3 answers
Angelina
Student
Des Moines, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
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What are some good passion projects/extracurriculars for someone pursuing a finance major in order to break into investment banking at a T20 college.?
What are some good passion projects/extracurriculars for someone pursuing a finance major in order to break into investment banking at a T20 college. I originally was thinking of being a Math major to pursue a career as a actuary so all my extracurriculars are stem/math related.
Incoming high school sophomore
Current Extracurriculars:
Mock Trial
Debate team
Technology student association
Math club
JV tennis
Founded feminist/rights club.
GPA=4.0UW. GPA=4.14W
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1750
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Angelina !
I am glad you asked this good question !
All of your extracurriculars that you are doing now are really great and you are using skills that you could take to any career. The activities demonstrate that you have developed communication skills, leadership and program development skills and working in a group or independently. These are very admirable skills and I advise that you continue with your extracurriculars until you graduate high school as colleges like to see longevity with activities, that students stayed with activities for a long time.
A project is not the only thing that can make it possible to be accepted at a top 20 college. Since that is the case, you should choose your project, just like the name says - do it on something you are serious about. No one can tell you what your project should be because you already have the ability to pick a topic and it doesn't have to be related to Finance necessarily.
If you want to do a project focusing on finance, think about what you feel strongly about within that subject. Are there groups in that subject that are underserved ? What information can you gather for new information about trends and new ideas based on what you discover ? How does Finance relate to various areas of people's lives ? Since you are close to the subject, you would have to be inspired if you want to do it focused on Finance. Get some ideas from finance textbook indexes, focus on one chapter of finance that you especially like and give it your unique style. Use your own innate inspiration so that it will have a sense of originality.
Your project is for your experience. You already have many extracurriculars, very good grades and although you can include your project on your college applications and a resume, it's really for the experience and it alone is not a determining factor for entry into a top 20 college. I do not think you need to worry because you have been and are on the right track.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in 10th grade and beyond !
I am glad you asked this good question !
All of your extracurriculars that you are doing now are really great and you are using skills that you could take to any career. The activities demonstrate that you have developed communication skills, leadership and program development skills and working in a group or independently. These are very admirable skills and I advise that you continue with your extracurriculars until you graduate high school as colleges like to see longevity with activities, that students stayed with activities for a long time.
A project is not the only thing that can make it possible to be accepted at a top 20 college. Since that is the case, you should choose your project, just like the name says - do it on something you are serious about. No one can tell you what your project should be because you already have the ability to pick a topic and it doesn't have to be related to Finance necessarily.
If you want to do a project focusing on finance, think about what you feel strongly about within that subject. Are there groups in that subject that are underserved ? What information can you gather for new information about trends and new ideas based on what you discover ? How does Finance relate to various areas of people's lives ? Since you are close to the subject, you would have to be inspired if you want to do it focused on Finance. Get some ideas from finance textbook indexes, focus on one chapter of finance that you especially like and give it your unique style. Use your own innate inspiration so that it will have a sense of originality.
Your project is for your experience. You already have many extracurriculars, very good grades and although you can include your project on your college applications and a resume, it's really for the experience and it alone is not a determining factor for entry into a top 20 college. I do not think you need to worry because you have been and are on the right track.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in 10th grade and beyond !
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
401
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Angelina,
Great start on your academic journey! Your current extracurriculars demonstrate a strong foundation in STEM and leadership. While these are valuable, to break into investment banking, you'll need to complement them with activities that showcase your interest in finance and business. To strengthen your profile for pursuing a finance major and breaking into investment banking, here are some passion projects and extracurriculars that can align with your goals:
1. Finance/Investment Clubs
- Start a finance or investment club at your school where students can learn about the stock market, investment strategies, and financial analysis.
- Participate in stock market simulations (e.g., MarketWatch, Investopedia) or real-world investing platforms if possible.
- Compete in finance-related competitions like Wharton’s Global Youth Investment Competition.
2. Internships or Part-Time Jobs
- Look for internships at local banks, investment firms, or financial advisors. Even informal roles, such as a bank teller or financial office assistant, can give valuable insights into the industry.
- Explore "shadowing opportunities" with professionals in finance or investment banking.
3. Finance-Related Certifications
- Consider pursuing financial certifications like Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) or Coursera’s finance-related courses to get a foundational understanding of finance concepts.
4. Personal Finance Blog or YouTube Channel
- Start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel that educates your peers on personal finance, budgeting, and investment strategies. You can explore topics like stock market trends, investment tips, or financial news.
5. Investment Research & Stock Portfolio
- Build your own stock portfolio (even if simulated) and track your investments. Write about your rationale for choosing certain stocks and analyze trends.
- Publish research reports on financial markets, analyzing companies, or macroeconomic trends. This can be shared on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn.
6. Finance-Related Competitions
- Participate in or start a case competition team where you analyze financial cases, mergers and acquisitions, or market strategies (many colleges or institutions host these).
- Look into Math for Business Challenges (combining finance and math).
7. Social Impact Finance
- Create or participate in financial literacy initiatives for underprivileged communities. Teaching basic financial skills (budgeting, saving, investing) could showcase leadership and interest in finance’s societal impact.
- Start a microfinance initiative where you help local businesses or students manage small loans.
8. Leadership Roles in Clubs
- Continue taking on leadership roles in your current extracurriculars like the "Math Club or Mock Trial", emphasizing transferable skills like analytical thinking, decision-making, and communication—critical in investment banking.
