How SNHU Grad Jim Hurst Built His Career in Finance

Jim Hurst ‘23 ‘24MBA was working in restaurants as a server when he first started his bachelor’s at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), but he knew that he wanted to move into a career in finance. He chose an online program so he could gain relevant experience and work toward that goal while in school.

“SNHU gave me the flexibility, and it was also very dynamic,” he said. “I could fit it into my schedule.”

And after earning his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance online from SNHU, Hurst decided he had more to learn. He moved forward with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance to become a double SNHU alum only a year later.

Growth in Real Time

Hurst said he appreciated SNHU’s support while earning both of his degrees, and he noted that the career services team was especially helpful as he moved into his new field.

“Throughout the years, I took what I learned here, and I applied it to my career,” he said. “I also took advice from the career department here at (SNHU), and I started applying to jobs in the banking industry.”

After getting his start in banking during his undergraduate program, he wanted to move up even further.

“My goal was to continue moving forward with my career in banking,” Hurst said. “I thought the MBA (with a concentration in) Finance degree was the best for me, as it aligned also with the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) program.”

He noted that Dr. Gary Hascall taught a course on short-term investments during his MBA program that he found was especially beneficial.

“That was actually very helpful for the position I currently have,” Hurst said at his Commencement in 2024. “He didn’t just let us skate by; he challenged everything we had to say, and I appreciate that as an academic.”

Passing Industry Exams and Finding Success

In addition to earning his diplomas, Hurst said his time at SNHU prepared him to take several industry exams.

“I actually also passed my Series 65 exam, my SIE (Security Industry Essentials) exam, and I’m currently about to sit for my Series 7 top-off exam from what I learned here at (SNHU),” he said, referring to different Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) qualification exams that prove a professional’s ability to work in certain finance roles.

So, what changed about him since he started at SNHU? “Everything,” Hurst said. Not only did he successfully transition into a career in finance, but he also developed as a professional.

“I have succeeded through my career while I was going through this program,” he said. “I’m also the officer of the largest trust company here in New Hampshire.”

He said that he supervised over $400 billion in his position, and he credited his time at SNHU for helping him get to that point in his career.

“It was absolutely worth it, and I do recommend this program to even my colleagues,” he said. “It changed the way that I thought, it changed the way that I learned and it helped me develop grit.”

Since Commencement, Hurst moved to a new company — he currently works as a professional in the Private Clients Group for Goulston & Storrs, and said he's continuing to grow in his career.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. They're currently writing their debut novel, which was Longlisted for The First Pages Prize. Connect with them on LinkedIn.