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What are your best tips for finding economics, finance or fintech internships while in college?

I'm currently a junior at Kennesaw State University pursuing BBA in Economics and Finance with a minor in FinTech.

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Kayla’s Answer

Hello there! I went to Bentley University and I graduated in May 2023 with a degree in Managerial Economics. I definitely think that your network is the most important and effective way to secure an internship. You can network by creating a strong LinkedIn profile and seeing graduates from your college and reaching out. People are very eager to help others, especially ones that share an Alma Mater. You can ask to have a conversation to learn more about their work experience, and if it sounds interesting ask about any opportunities. Sometimes, companies do not post internship opportunities and only hire through recommendations, so it would be a great way to get your foot in the door. I would also recommend going to Career Fairs and getting your name and face out there, places are way more likely to hire candidates that they have met than a random application online. Handshake is also a good way to see jobs and see if you know anyone who has also worked there to network your way through. Networking is how I secured internship, and I got myself the return offer through hard work. Good luck, you go this!
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Caroline’s Answer

Hi Asha-Lee!

One way that really worked for me while in college was using LinkedIn! If you don't already have a linkedin profile, create one. You can then search for people that have graduated from your university that are in the fields you are interested in. If you have ideas of specific companies you'd like to work at, you can search for employees at that company that have graduated from Kennesaw State University. When you find people, I would connect with them, send them a message, and ask if they would be interested in chatting with you about their company/current role. They may even be able to connect you with someone in HR or someone who oversees the company internship program.

Good luck with your search!
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Adam’s Answer

Utilize the career fair if your school puts one on. I would also recommend joining some sort of club/organization. Odds are, there are current members or alumni who are working at a company you are interested in. Your network is more important than your resume.
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Paul’s Answer

I recommend heading straight to the company's websites for job applications, instead of solely relying on job sites. Though job sites are still worth exploring. From my college experience, I discovered that applying directly on a company's website often yielded better results.
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Francisco’s Answer

What are your best tips for finding economics, finance or fintech internships while in college?

Attend to career fairs. Also, join the career specific clubs so that you can have exposure to a larger network on that specific industry. Try to leverage any good relationships with professors on that matter so that they can recommend you with professionals or companies they used to work for.
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Branden’s Answer

Hey Asha-Lee,

The best way to find internship and job opportunities in college is to reach out to your career center and try to schedule some time with your advisor to go over your wants and desires for a potential job opportunity. I would also recommend reaching out to any professors you are close with. Often times, they have friends who work in the field and may be able to provide you with an opportunity. Finally, attend the business career fair. This will be a great opportunity to practice speaking with professionals and will help you feel more confident in your interviews going forward. Also, if you have some sort of job search through the business school, this will allow employers to reach out to you as well.
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Alexis’s Answer

The way I got my first finance internship in college was through my university's on-campus internship program. Essentially, it was a class I could sign up for that grouped me with other business students and assigned us to a company as interns for the semester. This eventually led to a summer internship with the company as well. I would suggest looking in to or asking and advisor if you school offers something similar!
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Margaret’s Answer

Hi there! I would suggest reaching out to any alumni that work in the field you are interested in or look for any finance clubs at your university! There is also likely a finance career fair at your university, I would suggest attending and meeting recruiters to see what they have to say about internship possibilities!
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Lineth’s Answer

It could be beneficial for you to begin building connections while you're still in college. This way, you can learn about potential internships that you might be eligible to apply for.
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Hannah’s Answer

Hi Asha-Lee! During my educational journey, I was fortunate to participate in numerous career fairs. These events proved to be incredibly advantageous for me. I suggest you explore similar opportunities at your educational institution or reach out to your college's career center. This center is a valuable resource that can assist you in locating internship opportunities and arranging interviews. Best of luck in your quest!
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Cameron’s Answer

Hello Asha-lee! I would suggest you to make full use of all the opportunities and resources your university offers. The most crucial among these are the career fairs focused on economics and finance. These fairs present numerous chances to build connections and secure potential interview leads. Remember, these fairs usually kick off the semester, marking the start of the academic year. This is an ideal time to get a head start over others by interacting with these companies early in their recruitment phase.
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Samantha’s Answer

