6 answers
Lin
Student
Castle Rock, Colorado
2
Questions
Asked
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What types of business/finance extracurriculars should I do to strengthen my college application?
I am currently an incoming junior in high school. I am already in DECA and FBLA (I am also an officer of FBLA at my school chapter) but I feel that my extracurriculars are not strong enough for T20 colleges especially if I want to go into business. I have heard people recommend doing a internship at a local financial institution but I am not too sure where to start. Although I have taken college level business courses I am not too familiar with finance itself and would like to explore. How should I go about this?
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6 answers
Adaobi Ogheneovo B.SC Acct, MPA , IBM
CLIENT MANAGER
35
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Adaobi’s Answer
Engaging in business and finance-related extracurriculars can significantly enhance your college application by demonstrating your interest and commitment to the field. Here are some valuable extracurricular activities to consider:
### 1. **Business Clubs and Organizations**
- **Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)**: Participate in competitions, attend conferences, and develop leadership skills³.
- **DECA**: Focuses on marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Compete in events and gain practical business experience³.
- **Business Professionals of America (BPA)**: Offers opportunities in finance, business administration, and information technology³.
### 2. **Academic Competitions**
- **National Economics Challenge**: Compete in economics knowledge and problem-solving³.
- **Stock Market Games**: Participate in simulations to learn about investing and financial markets⁴.
- **Case Competitions**: Solve real-world business problems and present your solutions to a panel of judges³.
### 3. **Internships and Work Experience**
- **Internships**: Seek internships at local businesses, banks, or startups to gain hands-on experience.
- **Part-Time Jobs**: Work in roles that develop relevant skills, such as retail, customer service, or administrative positions.
### 4. **Leadership Roles**
- **Student Government**: Take on roles that involve budgeting, event planning, and leadership.
- **Club Leadership**: Lead or start a business or finance club at your school.
### 5. **Community Service and Volunteering**
- **Financial Literacy Programs**: Volunteer to teach financial literacy to younger students or community members.
- **Nonprofit Organizations**: Help with fundraising, marketing, or financial planning for local nonprofits.
### 6. **Online Courses and Certifications**
- **Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy**: Take courses in business, finance, or economics to deepen your knowledge.
- **Certifications**: Earn certifications in areas like Microsoft Excel, financial modeling, or digital marketing.
### 7. **Summer Programs and Camps**
- **Pre-College Programs**: Attend summer programs focused on business or finance at universities.
- **Entrepreneurship Camps**: Participate in camps that teach you how to start and run a business.
### 8. **Personal Projects**
- **Start a Small Business**: Launch a small business or online store to gain entrepreneurial experience.
- **Blog or YouTube Channel**: Share your insights on business and finance topics.
### 9. **Competitions and Conferences**
- **Attend Conferences**: Participate in business and finance conferences to network and learn from industry professionals.
- **Pitch Competitions**: Present your business ideas to potential investors and receive feedback.
These activities not only strengthen your college application but also provide valuable skills and experiences that will benefit you in your future career.
### 1. **Business Clubs and Organizations**
- **Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)**: Participate in competitions, attend conferences, and develop leadership skills³.
- **DECA**: Focuses on marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Compete in events and gain practical business experience³.
- **Business Professionals of America (BPA)**: Offers opportunities in finance, business administration, and information technology³.
### 2. **Academic Competitions**
- **National Economics Challenge**: Compete in economics knowledge and problem-solving³.
- **Stock Market Games**: Participate in simulations to learn about investing and financial markets⁴.
- **Case Competitions**: Solve real-world business problems and present your solutions to a panel of judges³.
### 3. **Internships and Work Experience**
- **Internships**: Seek internships at local businesses, banks, or startups to gain hands-on experience.
- **Part-Time Jobs**: Work in roles that develop relevant skills, such as retail, customer service, or administrative positions.
### 4. **Leadership Roles**
- **Student Government**: Take on roles that involve budgeting, event planning, and leadership.
- **Club Leadership**: Lead or start a business or finance club at your school.
### 5. **Community Service and Volunteering**
- **Financial Literacy Programs**: Volunteer to teach financial literacy to younger students or community members.
- **Nonprofit Organizations**: Help with fundraising, marketing, or financial planning for local nonprofits.
### 6. **Online Courses and Certifications**
- **Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy**: Take courses in business, finance, or economics to deepen your knowledge.
- **Certifications**: Earn certifications in areas like Microsoft Excel, financial modeling, or digital marketing.
### 7. **Summer Programs and Camps**
- **Pre-College Programs**: Attend summer programs focused on business or finance at universities.
- **Entrepreneurship Camps**: Participate in camps that teach you how to start and run a business.
### 8. **Personal Projects**
- **Start a Small Business**: Launch a small business or online store to gain entrepreneurial experience.
- **Blog or YouTube Channel**: Share your insights on business and finance topics.
