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How to get a finance internship as a basic undergrad student?
I am an international student doing my bachelors in finance. I learn a lot of new concepts at uni but I am really unsure of how to use them in real life. I want to get my hands dirty with numbers and actually put the concepts to use but getting an internship seems to be really hard.
I am fine with doing projects relating to my field of study. Please do share your ideas on how to break into the corporate world as a fresh undergrad and gain as much experience as possible.
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7 answers
Updated
Nikita’s Answer
Hello Tara,
Don't hesitate to connect with individuals on LinkedIn who are already flourishing in the field you're passionate about. Remember, people are generally eager to lend a hand!
Ensure your resume is flawless by having it reviewed by a professional, or you can use online services to polish it yourself.
Sharpen your networking abilities and perfect your "elevator" pitch. It's crucial to know how to present yourself effectively.
Take full advantage of your university's career program, it could be a goldmine of opportunities. Engage in conversations with your professors too. They can offer invaluable advice and guidance.
Set a goal of how many individuals you want to reach out on a weekly basis.
Stay up to date with the events that happen in the field.
Don't hesitate to connect with individuals on LinkedIn who are already flourishing in the field you're passionate about. Remember, people are generally eager to lend a hand!
Ensure your resume is flawless by having it reviewed by a professional, or you can use online services to polish it yourself.
Sharpen your networking abilities and perfect your "elevator" pitch. It's crucial to know how to present yourself effectively.
Take full advantage of your university's career program, it could be a goldmine of opportunities. Engage in conversations with your professors too. They can offer invaluable advice and guidance.
Nikita recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Tara!
How to Get a Finance Internship as a Basic Undergrad Student
1. Understand the Importance of Internships in Finance
Internships are crucial for finance students as they provide practical experience, enhance your resume, and help you build a professional network. They allow you to apply theoretical knowledge gained in university to real-world scenarios, making you more attractive to future employers.
2. Leverage University Resources
Most universities have career services that can assist students in finding internships. These services often include resume workshops, interview preparation sessions, and job fairs where companies come to recruit students. Make sure to utilize these resources effectively.
Career Fairs: Attend career fairs organized by your university. Prepare your elevator pitch and bring multiple copies of your resume.
Networking Events: Participate in networking events hosted by your university or local finance organizations.
3. Build Your Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume should highlight relevant coursework, skills, and any previous work experience—even if it’s not directly related to finance. Tailor your cover letter for each application to reflect why you are interested in that specific company and how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
Skills Section: Include analytical skills, proficiency in Excel or financial modeling software, and any other relevant technical skills.
Projects: If you’ve completed projects during your studies (like case studies or group assignments), mention them as they demonstrate practical application of your knowledge.
4. Gain Relevant Experience Through Projects
If internships are hard to come by initially, consider working on personal projects or volunteering for non-profits where you can apply financial concepts:
Personal Finance Projects: Create a budget plan or investment portfolio based on hypothetical scenarios.
Volunteer Work: Offer financial literacy workshops at local community centers or schools.
Online Courses/Certifications: Consider taking online courses (e.g., Coursera, edX) that offer certifications in finance-related topics which can bolster your resume.
5. Utilize Online Job Portals
Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Seek are excellent platforms for searching internship opportunities. Set up job alerts for finance internships specifically targeted at undergraduates.
LinkedIn Networking: Connect with professionals in the finance industry; engage with their content and express genuine interest in their work.
6. Apply Strategically
When applying for internships:
Target Smaller Firms: While large corporations may have more structured internship programs, smaller firms might be more flexible and willing to take on interns without extensive experience.
Cold Outreach: Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to companies you’re interested in—even if they don’t have advertised internship positions. A well-crafted email expressing your interest can sometimes lead to opportunities.
7. Prepare for Interviews
Once you secure an interview:
Research the Company: Understand their business model, recent news articles about them, and their position within the industry.
Practice Common Interview Questions: Be prepared for both behavioral questions (e.g., “Tell me about a time when…”) and technical questions related to finance concepts.
