If you’re a financial services professional working at a bank, credit union, or in the technology sector, the University of Wisconsin Emerging Technologies in Fintech graduate certificate and the Leading Fintech Transformation graduate certificate might be the boost you need to break into an exciting and quickly evolving career with a good salary.
Currently, students can choose to complete one or both of these certificates:
- The Leading Fintech Transformations graduate certificate is focused on building skills to develop and manage financial technology strategies and solutions. If you’re interested in changing your organization’s infrastructure and leading projects, this is for you.
- The Emerging Technologies in Fintech graduate certificate is focused on the most current fintech technology applications. If you’re hands-on in your organization and want to help implement new technology, this certificate is for you.
While terms like “blockchain” and “crypto” are often the first things that come to mind when thinking about fintech, students in the program will learn how to get past the “sizzle” of these new technologies and learn about how they can turn a sustainable profit, according to Michelle Gabor, instructor and course author for FNT700: Essentials in Fintech.
In this course, which is the first one required for the Leading Fintech Transformation certificate, you’ll learn more than just the buzzwords surrounding fintech –you’ll actually learn what they are and why they’re so important.
FNT730: Technologies in Fintech is required for the Emerging Technologies in Fintech certificate. Learn about cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other technologies used in a financial services context. Additional topics such as API design, robotic process automation, risk analysis, and cybersecurity will also be discussed. A primary concern in the financial space is information privacy, which touches on cybersecurity–so you’ll also learn why financial service providers must be aware of industry regulations and how privacy and cybersecurity affect the customer’s user experience.
Michelle, who started her career working for Educators Credit Union in Racine, Wisconsin, emphasizes the amount of practical knowledge students in her course will learn that they can apply immediately to their jobs. While at Educators, Michelle managed remote services, including call centers, online banking tools, mobile applications, and other services. She knows that students in the certificate programs will not only learn about the latest technologies, but how to stay current with them.
“I think these certificates would be especially useful for implementation, sales, or customer service professionals at fintech firms. I also think it would be very helpful for anyone working in operations, customer service, vendor management, compliance, or IT at a financial service provider (bank, credit union, investment firm, insurance firm),” Michelle says.
Completing a fintech certificate course can make you a valuable candidate for various roles within fintech companies, banks, and credit unions. Here are some specific job titles you could pursue in each of these sectors.
Fintech companies:
- Product Manager: Lead the development of innovative fintech products or services, from ideation to launch, focusing on user needs, market trends, and technology capabilities.
- Data Analyst: Analyze financial data to provide insights and patterns, supporting data-driven decision-making within fintech companies.
- Fintech Software Developer: Design, develop, and maintain fintech software applications, including mobile banking apps, trading platforms, robo-advisors, and blockchain-based solutions.
- UI/UX Designer: Create user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces for fintech applications, ensuring seamless user experiences and efficient navigation.
- Digital Payment Specialist: Develop and manage digital payment solutions, ensuring secure and convenient transaction experiences for users.
- Cybersecurity Specialist: Implement security measures to protect sensitive financial data and transactions, and develop strategies to mitigate potential security threats in fintech software.
- Cryptocurrency Analyst: Analyze and track cryptocurrency market trends, providing insights for trading strategies and investment decisions.
- Blockchain Developer: Build and maintain blockchain-based applications, exploring innovative ways to utilize distributed ledger technology within fintech solutions.
- Technical Support Specialist: Provide technical assistance to clients using fintech software products, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring smooth usage.
- Fintech Sales Representative: Promote and sell fintech products or services to financial institutions, businesses, or individuals, leveraging your knowledge of fintech solutions to address client needs.
- Business Development Manager: Identify new business opportunities, establish partnerships, and expand the market reach of fintech solutions.
- Account Manager: Manage relationships with existing clients, understanding their needs and providing them with tailored fintech solutions.
- Fintech Project Manager: Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of fintech projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and according to specifications.
- Implementation Manager: Oversee the successful integration of fintech solutions into client systems, collaborating with technical teams and stakeholders.
Banks, Credit Unions, Financial Institutions:
- Digital Banking Specialist: Enhance digital banking services, managing online platforms, mobile apps, and optimizing customer experiences in virtual banking environments.
- Digital Transformation Specialist: Drive the adoption of fintech solutions within credit unions, leading efforts to modernize operations, enhance member experiences, and stay competitive.
- Fintech Integration Manager: Oversee the integration of fintech solutions into existing banking systems, ensuring compatibility and smooth implementation.
- Risk Analyst: Assess financial risks associated with digital transactions and fintech innovations, developing risk management strategies to safeguard banking operations.
- Compliance Officer: Ensure regulatory compliance in digital banking operations, keeping up with changing regulations and adapting fintech solutions to meet legal requirements.
- IT Manager: Oversee the implementation and maintenance of fintech systems within credit unions, ensuring reliability, security, and efficient technology operations.
- Payment Solutions Manager: Manage digital payment systems and electronic fund transfers, ensuring seamless transactions for credit union members.
- Mobile App Developer: Develop mobile banking apps that enable customers to access their accounts, make transactions, and manage finances conveniently.
- Customer Experience Manager: Manage customer interactions in digital channels, optimizing user experiences and addressing customer feedback to improve fintech services.
- Financial Advisor: Provide members with financial advice and guidance, leveraging fintech tools to create personalized financial plans and investment strategies.
- Member Support Specialist: Assist customers and/or credit union members with inquiries related to fintech services, guiding them through digital processes and troubleshooting issues.
“The fintech certificates are great for professionals who want to upskill and move into new or more competitive roles,” says Dr. Suresh Chalasani, a professor at UW-Parkside who will teach in the program.
The industry is rapidly changing with the adoption of contactless payments and peer-to-peer payments, and many organizations are grappling with the changes.
One of the benefits of the program, according to Suresh, is the number of industry experts involved with developing and teaching the curriculum. One is Prasad Nadhavajhala of Paymentus who was involved in developing numerous online and mobile payment applications and has more than 20 years of experience in the fintech industry. He sees the potential for fintech in the future and knows firsthand what a rewarding career it can be, after years working at companies like Metavante, FIS and Fiserv.
“Upon completion, students will gain a distinct competitive advantage in today’s evolving fintech landscape, enabling them to thrive in a digital world where innovation is the key to success,” Prasad says.
Whether you want to advance in your current career, move into leadership, or change careers, a Fintech certificate can help you become more competitive in the workplace. And unlike many other technology programs, a technical background like computer science is not required for admission.
You can also study when it’s convenient for you – not the other way around. These certificate programs are offered 100 percent remote, and you can log in to complete the assignments on your schedule. Learn more about our online learning approach here.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, get in touch with an enrollment adviser and learn how you can get started today.
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