Financial services has long been one of Delaware’s strongest industries, with many of the nation’s biggest banks — such as Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Capital One — calling the state home. In recent years, Delaware has also emerged as a leader in financial technology, or fintech. For example, at the University of Delaware’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus, an entire building — the FinTech Innovation Hub — is dedicated to harnessing technology to make the future of financial services more equitable and accessible. Fast-growing startups like Best Egg and Investor Cash Management provide exciting opportunities for job seekers as well.
In the financial service-adjacent fields of insurance and real estate, many jobs are set to see growth in the current decade. For example, employment for real estate agents is projected to grow 13% in Delaware between 2020 and 2030, according to the state’s Department of Labor.
Financial Services
Financial services accounts for 9% of all jobs in Delaware — the highest share of any U.S. state. As such, it’s a sector that provides ample opportunity for both entry-level jobs and growth opportunities over the course of a career. Here is a closer look at some of the jobs available.
- Financial Managers: Financial managers create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for investors’ or companies’ long-term financial goals.
- Securities, Commodities and Financial Services Sales Agents: These professionals connect buyers and sellers in financial markets.
- Brokerage Clerks: These professionals perform duties related to the purchase, sale or holding of securities.
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks: Loan interviewers speak with loan applicants to elicit information, investigate their backgrounds and verify references. They prepare loan request papers and forward their findings to the appraisal department of financial institutions.
- Tellers: Tellers are responsible for accurately processing routine transactions at a bank.
Insurance
The insurance industry is undergoing significant changes as it grapples with evolving technology, including the advent of generative artificial intelligence, and what it means for organizations that rely on customer data to make key financial decisions. In the years to come, insurance companies will be eager to hire a new generation of employees with the skill and flexibility to incorporate technology into their work. Here is a glance at some occupations in the insurance industry and their outlook in Delaware.
- Insurance Underwriters: These professionals evaluate insurance applications and decide whether to approve them.
- Insurance Sales Agents
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks: This job entails the processing of new insurance policies, as well as modifications to existing policies and claims forms.
Real Estate
Real estate, especially commercial real estate (CRE), is learned on the job, according to Pete Davisson, founding partner of Jackson Cross Partners. But while CRE is taught more in the trenches rather than in the classroom, formal CRE education is offered by the organizations behind professional designations, e.g. SIOR (Society of Industrial & Office Realtors), ULI (Urban Land Institute) and NAR (National Association of Realtors). These classes are typically taught by experienced CRE practitioners with those designations. Education in residential real estate is available through local Boards of Realtors.
Take a look at some real estate careers and their employment projections for Delaware.
- Real Estate Brokers/Real Estate Sales Agents: Brokers and sales agents both help people buy and sell real estate and are paid a commission when the deal is completed. However, brokers are licensed to work independently and may employ agents.
- Property, Real Estate and Community Association Managers: These professionals oversee many aspects of residential, commercial or industrial properties. Responsibilities could include showing apartments, inspecting the grounds or meeting with owners.
Where to Get the Skills
Vo-Tech Options
NAF Academy of Finance Pathway This Pathway program engages students with the world of financial services by focusing on banking and credit, financial planning, accounting and insurance. Learn more here. Also take a look at the courses offered by Delaware’s three vocational-technical school districts:
- New Castle County Vo-Tech Careers Programs
- Delaware Skills Center
- Polytech Adult Education
- Sussex Tech
College Options
Bachelor of Science in Finance at Goldey-Beacom College
This degree program is designed to launch job seekers into a successful career on Wall Street, Main Street, with a Fortune 500 company or in government. Learn more here. Goldey Beacom also offers a significant number of other degrees in business and finance, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. For more information, click here.
Cybersecurity and Fintech Undergraduate Certificate at Wilmington University
This is one of two fintech-focused certificates offered at WilmU. Help financial services organizations navigate cyberattacks and operational changes resulting from the emergence of fintech. Learn more here. WilmU also offers a significant number of other degrees in finance. Find them all here.
