JACKSONVILLE, Florida – There is a critical need for more fintech workers in Jacksonville right now, which is why a local university is launching two new programs to help companies find talent.
The University of North Florida will offer a bachelor’s and master’s degree program in Fintech beginning in the fall semester.
The programs will combine the computing, engineering and technology aspects of industry with the business side.
Local businesses say it’s something they want to see from people looking for jobs.
If you’ve ever applied for a mortgage using your phone, used a mobile payment service to send or receive money, or received a text message from a credit card company warning you of possible fraud, these are examples of fintech.
UNF student Haitham Elk sees it as a booming industry.
“You could say it’s the future of banking, investing and payments,” Elk said.
Elk will be part of the first master’s program in fintech at UNF.
He already has 20 years of experience in the financial field thanks to his career in the banking sector while living in Egypt.
“I thought it was time to jump in and become one of the pioneers in this industry and learn more about it,” Elk said. “Maybe I can be in a leadership position in the future.”
UNF will join a short list of schools offering programs that combine the technology and business aspects of the industry.
The elders leading the merger believe Jacksonville is becoming a fintech hub.
“They can get a wide range of jobs, from data scientist to financial analyst to compliance specialist to compensation systems specialist,” said Albert Loh, interim dean of the College of Business. “There’s a wide variety of jobs. Fintech is really a cutting-edge field of study.”
William Klostermeyer, dean of UNF’s College of Computer Science, Engineering and Construction, said students typically study either finance or technology.
“When they enter the workforce, it’s like they’re missing half of the equation. By developing these programs, they’re trying to produce graduates who understand both sides of this very complicated equation,” Klostermeyer said. “We really want to listen to this industry and create a workforce and a talent pool for (companies).”
Deans estimate that degrees earned in programs like these can lead to higher starting salaries, into the five or even six figures.
Elk describes fintech workers as having the ability to make data-driven decisions and come up with innovative solutions.
“To gain knowledge to know how to use big data analysis and be able to solve complex problems,” he said.
Loh and Klostermeyer say the hope is to eventually have at least 100 students in each program.
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