I strongly encourage you to make the most of your college resources. Remember, advisors are always ready to assist their students. Moreover, numerous institutions offer various platforms for students to pursue their job hunting. A lot of companies make their way to college campuses to conduct informational sessions. Take full advantage of these opportunities and network as much as you can.
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Stefan’s Answer

Hello Asha-Lee,

There are a few things that you can do when trying to find an internship that matches with your major. The first piece of advice that I would give you is to utilize your university's career fairs. This can be a great opportunity to meet with a recruiter or connect with someone in the business, to create a relationship. I would recommend taking their card or connecting with them on LinkedIn, so that you can message them after the career fair. The next thing that I would recommend is using LinkedIn's job opportunities portal to search for internships. This portal allows you to customize what kind of jobs that you are looking for and will email or text you updates if new jobs open up. Finally, if you have a few specific companies that you are interested in, you should check their company website for any job postings, and also try to reach out to a recruiter for that company.

One final piece of advice is that Finance internship applications generally open up anywhere from 12 months to 6 months before the job would start, so make sure to be proactive about your research and preparation for interviews.

Hope this helps and best of luck with your education and job search!
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Hi Asha-Lee, I suggest you explore platforms like Handshake or Indeed to find internship opportunities that suit your interests. Furthermore, try to identify someone from your university who is currently employed at a company you're interested in. Don't hesitate to ask for a conversation with them either in person or over a phone call to gain insights into their experiences. Another helpful strategy is to search for alumni from your university on LinkedIn who are working at your desired company. They might be able to provide you with specific advice on the application process and the qualities the company appreciates. I hope you find this information beneficial!
Thank you comment icon This is the perfect way to find internship opportunities! Sydnie Sheppard
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Austin’s Answer

Securing internships in economics, finance, or fintech during college can greatly enhance your skills and boost your career prospects. Here are some tips to help you find and secure these opportunities:

Build a Strong Resume:

Highlight relevant coursework, skills, and any extracurricular activities related to economics, finance, or fintech.
Showcase any projects, research, or achievements that demonstrate your interest and competence in these fields.

Network:

Attend career fairs, industry conferences, and networking events.
Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and join relevant groups.
Reach out to alumni who are working in your desired field for advice and potential opportunities.

Online Job Platforms:

Explore job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized finance job boards.
Set up alerts for internship postings in your desired field and location.

Company Websites:

Check the career sections of companies you're interested in for internship opportunities.
Some companies may not post their openings on job boards, so visiting their websites directly can be beneficial.

Apply Early and Often:

Internship positions can be competitive, so start your search early and apply to multiple opportunities.
Customize your resume and cover letter for each application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.

Prepare for Interviews:

Practice common interview questions for finance and fintech positions.
Be ready to discuss your coursework, projects, and any relevant experience during interviews.

Demonstrate Technical Skills:

Develop and highlight technical skills relevant to finance and fintech, such as proficiency in Excel, programming languages, or financial modeling.

Be Open to Different Roles:

While focusing on your specific area of interest, be open to exploring related roles or departments within finance and fintech.

Remember, persistence and a proactive approach are key when searching for internships. Keep refining your application materials, expanding your network, and staying informed about industry trends to increase your chances of securing a valuable internship experience.
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Joseph’s Answer

Hello,

I think the best way to get yourself an internship is to start by going to your school's career fair and exploring what you might be interested in. When I started school, I didn't really know what I wanted but talking to people who came from the company and hearing their opinions really helped narrow it down.

From there, try to build a network either within a specific field or a specific company. They can give you advice, and help you with the strains of the application and job search process as they have gone through it themselves.

Internships are competitive especially in this economical environment but apply to any ones that interest you and learn about the company and what you might like about it for interview prep. Companies usually won't expect you to know everything off the bat, they are usually looking for a culture fit.

Good luck!
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Jake’s Answer

Hi!

Great question!