8. Follow Up After Applications/Interviews
After submitting applications or attending interviews, send thank-you emails expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position.
By following these steps diligently and maintaining persistence throughout the process, you will increase your chances of securing an internship that provides valuable experience in the finance field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
NACE provides research-based insights into best practices for college career services and employer recruitment strategies which are essential for understanding how students can effectively secure internships.
2. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers numerous courses on resume writing, interview preparation, and networking strategies tailored specifically for students seeking internships across various industries including finance.
3. Harvard Business Review (HBR)
HBR publishes articles on career development strategies that emphasize the importance of internships and networking within corporate environments which is critical information for undergraduates entering the job market.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
How to Get a Finance Internship as a Basic Undergrad Student
1. Understand the Importance of Internships in Finance
Internships are crucial for finance students as they provide practical experience, enhance your resume, and help you build a professional network. They allow you to apply theoretical knowledge gained in university to real-world scenarios, making you more attractive to future employers.
2. Leverage University Resources
Most universities have career services that can assist students in finding internships. These services often include resume workshops, interview preparation sessions, and job fairs where companies come to recruit students. Make sure to utilize these resources effectively.
Career Fairs: Attend career fairs organized by your university. Prepare your elevator pitch and bring multiple copies of your resume.
Networking Events: Participate in networking events hosted by your university or local finance organizations.
3. Build Your Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume should highlight relevant coursework, skills, and any previous work experience—even if it’s not directly related to finance. Tailor your cover letter for each application to reflect why you are interested in that specific company and how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
Skills Section: Include analytical skills, proficiency in Excel or financial modeling software, and any other relevant technical skills.
Projects: If you’ve completed projects during your studies (like case studies or group assignments), mention them as they demonstrate practical application of your knowledge.
4. Gain Relevant Experience Through Projects
If internships are hard to come by initially, consider working on personal projects or volunteering for non-profits where you can apply financial concepts:
Personal Finance Projects: Create a budget plan or investment portfolio based on hypothetical scenarios.
Volunteer Work: Offer financial literacy workshops at local community centers or schools.
Online Courses/Certifications: Consider taking online courses (e.g., Coursera, edX) that offer certifications in finance-related topics which can bolster your resume.
5. Utilize Online Job Portals
Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Seek are excellent platforms for searching internship opportunities. Set up job alerts for finance internships specifically targeted at undergraduates.
LinkedIn Networking: Connect with professionals in the finance industry; engage with their content and express genuine interest in their work.
6. Apply Strategically
When applying for internships:
Target Smaller Firms: While large corporations may have more structured internship programs, smaller firms might be more flexible and willing to take on interns without extensive experience.
Cold Outreach: Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to companies you’re interested in—even if they don’t have advertised internship positions. A well-crafted email expressing your interest can sometimes lead to opportunities.
7. Prepare for Interviews
Once you secure an interview:
Research the Company: Understand their business model, recent news articles about them, and their position within the industry.
Practice Common Interview Questions: Be prepared for both behavioral questions (e.g., “Tell me about a time when…”) and technical questions related to finance concepts.
8. Follow Up After Applications/Interviews
After submitting applications or attending interviews, send thank-you emails expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position.
By following these steps diligently and maintaining persistence throughout the process, you will increase your chances of securing an internship that provides valuable experience in the finance field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
NACE provides research-based insights into best practices for college career services and employer recruitment strategies which are essential for understanding how students can effectively secure internships.
2. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers numerous courses on resume writing, interview preparation, and networking strategies tailored specifically for students seeking internships across various industries including finance.
3. Harvard Business Review (HBR)
HBR publishes articles on career development strategies that emphasize the importance of internships and networking within corporate environments which is critical information for undergraduates entering the job market.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Tara,
Good question! Getting a finance internship as an international student can be challenging due to factors like visa restrictions, limited networking opportunities, and competition from local students. However, with the right approach, you can overcome these hurdles and secure a valuable internship.
Strategies to Secure a Finance Internship
Leverage Your University's Resources:
Career Services: Your university's career services office can provide guidance on resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. They may also have connections with companies that offer internships.
