What is finance?

Finance is the study of methods individuals, businesses and organizations use to raise, allocate and manage money.

The Burnell D. Kraft Trading Room

The Burnell D. Kraft Trading Floor is housed in Rehn Hall room 326. It is the only trading floor of its kind in the State of Illinois. It was completed in November 2003 thanks to a generous donation from Burnell D. Kraft. Mr. Kraft graduated from SIUC in 1956 with a degree in accounting and then went on to become senior vice president for ADM. According to Mr. Kraft, “You can get five to 10 years of experience in a year or two using the technology you have here”.

It provides real time simulation of commodities and financial trading using the latest high-tech equipment. Two data / video projectors and two plasma screens are used to instruct students using 38 flat-screen computers. The classroom is also equipped with a SmartBoard, Direct TV capabilities, and a “ticker” with a direct link to Wall Street.

Why choose a career in finance?

Finance graduates have exciting careers in banking, corporate lending, portfolio management, stock broking, securities analysis, risk management, foreign exchange trading, real estate and venture capital. 

Finance students develop well-honed analytical, computer and communication skills.

An SIU degree in finance is highly marketable.  College of Business graduates have secured jobs at Edward Jones, State Farm Insurance, Lockheed Martin, AG Edwards, Wells Fargo and Harrah's Entertainment, to name a few.