From my experience I would utilize handshake. It is an app that you can use with your phone or other devices to auto fill an application with your resume and profile! I would apply for everything, but also don't just apply for your dream roles, I worked at another company prior to my current role, and I am confident I would not be here without that experience!

Also please try to reach out and find connections at your desired companies, this is the best way to connect!

Message me with any questions!
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Courtney’s Answer

Hello Ashe-Lee!

One of the most effective strategies to land an internship is to make the most of the career fair at your university or to actively engage with companies on LinkedIn! The career fair is a fantastic opportunity that brings potential employers right to your doorstep. Your only job is to show up dressed professionally, armed with a well-crafted resume, and a succinct elevator pitch that effectively showcases your skills and what you can bring to the table. LinkedIn can be a treasure trove of opportunities too, but it requires you to take the initiative to research and connect with employees at companies that pique your interest. I'd advise reaching out to someone who's recently joined the company and has experienced the internship process. If they're an alumnus of your university, even better, as it gives you an instant common ground. Companies often advertise available positions on their LinkedIn pages, so don't miss out on those. And remember, your existing network at school or outside can be a goldmine of opportunities - never underestimate the power of a single connection!

Wishing you all the best and remember, you've got this!
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Alireza’s Answer

🎓 That's great to hear! Getting internships in economics, finance, or fintech can be a valuable experience during your college years. Here are a few tips to help you find such internships:

1️⃣ Start early: Begin your internship search well in advance, as competition can be high. Many companies recruit interns months before the actual internship period.

2️⃣ Utilize career services: Take advantage of the career center at your university. They often have resources, job boards, and connections with companies in your field.

3️⃣ Network: Attend career fairs, industry events, and join professional organizations related to economics, finance, and fintech. Networking can open doors to internship opportunities and provide valuable connections.

4️⃣ Research companies: Identify companies or organizations that align with your interests and career goals. Explore their websites, social media pages, and careers sections to keep an eye out for internship openings.

5️⃣ Customize your resume and cover letter: Tailor your application documents to highlight relevant coursework, skills, and experiences. Emphasize your passion for economics, finance, or fintech.

6️⃣ Leverage online platforms: Use online job boards, professional networking sites (e.g., LinkedIn), and industry-specific websites to search for internship postings.

7️⃣ Reach out to professionals: Consider reaching out to professionals in your desired field for informational interviews. They might have insights on internships or recommend opportunities.

8️⃣ Stay persistent: Don't get discouraged by rejections or lack of responses. Keep applying, follow up on applications, and be proactive in seeking opportunities.

Remember, internships are a learning experience, so even if you don't secure one in your ideal field, look for roles that offer transferable skills and industry exposure. Good luck! 🌟
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Rylee’s Answer

Hello Asha-lee, I'm in full agreement with the previous responses! Make good use of LinkedIn, your personal contacts, and job fairs. Conducting some thorough research in your chosen field can also be incredibly beneficial. Look for specific jobs that pique your interest and don't hesitate to apply! Remember to customize your application to match the job requirements and spend some time learning about each company. Wishing you all the best in your job search!
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Saloni’s Answer

1) Build a Strong Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, skills, and any related experiences to showcase your qualifications.
2)**Networking:** : Attend career fairs, industry events, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Networking can open doors to internship opportunities.
3) Online Platforms: Utilize internship search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or specialized sites for finance and fintech roles.
4) Company Websites: :Explore the careers section of companies you're interested in. Many post internship opportunities directly on their websites
5) Professional Organizations: Join finance or fintech professional organizations. They often provide resources and exclusive opportunities for students.
6) Utilize College Resources: Visit your college's career center for guidance, resume reviews, and information about internship programs.
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Kylie’s Answer

Great question!

I would look at finance programs that look beyond the summer internship and see if they have a process where you are able to either join another team the following summer/if they have an interview process set-up for full-time. It's great to find a company that will focus on developing your professional growth. Big companies with offices globally and multiple in the United States would be a good start to look at because of the different teams you have the opportunity to explore. Your internship could potentially be your future full-time job so pick a location you would be okay with living in post-grad.
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Joan’s Answer

Hello Asha-Lee!