Alumni Network: Connect with alumni working in finance. They can provide insights into the industry, offer advice, and potentially refer you for internships.
Student Organizations: Join finance-related student organizations to network with peers, learn about industry trends, and participate in competitions.
Network Aggressively:
LinkedIn: Build a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with professionals in the finance industry. Reach out to individuals in your target companies and request informational interviews.
Industry Events: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet potential employers and learn about internship opportunities.
Online Communities: Participate in online forums and communities related to finance to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights.
Highlight Your Skills and Projects:
Personal Projects: Take on personal finance projects to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. This could involve analyzing financial data, creating financial models, or conducting market research.
Coursework: Emphasize relevant coursework and assignments in your applications and interviews. Highlight specific projects or case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and understanding of finance concepts.
Tailor Your Applications:
Research Companies: Thoroughly research companies in your target industry and tailor your applications to their specific needs and values.
Cover Letters: Craft compelling cover letters that highlight your skills, experiences, and interest in the company.
Resumes: Create a clear and concise resume that showcases your academic achievements, relevant skills, and any internships or projects you've completed.
Consider Alternative Options:
Internships in Related Fields: If you're struggling to find a finance internship, consider exploring opportunities in related fields such as accounting, consulting, or investment banking. These experiences can still provide valuable skills and knowledge that can be transferable to a finance career.
Freelancing or Consulting: Utilize your skills to offer freelance or consulting services to individuals or small businesses. This can help you gain practical experience and build a portfolio of work.
Do not forget, persistence is key. Keep applying for internships, networking with professionals, and developing your skills. With dedication and a proactive approach, you can break into the corporate world and gain valuable experience as a finance undergrad.
Best wishes!
Good question! Getting a finance internship as an international student can be challenging due to factors like visa restrictions, limited networking opportunities, and competition from local students. However, with the right approach, you can overcome these hurdles and secure a valuable internship.
Strategies to Secure a Finance Internship
Leverage Your University's Resources:
Career Services: Your university's career services office can provide guidance on resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. They may also have connections with companies that offer internships.
Alumni Network: Connect with alumni working in finance. They can provide insights into the industry, offer advice, and potentially refer you for internships.
Student Organizations: Join finance-related student organizations to network with peers, learn about industry trends, and participate in competitions.
Network Aggressively:
LinkedIn: Build a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with professionals in the finance industry. Reach out to individuals in your target companies and request informational interviews.
Industry Events: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet potential employers and learn about internship opportunities.
Online Communities: Participate in online forums and communities related to finance to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights.
Highlight Your Skills and Projects:
Personal Projects: Take on personal finance projects to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. This could involve analyzing financial data, creating financial models, or conducting market research.
Coursework: Emphasize relevant coursework and assignments in your applications and interviews. Highlight specific projects or case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and understanding of finance concepts.
Tailor Your Applications:
Research Companies: Thoroughly research companies in your target industry and tailor your applications to their specific needs and values.
Cover Letters: Craft compelling cover letters that highlight your skills, experiences, and interest in the company.
Resumes: Create a clear and concise resume that showcases your academic achievements, relevant skills, and any internships or projects you've completed.
Consider Alternative Options:
Internships in Related Fields: If you're struggling to find a finance internship, consider exploring opportunities in related fields such as accounting, consulting, or investment banking. These experiences can still provide valuable skills and knowledge that can be transferable to a finance career.
Freelancing or Consulting: Utilize your skills to offer freelance or consulting services to individuals or small businesses. This can help you gain practical experience and build a portfolio of work.
Do not forget, persistence is key. Keep applying for internships, networking with professionals, and developing your skills. With dedication and a proactive approach, you can break into the corporate world and gain valuable experience as a finance undergrad.
Best wishes!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tara !
Great question, especially that you now feel ready to dig in with actual work for your Finance Major.
