Student Report - Greg Gipp

Click on blue SOC number for job description and buttons for detailed career information.
FP = Future-Proofing (AI impact)
Tool = AI-Fluency recommendations
Cert = Certification info

Core Path (Tier 1) Applied Bridge (Tier 2) Creative Extension (Tier 3)
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Tier 1 – Core Path

Accountant / Auditor
O*NET-SOC: 13-2011.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Exacting, predictable, checklist-driven work with measurable closure (monthly/quarterly closes, reconciliations). Quiet, independent focus; recognition via accuracy and on-time delivery.
Training
Bachelor’s in accounting or related; 150-hour CPA track recommended; Cert: CPA (state board) • Alternatives: CMA; Exp: Internship or staff accountant rotation
Total: 4 yrs + CPA prep/exam
Work–Life
Mostly office/remote; cyclical peaks at quarter/year-end; minimal travel in corporate roles.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$64,660 / $81,680
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$64,360 / $79,300
Actuary
O*NET-SOC: 15-2011.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Elite match for math + structure + independence. Exam-driven progression; deep analytical modeling with low public exposure.
Training
Bachelor’s (math, stats, actuarial); pass initial SOA/CAS exams; Exp: Internship in insurance/consulting
Total: 4 yrs + multi-year exam track
Work–Life
Predictable office schedule; exam study time; high recognition for accuracy.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$90,970 / $125,770
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$84,460 / $121,960
Budget Analyst
O*NET-SOC: 13-2031.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Spreadsheet-heavy, deadline-driven variance analysis and forecasting; highly checklist-oriented with clear completion and recognition.
Training
Bachelor’s in finance/accounting/econ; Exp: Internship; ERP/Excel proficiency
Total: 4 yrs + on-the-job tools
Work–Life
Office/remote; quarterly peaks; minimal travel.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$72,240 / $87,930
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$70,790 / $91,140
Cost Estimator
O*NET-SOC: 13-1051.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Quantitative scoping, historical cost modeling, and risk allowances—high structure, independent analysis, definitive deliverables.
Training
Bachelor’s in engineering, construction mgmt, finance, or related; Cert: AACE (CEP/CCP) helpful
Total: 4 yrs + estimating tools
Work–Life
Mostly office; some site visits depending on sector; deadlines around bid cycles.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$59,830 / $77,070
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$59,320 / $79,880
Financial & Investment Analyst
O*NET-SOC: 13-2051.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Model-building, forecasting, and variance narratives for decision-makers—deep Excel, clear deadlines, minimal public exposure.
Training
Bachelor’s in finance/econ/accounting; Cert: CFA (long-term) optional
Total: 4 yrs + FP&A tools
Work–Life
Office/remote; quarter-end peaks; recognition for accuracy and timeliness.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$78,300 / $101,350
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$77,890 / $101,400

Tier 2 – Applied Bridge

Compliance Officer
O*NET-SOC: 13-1041.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Policy mapping, control testing, documentation—rule-driven, detail-intense, and largely independent. Occasional pushback handling required.
Training
Bachelor’s (finance, accounting, legal studies); Cert: CFE/CRCM/CAMS helpful
Total: 4 yrs + regs training
Work–Life
Predictable schedule; some audits/reviews.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$59,130 / $78,420
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$61,480 / $79,350
Financial Risk Specialist
O*NET-SOC: 13-2054.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Control-minded analysis of credit/market/operational risks; high structure, clear frameworks, strong recognition for diligence.
Training
Bachelor’s in finance/econ/math; Cert: FRM/PRM; Excel/VBA optional
Total: 4 yrs + risk frameworks
Work–Life
Mostly office; deadlines around reporting cycles.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$80,280 / $106,000
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$73,040 / $98,410
Credit Analyst
O*NET-SOC: 13-2041.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: File-driven, rules-based risk decisions; heavy document review and ratio analysis; quiet, independent throughput.
Training
Bachelor’s in finance/accounting
Total: 4 yrs + bank credit training
Work–Life
Stable bank hours; limited travel; recognition via decision quality.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$63,850 / $80,970
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$64,270 / $81,380
Insurance Underwriter
O*NET-SOC: 13-2053.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Rule-based risk selection/pricing using guidelines and models—independent, quiet, and highly structured; minimal public speaking.
Training
Bachelor’s in business/finance or similar; Cert: CPCU/AU tracks valuable
Total: 4 yrs + underwriting curriculum
Work–Life
Office/remote; predictable cadence; occasional broker calls.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$63,070 / $79,880
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$65,460 / $84,580
Logistician (Supply-Chain Analyst)
O*NET-SOC: 13-1081.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Systems, flow, and constraints—excellent for your fascination with logistics and architecture-like thinking; measurable KPIs and closure.
Training
Bachelor’s in supply chain/industrial engineering/business
Total: 4 yrs + ERP exposure
Work–Life
Mostly office; some vendor/site coordination; predictable schedules in many roles.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$62,920 / $80,880
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$58,760 / $76,550

Tier 3 – Creative Extension

Market Research Analyst
O*NET-SOC: 13-1161.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Data-driven but often collaborative and presentation-oriented; good intellectually, but more stakeholder contact than ideal.
Training
Bachelor’s in marketing/stats/econ
Total: 4 yrs + survey/stat tools
Work–Life
Project cycles; some presentations/client calls.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$56,220 / $76,950
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$55,030 / $72,840
Operations Research Analyst
O*NET-SOC: 15-2031.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Highly analytical and aligned with your love of logistics; may involve heavier modeling/coding than you prefer.
Training
Bachelor’s (often MS) in IE/OR/math
Total: 4 yrs (+ MS preferred)
Work–Life
Project-based; some cross-team collaboration.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$66,910 / $91,290
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$77,540 / $102,750
Statistician
O*NET-SOC: 15-2041.00 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Deep quantitative work (great), but typical roles expect statistical software/programming which you’d prefer to avoid.
Training
Bachelor’s (+ often MS) in statistics/applied math
Total: 4 yrs (+ MS common)
Work–Life
Quiet analysis; collaboration with research teams.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$79,210 / $103,300
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$98,390 / $116,860
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician
O*NET-SOC: 15-1299.02 FP Tool Cert
Fit Summary: Spatial data, mapping layers, and topology checks—satisfying order and detail; may require fieldwork or scripting in some orgs.
Training
Certificate or bachelor’s in GIS/geography
Total: 2–4 yrs + ArcGIS/QGIS
Work–Life
Mostly office; occasional site data collection; quiet, focused work blocks.
US salary
(25% / Median):
$76,360 / $108,970
Illinois salary
(25% / Median):
$65,380 / $100,310