying jobs in finance. To start a career as financial analyst you’re usually required to attain a bachelor’s degree and have two to four years’ experience in the industry. Take a look at our sample financial analyst resume and financial analyst cover letter to learn how to make the most of your credentials.

Financial Analyst Salary and Career Path

Many financial analysts begin working in the industry through an internship, or as accountants or business analysts. Their next step on the career ladder is becoming a senior financial analyst, which offers a bump in pay and a load more responsibilities. Other jobs pursued by financial analysts to further their career include finance manager, finance quantitative analyst, controller, and data analyst.

Monster’s salary tool reports that the national financial analyst salary ranges from $48,753 to $87,494 and averages $67,978 while the senior financial analyst salary ranges from $72,254 to $97,747 and averages $83,154. High-demand job locations that pay above the national average for both roles include Chicago (IL) and Dallas (TX).

Browse all financial analyst jobs available on Monster.

3 BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS FOR PARENTS RE-ENTERING THE WORKFORCE

 

USE THESE TIPS TO FIND YOUR WAY BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE WITH A POSITION THAT SUITS YOUR LIFESTYLE AS A PARENT.

At CareerBuilder, we’ve been celebrating back-to-school season and helping parents find jobs that suit their schedules. Our own Sara Skirboll recently shared her best tips for parents seeking to rejoin the workforce this fall with “Inside Edition.” You can watch her exclusive advice here or read on to get her insights.

START WITH YOUR SCHEDULE

When thinking about a new job, keep your new schedule top of mind. Consider a role in customer service where you can work from the comfort of your own home. Check out open positions at TTEC, the premiere customer experience company, and apply for one of more than 1,600 remote roles they have available right now.

MAKEOVER YOUR RESUME

Let technology help you refresh your resume! CoLab by CareerBuilder is an online resource that offers resume templates, samples, and even a free resume building tool to make updating your resume simple and seamless.

MIND THE GAP

And when it comes time for your interview, confidently and proactively address career gaps. If you took a break to raise little ones, communicate that and showcase the experience and transferable skills you gained during your time away from the office.

Start your search on CareerBuilder.com and browse the thousands of roles available to find one that works for you. Need another assist? Enter our giveaway to win one of 10 free professional coaching sessions to set yourself up for job search success.

THE BEST TIPS ON HOW TO FIND AN OUT-OF-STATE JOB

 

APPLYING TO AN OUT-OF-STATE JOB IS A LITTLE TRICKY. HERE'S A GUIDE ON ATTRACTING MORE INTERVIEWS FOR OUT-OF-STATE JOBS, AND GETTING MORE OFFERS AT THE END.

Finding a job in another state can expand the possibilities in your career. As long as you're moving or willing to move, it helps to look up jobs from a favorite company in other states. Alternatively, a predominantly or entirely remote position might mean that you can get an out-of-state job even more easily than an office job in your current city. Let's get into the key points about out-of-state jobs and how to apply for them.

STUDY THE JOB POSTING CAREFULLY

According to a study, about 44% of companies do not allow remote work. That means that your dream company might require you to live nearby before even applying. Jackie Werblo, head coach at Convex Leadership, says "If it states locals-only, use your cover letter to give the reason you should be considered with the locals. For example, you are returning home and have a residence in the area, after years living elsewhere."

When you upload a resume and start sending it to different companies, there's no reason not to go for a job for which you'd be perfect. The time and effort are relatively little for a chance to get an interview at your dream job. At the same time, you should also apply to job postings that clearly accept out-of-state applications.

DELETE THE ADDRESS AND BE CLEAR ABOUT MOVING

There are varying opinions about whether or not to put the name of the other city when applying from out-of-state. For some hiring managers, the sight of another city on the resume is enough to move on. Perhaps the most reliable option is a great cover letter that concisely and honestly explains your situation.

Even if the job is temporary, explaining your moving or new living situation concisely will help alleviate any doubts. All you need is a sentence or two about moving to the city where the job is taking place, and how conveniently and quickly you can start working. Then, you can leave the city and state off your attached resume, or use a line like "John Smith will be moving to Tallahassee, Florida, in February 2023."

HAVE A BUDGET AND PLAN

Out-of-state employees pose a few challenges to the average company. There might be increased costs to accommodate an employee moving to a new city. Their living situation might change, causing them to move back out or cancel their move, which would be inconvenient after already hiring them. Also, for an experienced professional moving to a city for opportunities, there's a potential that this employee might leave them for another job after a few months.

To resolve concerns like these, it helps to develop a budget and game plan you can show in your application and interviews. There are guides online about moving to different cities for work, which can often connect you to online networking opportunities.

Given the current state of the housing market, even for rentals, it's very important to speak with realtors and get a feel for where you could realistically live near a place of work. Make sure you can afford a place to live nearby, so you don't waste all the hard work you put in to get a job offer. That way, during a future job interview, you can give firm answers about moving details. If you answer any moving questions with a well-researched plan, the hiring managers will understand your commitment and the value you bring.

BUILD A NETWORK IN THE AREA AND USE IT

When you apply to a company's position in another state, you'll boost your chances if you can also produce references and positive referrals from other employers. However, if local employees of the company or professionals related to them have good things to say about you, that will help even more. Sometimes one phone call can skip entire stages of the interview process and position you for success.

Before you relocate, it helps to look through any connections you currently have and expand on them. If you're planning to move for work ahead of time, find communities of like-minded professionals online and start asking about the work and the industry there. You might want to try making time for a few local networking events in the new city, as well. Making the trip will show any new connections that you do plan on working and living there.

Single young professionals can often stand out well for out-of-state jobs, due to the simpler process of moving by themselves. Even for those moving with a family, you can find a great job in another state. You'll only have to prove that you are a low-risk, high-reward employee, wherever you work. If you follow these principles, you'll stand out in the crowd of other out-of-state job applicants and get an offer sooner.