Congratulations on pursuing your BBA in Economics and Finance!

Finding internships that align with your field of study can be achieved in several ways. Start by exploring the resources available at your college or university's career center. They can guide you towards suitable internships and assist in crafting effective resumes and cover letters.

Career fairs are another excellent opportunity to network with alumni, professors, and professionals in your chosen field. Online platforms such as LinkedIn, Handshake, and Indeed can also provide valuable leads for internships.

Remember to apply for roles that are manageable alongside your studies or during school breaks. Consider your professional aspirations and apply for internships that align with potential career paths. For example, if education is your passion, consider internships in teaching English abroad, higher education, recreation, academic research, or library sciences. If hospitality interests you, look for opportunities in hotels, restaurants, or event planning. For those drawn to retail, internships in fashion, merchandising, or marketing could be ideal.

Internships offer invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to your areas of interest. They can also contribute to college credit, depending on your field of study and the nature of the internship. It's common for students to intern in various areas before graduating to explore different career paths and acquire diverse skills.

I hope you find this advice beneficial. Wishing you all the best on your educational journey!
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Itzel’s Answer

Hi Asha-Lee! Finding economics, finance, or fintech internships in college can be a competitive process, but there are several strategies you can use to increase your chances!

To begin with, building a robust resume that highlights relevant coursework, skills, and any related experiences is crucial. Networking plays a pivotal role, involving attendance at career fairs, industry events, and leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals. Actively exploring opportunities posted on your college's career services website broadens your options!

I suggest actively participating in university student organizations and aiming for leadership roles to enhance your resume and set yourself apart. Taking on officer positions within these organizations not only adds valuable experience to your profile but also distinguishes you from other candidates. Additionally, involvement in student organizations provides excellent preparation for interviews through workshops and skill-building activities.

Also remember to conduct thorough research on companies aligning with your career goals and tailoring applications accordingly enhances your chances. Applying early, frequently, and diversely is key, as some companies initiate their recruitment processes months in advance.

Hope this is helpful! Good luck, you got this!!
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David’s Answer

The FinTech market has been blossoming for over a decade now. It's reached a stage where it's ripe with opportunity, calling for both investors and budding companies to carve out their unique identities. Success isn't just about offering an innovative solution, but about making a significant financial impact. The thriving FinTechs are those that are creating a real buzz in the marketplace and boosting their own prosperity.

Keep an eye on the investors, like Investment banks and Venture Capitals. Look at how long they're retaining their investments, the growth of their investment participation, and the number of banks and VCs eager to invest. These are usually reliable signs of a healthy FinTech scene.

So, roll up your sleeves and dive into some research. It might seem like hard work, but with the right information, you'll be well-equipped to navigate this exciting market.

David recommends the following next steps:

Join your university joint program with the Tech Industry.
Create idea for a new business. Create your own business plan and present it to peers, available investment forum withing the University.
Network, Network, Network ..in any forum such as LinkedIn - Alumni is the best way to start a professional network. Be active in Forum with Alumni from your University .
Maximize your participation in your University Job Fairs
Learn to Sell, your capabilities. Selling is excellent lifelong attribute.
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Adrian’s Answer

Hey Asha-Lee, there are a lot of resources for finding internship opportunities.

- There are a lot of platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Wayup are some of the popular platforms used. Constantly scrolling through these for any postings you're interested in can be helpful.
- Furthermore, utilizing the networking aspect on LinkedIn is a BIG help when creating a network and reaching out to people.
- On top of this too, using the company's early talent website and keeping up to date on their recruiting cycle, helpful materials, etc.

- The biggest thing that helped me the most was reaching out to people via LinkedIn with roles/companies that I am interested in, making that connection (for you, stating that you're a junior at Kennesaw State University and pursuing a degree in Economics and Finance), and asking to set up some time to learn more about themselves, their position, and how they like their position.