### 9. **Competitions and Conferences**
- **Attend Conferences**: Participate in business and finance conferences to network and learn from industry professionals.
- **Pitch Competitions**: Present your business ideas to potential investors and receive feedback.
These activities not only strengthen your college application but also provide valuable skills and experiences that will benefit you in your future career.
Josh Bischoff
Experience Product Owner
6
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Josh’s Answer
If you are looking to gain finance skills but do not have access to relevant extracurriculars, it could be a good alternate path to go for the treasurer position in any of the clubs you do join. You can get real financial experience, even if on a smaller scale, and leadership experience will always look good for any college or career pursuits.
Brian St. Louis
Director of Collections
4
Answers
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Lin,
Others have provided great feedback; especially volunteer hours. The IRS has a program named VITA that helps people file their taxes for free. They teach you how to prepare tax documents or if you are not old enough yet, you can volunteer around the office. You'll learn by being around people. Typically, there are summer internships at Banks and other financial institutions.
Others have provided great feedback; especially volunteer hours. The IRS has a program named VITA that helps people file their taxes for free. They teach you how to prepare tax documents or if you are not old enough yet, you can volunteer around the office. You'll learn by being around people. Typically, there are summer internships at Banks and other financial institutions.
Stephen Trent
Equity Research
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
Hello Lin. My experience is that Wall Street likes athletes. They like competitive people. Of course, there are finance opportunities outside of Wall Street. Regarding internships, that is also a good idea. Maybe drop in to a local financial institution, to see if there are any such opportunities. Best of luck.
Alberto Rivera Rivera, CRC
National Project Manager
19
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Alberto’s Answer
Lin, as an aspiring business student, enhancing your extracurricular profile with internships at local financial institutions is a practical step; start by researching and reaching out to banks or investment firms for opportunities. Consider expanding your leadership role by starting a finance-focused club at school or engaging in financial competitions beyond DECA and FBLA, such as the National Economics Challenge. Additionally, pursuing online courses in finance from platforms like Coursera or Khan Academy can deepen your understanding and strengthen your application. Volunteering to manage budgets for local nonprofits or community projects can also provide hands-on financial experience. These activities will not only bolster your college applications but also give you a clearer insight into a career in finance.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Lin
Collins Lucky
Data Entryspecialist, Cost analysis, Repairing of all kinds of smartphones, Apple, & Samsung mobile.
48
Answers
Bonny, RV
Updated
Collins’s Answer
Hello Lin,
I hope you're doing well. Here are some strategies to bolster your college application:
1. **Internships**:
- Scout for internships in local banks or financial institutions.
- Leverage your network of family, friends, or school counselors for potential leads.
2. **Finance Clubs/Competitions**:
- Consider joining or even initiating a finance or investment club at your school.
- Engage in competitions such as the National Economics Challenge or the Stock Market Game.
3. **Online Courses & Certifications**:
- Enroll in complimentary online finance courses on platforms like Coursera or Khan Academy.
- Pursue certifications like Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) to enhance your skills.
4. **Volunteer Work**:
- Offer your services to non-profit organizations, assisting with budgeting or financial planning.
5. **Personal Projects**:
- Launch a blog or YouTube channel to share insights on finance topics.
- Develop a simulated investment portfolio and monitor its performance.
Steps to Kickstart Your Journey:
1. **Research Opportunities**: Search for local internships, clubs, and competitions.
2. **Network**: Engage in conversations with teachers, counselors, and professionals in the field.
3. **Apply and Participate**: Dive into as many relevant activities as you can.
4. **Document and Reflect**: Maintain a journal of your experiences and the lessons learned.
Following these steps will aid you in crafting a compelling profile for top-tier colleges.
I hope you're doing well. Here are some strategies to bolster your college application:
1. **Internships**:
- Scout for internships in local banks or financial institutions.
- Leverage your network of family, friends, or school counselors for potential leads.
2. **Finance Clubs/Competitions**:
- Consider joining or even initiating a finance or investment club at your school.
- Engage in competitions such as the National Economics Challenge or the Stock Market Game.
3. **Online Courses & Certifications**:
- Enroll in complimentary online finance courses on platforms like Coursera or Khan Academy.
- Pursue certifications like Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) to enhance your skills.
4. **Volunteer Work**:
- Offer your services to non-profit organizations, assisting with budgeting or financial planning.
5. **Personal Projects**:
- Launch a blog or YouTube channel to share insights on finance topics.
- Develop a simulated investment portfolio and monitor its performance.
Steps to Kickstart Your Journey:
1. **Research Opportunities**: Search for local internships, clubs, and competitions.
2. **Network**: Engage in conversations with teachers, counselors, and professionals in the field.
3. **Apply and Participate**: Dive into as many relevant activities as you can.
4. **Document and Reflect**: Maintain a journal of your experiences and the lessons learned.
Following these steps will aid you in crafting a compelling profile for top-tier colleges.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Lin