For an Internship in your country, you should first check with one of your Finance professors to see if the professor knows of any learning internships for the students of your college. Also check with any office on campus that provides career services to their students because they may know of some opportunities as not all Internships may be posted online so one has to look in other places, too.
The University of Melbourne does offer Internships for their students. I mention this not knowing which University you are attending, but they have Internship opportunities on their campus that would involve a student in administrative support, data analysis, and customer service. Their program is called Students @ Work. This Internship program requires putting in 14 to 21 hours a week.
Pitcher Partners Spark Intern Program is another opportunity that you might want to look into. They offer Internships in accounting, business, finance, law, and other work. I have left a link to Australian Internships for you below because they offer learning internships in many fields of work and maybe there is one for you through their program. I left the link about their Professional Internship program for which you can obtain an internship tailor made to your finance major. I also left a link below for you to seek Internships through the website Prosple. I hope you find something that you really like.
If you are not able to find an Internship, all is not lost. You can plan to do volunteer work either on campus or off campus. An offer to do volunteer work is often met with acceptance by an company because everyone needs additional help so your chances of calling it and offering your services as a volunteer may be met with more acceptance than asking for an Internship. But I think the organizations available in the referrals below seem to be reliable and probably worth looking into for an Internship.
So, as a college student, you may not be able to "break into the corporate world" but you certainly can gain experience now and the time you spend contacting the programs I've mentioned as well as companies of your choice will be well worth the effort. You'll have to have a resume/CV and cover letter to send to places, but visiting in person and asking about internships or offering volunteer work will pay off too.
I hope that this is helps with starting your venture for an Internship and I wish you well in all you do !
AUSTRALIAN INTERNSHIPS WEBSITE https://internships.com.au/
A TAILORED TO YOUR MAJOR INTERNSHIP THROUGH AUSTRAILIAN INTERNSHIPShttps://internships.com.au/programs/professional-internship
PROSPLE WEBSITE FOR INTERNSHIPS IN AUSTRAILIA https://au.prosple.com/internships-australia
Great question, especially that you now feel ready to dig in with actual work for your Finance Major.
For an Internship in your country, you should first check with one of your Finance professors to see if the professor knows of any learning internships for the students of your college. Also check with any office on campus that provides career services to their students because they may know of some opportunities as not all Internships may be posted online so one has to look in other places, too.
The University of Melbourne does offer Internships for their students. I mention this not knowing which University you are attending, but they have Internship opportunities on their campus that would involve a student in administrative support, data analysis, and customer service. Their program is called Students @ Work. This Internship program requires putting in 14 to 21 hours a week.
Pitcher Partners Spark Intern Program is another opportunity that you might want to look into. They offer Internships in accounting, business, finance, law, and other work. I have left a link to Australian Internships for you below because they offer learning internships in many fields of work and maybe there is one for you through their program. I left the link about their Professional Internship program for which you can obtain an internship tailor made to your finance major. I also left a link below for you to seek Internships through the website Prosple. I hope you find something that you really like.
If you are not able to find an Internship, all is not lost. You can plan to do volunteer work either on campus or off campus. An offer to do volunteer work is often met with acceptance by an company because everyone needs additional help so your chances of calling it and offering your services as a volunteer may be met with more acceptance than asking for an Internship. But I think the organizations available in the referrals below seem to be reliable and probably worth looking into for an Internship.
So, as a college student, you may not be able to "break into the corporate world" but you certainly can gain experience now and the time you spend contacting the programs I've mentioned as well as companies of your choice will be well worth the effort. You'll have to have a resume/CV and cover letter to send to places, but visiting in person and asking about internships or offering volunteer work will pay off too.
I hope that this is helps with starting your venture for an Internship and I wish you well in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tara !
Great question, especially that you now feel ready to dig in with actual work for your Finance Major.
For an Internship in your country, you should first check with one of your Finance professors to see if the professor knows of any learning internships for the students of your college. Also check with any office on campus that provides career services to their students because they may know of some opportunities as not all Internships may be posted online so one has to look in other places, too.