9. Entrepreneurial Ventures
- If you're interested in entrepreneurship, starting a small business (e.g., selling products, managing operations) will give you experience in finance, budgeting, and risk management.
10. Business Competitions and Programs
- Participate in programs like "Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)" or "Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)", which focus on business-related skills.
- Explore **business summer programs** at top universities, such as Wharton’s Pre-College Programs or MIT Sloan’s programs for high schoolers.
Customizing Your Profile:
Since you have a strong STEM/math background, leveraging that strength is a great way to set yourself apart. For example:
- In your Math Club, consider focusing on quantitative finance or how math is used in financial modeling.
- Continue with Mock Trial and Debate to strengthen your communication and analytical skills, both crucial for investment banking.
Focusing on finance-related experiences will help you transition from a STEM/math focus to a finance profile, making you competitive for a T20 college and investment banking career.
Best wishes!
Great start on your academic journey! Your current extracurriculars demonstrate a strong foundation in STEM and leadership. While these are valuable, to break into investment banking, you'll need to complement them with activities that showcase your interest in finance and business. To strengthen your profile for pursuing a finance major and breaking into investment banking, here are some passion projects and extracurriculars that can align with your goals:
1. Finance/Investment Clubs
- Start a finance or investment club at your school where students can learn about the stock market, investment strategies, and financial analysis.
- Participate in stock market simulations (e.g., MarketWatch, Investopedia) or real-world investing platforms if possible.
- Compete in finance-related competitions like Wharton’s Global Youth Investment Competition.
2. Internships or Part-Time Jobs
- Look for internships at local banks, investment firms, or financial advisors. Even informal roles, such as a bank teller or financial office assistant, can give valuable insights into the industry.
- Explore "shadowing opportunities" with professionals in finance or investment banking.
3. Finance-Related Certifications
- Consider pursuing financial certifications like Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) or Coursera’s finance-related courses to get a foundational understanding of finance concepts.
4. Personal Finance Blog or YouTube Channel
- Start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel that educates your peers on personal finance, budgeting, and investment strategies. You can explore topics like stock market trends, investment tips, or financial news.
5. Investment Research & Stock Portfolio
- Build your own stock portfolio (even if simulated) and track your investments. Write about your rationale for choosing certain stocks and analyze trends.
- Publish research reports on financial markets, analyzing companies, or macroeconomic trends. This can be shared on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn.
6. Finance-Related Competitions
- Participate in or start a case competition team where you analyze financial cases, mergers and acquisitions, or market strategies (many colleges or institutions host these).
- Look into Math for Business Challenges (combining finance and math).
7. Social Impact Finance
- Create or participate in financial literacy initiatives for underprivileged communities. Teaching basic financial skills (budgeting, saving, investing) could showcase leadership and interest in finance’s societal impact.
- Start a microfinance initiative where you help local businesses or students manage small loans.
8. Leadership Roles in Clubs
- Continue taking on leadership roles in your current extracurriculars like the "Math Club or Mock Trial", emphasizing transferable skills like analytical thinking, decision-making, and communication—critical in investment banking.
9. Entrepreneurial Ventures
- If you're interested in entrepreneurship, starting a small business (e.g., selling products, managing operations) will give you experience in finance, budgeting, and risk management.
10. Business Competitions and Programs
- Participate in programs like "Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)" or "Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)", which focus on business-related skills.
- Explore **business summer programs** at top universities, such as Wharton’s Pre-College Programs or MIT Sloan’s programs for high schoolers.
Customizing Your Profile:
Since you have a strong STEM/math background, leveraging that strength is a great way to set yourself apart. For example:
- In your Math Club, consider focusing on quantitative finance or how math is used in financial modeling.
- Continue with Mock Trial and Debate to strengthen your communication and analytical skills, both crucial for investment banking.
Focusing on finance-related experiences will help you transition from a STEM/math focus to a finance profile, making you competitive for a T20 college and investment banking career.
Best wishes!
Olivia McDonnell
Consulting
24
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Angelina,
There's a few things to consider for both T20 schools and IB. First is your GPA. Congratulations on already having a great GPA. I bring this up to make sure you maintain it. Don't overburden yourself with other activities to a point where your GPA suffers. This is important because both T20 schools and IB weigh GPA heavily. Next, you may want to diversify your experience a bit via volunteer projects in the community or internships/PT work in business. The volunteer experience doesn't have to be a major gesture. It is meant to show that you are active in your community and well rounded. The PT work/internship can be in a variety of roles. For example, I worked PT at a law office to help with their filing/billing process. I also worked at a big bank which offered high school internships on a limited basis as a pathway program for those interested in finance. Regardless of what you do next, remember to have fun and not to put to much pressure on yourself. You seem to have great experiences that will be invaluable as you start your career.
There's a few things to consider for both T20 schools and IB. First is your GPA. Congratulations on already having a great GPA. I bring this up to make sure you maintain it. Don't overburden yourself with other activities to a point where your GPA suffers. This is important because both T20 schools and IB weigh GPA heavily. Next, you may want to diversify your experience a bit via volunteer projects in the community or internships/PT work in business. The volunteer experience doesn't have to be a major gesture. It is meant to show that you are active in your community and well rounded. The PT work/internship can be in a variety of roles. For example, I worked PT at a law office to help with their filing/billing process. I also worked at a big bank which offered high school internships on a limited basis as a pathway program for those interested in finance. Regardless of what you do next, remember to have fun and not to put to much pressure on yourself. You seem to have great experiences that will be invaluable as you start your career.