- Also, joining Finance oriented Clubs at your school. Making connections with the alumni, utilizing the career center for things like: interview prep, resume prep, etc.
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Scott’s Answer

Excellent query! Securing an internship can indeed seem like a huge challenge, but remember, I've been there too! The most valuable tip I can share with you is to actively establish relationships with individuals at the firms you find appealing and see yourself potentially working at. This approach can open up many doors for you. Keep going, you've got this!
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Andrew’s Answer

Hello Asha-Lee!

Let's kick things off by exploring the connections your school or the business school might have with various companies. It's common for schools to invite companies to give presentations, aiming to attract potential interns and future employees. So, this could be a great opportunity for you.

Don't forget about your school's career fair too! Make the most of it by meeting as many companies as you can. It's a fantastic chance to network and get your foot in the door.

Also, don't underestimate the power of the internet in your search for internships. Platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed are treasure troves of opportunities, offering a wide range of both virtual and in-person internships. So go ahead, dive in and start exploring!
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Ben’s Answer

Hello Asha-Lee,

Kennesaw State is equipped with a team of dedicated career center advisors who are ready and eager to assist you in navigating your career path. They are there to offer personalized advice and resources that align with your career goals. From my own experience, I discovered that connecting with alumni who are already employed at companies that pique your interest can be incredibly beneficial. This approach helped me build a supportive network of individuals who were more than willing to guide me on my career path. Moreover, engaging in conversations with fellow students in your major, particularly those who have already dipped their toes into internships or secured full-time offers, can be a wonderful source of potential job opportunities. Keep going, the future is bright!
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Siobhan’s Answer

Hello Asha-Lee,

Your selection of major and minor subjects positions you perfectly for internships in Finance and Fintech. As you delve into your studies, remember to also immerse yourself in extra-curricular activities. Many business schools host organizations that offer enriching learning experiences. These organizations often invite speakers who can provide invaluable advice and networking opportunities with companies seeking interns and graduates for job positions. Excelling acadically is crucial, yet it's challenging to differentiate yourself based solely on your major. Networking and referrals can significantly increase the chances of your resume being noticed.

Don't be discouraged if you lack previous internship experience. Instead, highlight any non-industry work experiences you've had on your resume. Working in sectors like retail, food service, or even babysitting can equip you with essential soft skills. The key lies in how you present these experiences during your interview.

Make sure to exploit every resource your university offers. I've included a link below to your university's career development assistance: https://www.kennesaw.edu/careers/job-fairs/index.php. Leverage these resources to your advantage.
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Jarod’s Answer

Hi Asha-Lee!

In my opinion, the best way to find internships while in college is to network in your community and within LinkedIn.
Additionally, I realized that while you most definitely should be participating in the career fairs your college puts on (as well as be aware of other similar resources they provide) many other students you are competing for jobs against are likely going this route as well, so competition is high. Thus, it is really important that you are proactive in reaching out in other ways (LinkedIn, cold outreach, etc...) where you can do informal coffee chats/interviews with professionals at companies/roles you are interested in. While in college I took this approach, and I actually was able to get an unexpected job offer that I took all because I had messaged someone on LinkedIn asking them about what they do in their role. In short, I think taking this approach can help separate you from the competition, and can help you recognize what roles you are truly interested in.

One brief additional piece of advice I would give is to go for something when you know what you want. So after you network and identify a type of role that you are interested in, do not be shy about showing that interest. Show up early to the career fair events that the company is putting on at the school. Grow your network within the company that you are interested in - ask the recruiter for contacts inside of the company and find additional contacts on LinkedIn. Make sure that the people looking at your resume know your name! From my experience this has helped me and my friends tremendously as we all have received internship offers.

I hope you found part of this answer helpful! Best of luck finding an internship!
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Kaitlyn’s Answer

Hey! It's a great idea to explore if your school organizes a career fair or provides career advisors. These resources are excellent avenues to discover various companies and gain insights from people's personal experiences. Plus, they're fantastic for building your network! Another useful platform is LinkedIn, where you can connect with alumni from your university who are now part of companies that pique your interest. So, go ahead and explore these opportunities - they could open up exciting paths for your career!
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