The University of Melbourne does offer Internships for their students. I mention this not knowing which University you are attending, but they have Internship opportunities on their campus that would involve a student in administrative support, data analysis, and customer service. Their program is called Students @ Work. This Internship program requires putting in 14 to 21 hours a week.
Pitcher Partners Spark Intern Program is another opportunity that you might want to look into. They offer Internships in accounting, business, finance, law, and other work. I have left a link to Australian Internships for you below because they offer learning internships in many fields of work and maybe there is one for you through their program. I left the link about their Professional Internship program for which you can obtain an internship tailor made to your finance major. I also left a link below for you to seek Internships through the website Prosple. I hope you find something that you really like.
If you are not able to find an Internship, all is not lost. You can plan to do volunteer work either on campus or off campus. An offer to do volunteer work is often met with acceptance by a company because everyone needs additional help so your chances of calling it and offering your services as a volunteer may be met with more acceptance than asking for an Internship. But I think the organizations available in the referrals below seem to be reliable and are probably worth looking into for an Internship.
So, as a college student, you may not be able to "break into the corporate world" but you certainly can gain experience now and the time you spend contacting the programs I've mentioned as well as companies of your choice will be well worth the effort. You'll have to have a resume/CV and cover letter to send to places, but visiting in person and asking about internships or offering volunteer work will pay off too.
I hope that this is helps with starting your venture for an Internship and I wish you well in all you do !
AUSTRAILIAN INTERNSHIPS WEBSITE https://internships.com.au/
A TAILORED TO YOUR MAJOR INTERNSHIP THROUGH AUSTRAILIAN INTERNSHIPS https://internships.com.au/programs/professional-internship
PROSPLE WEBSITE FOR INTERNSHIPS IN AUSTRAILIA https://au.prosple.com/internships-australia
Great question, especially that you now feel ready to dig in with actual work for your Finance Major.
For an Internship in your country, you should first check with one of your Finance professors to see if the professor knows of any learning internships for the students of your college. Also check with any office on campus that provides career services to their students because they may know of some opportunities as not all Internships may be posted online so one has to look in other places, too.
The University of Melbourne does offer Internships for their students. I mention this not knowing which University you are attending, but they have Internship opportunities on their campus that would involve a student in administrative support, data analysis, and customer service. Their program is called Students @ Work. This Internship program requires putting in 14 to 21 hours a week.
Pitcher Partners Spark Intern Program is another opportunity that you might want to look into. They offer Internships in accounting, business, finance, law, and other work. I have left a link to Australian Internships for you below because they offer learning internships in many fields of work and maybe there is one for you through their program. I left the link about their Professional Internship program for which you can obtain an internship tailor made to your finance major. I also left a link below for you to seek Internships through the website Prosple. I hope you find something that you really like.
If you are not able to find an Internship, all is not lost. You can plan to do volunteer work either on campus or off campus. An offer to do volunteer work is often met with acceptance by a company because everyone needs additional help so your chances of calling it and offering your services as a volunteer may be met with more acceptance than asking for an Internship. But I think the organizations available in the referrals below seem to be reliable and are probably worth looking into for an Internship.
So, as a college student, you may not be able to "break into the corporate world" but you certainly can gain experience now and the time you spend contacting the programs I've mentioned as well as companies of your choice will be well worth the effort. You'll have to have a resume/CV and cover letter to send to places, but visiting in person and asking about internships or offering volunteer work will pay off too.
I hope that this is helps with starting your venture for an Internship and I wish you well in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Leisha’s Answer
Check with the career services office.
Check with your professor in finance.
Research finance companies in your area.
Check job boards like Linked In or Indeed.
Connect with finance professionals on Linked In.
Leisha recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hello Tara! Alongside the wonderful advice already given, I'd like to highlight the value of attending networking events like job or career fairs. If you haven't come across any details about these yet, it would be a good idea to get in touch with the career services at your school to find out when they're happening. These events are a fantastic chance to meet employees from various finance companies, gain insights into what sets these firms apart from the rest, and inquire about the opportunities they offer for students. It's an exciting step towards your future career!