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What kinds of classes or jobs should I be applying to or taking during high school if I want to go into finance?

I'm currently a junior in high school and might be interested in finance. Are there any jobs or internships I should be trying to get myself into already? Any classes I should take in school that would be beneficial to me?

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Thank you comment icon I would recommend taking AP courses or college level courses while in high school. Economics and accounting courses will necessary if your intentions are to pursue a career in finance. Erika
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Anton’s Answer

Economics is absolutely vital! It delves into human behavior in a world where resources are limited. Finance, on the other hand, is a specialized branch of economics that focuses on money as the scarce resource. Grasping human behavior through the lens of economics can lay the groundwork for understanding financial trends, products, and more. The way humans behave when buying and selling lumber mirrors how they act when buying and selling capital. Therefore, mastering the basics is crucial.
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NATALE’s Answer

Hi Adilay,
Some great ideas for help with some potential job avenues is checking local job fairs. It's fun to find out what people do and why they like it. I work in Insurance and became a licensed agent while working and my company paid for it! Also, look at options for benefits packages with companies because lots of the time there is tuition assistance to help pay for classes per year from the company. Good luck!
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Stephen’s Answer

Best of luck in your academic pursuits. It depends on what coursework your current school offers. If your school does not offer economics or finance classes, I'd focus on doing as much mathematics as possible. Regarding internships, etc, you may want to stop by your local bank, to see what opportunities they offer.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Adilay
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Thomas’s Answer

While still in high school, I would recommend pursuing, to the extent available, classes in writing, mathematics, and economics. These types of classes directly and indirectly help build core skills that would be useful for a job in the financial services industry as well as many other careers should your interests change over time. Any finance / business related clubs are good options if your high school does offer any. Typically, accounting, corporate finance, etc. classes would be taken in college instead of high school; however, if these are available to you than they would be great options as well. An additional idea for you is to have an online simulation investment portfolio where you can experience the ups and down of investing in the equity markets without actually having to have the money to start an investment account; one of the key lessons to learn is the power of compounding returns over longer periods of time. The other main recommendation I would have for you is to read several books under the broader topic of finance in your free time. This can be an interesting, fun, and educational way to learn more about the vast array of different areas of financial services and often these books are written as exciting narratives instead of like a textbook. For example, it may be insightful to read a book on the 2008 financial crisis.

It will be a bit tough to get internships in high school related to finance, but taking the steps to help set yourself up to get into more highly ranked universities (such as obtaining broader job and school activity experiences, getting good grades, etc.) is ultimately going to help you have the best chances for future finance internships as a college student.
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Chosen Osarodion’s Answer

As a high school junior interested in finance, here are some key classes and job/internship opportunities to consider that will help build a solid foundation:

### **Classes to Take**:
1. **Math Courses**:
- **Advanced Mathematics**: Finance relies heavily on math, so focus on advanced classes like calculus, statistics, and algebra to sharpen your analytical skills.
- **AP Economics (if available)**: A basic understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics is critical in finance.
- **Business or Accounting**: If your school offers any business or accounting classes, they will provide a practical understanding of financial principles.

2. **Computer Science**:
- Basic programming or data analysis classes can be beneficial, as finance increasingly involves data analytics and financial modeling.

3. **Finance/Investment Clubs**:
- Join or start a finance or investment club at your school. This can provide hands-on experience in understanding markets, investments, and managing finances.

### **Jobs/Internships**:
1. **Bank Internships**:
- Some banks offer internships to high school students, allowing you to gain practical experience in customer service, managing accounts, and understanding basic banking operations.

2. **Part-Time Jobs in Retail or Sales**:
- Jobs that deal with handling money, such as cashiering, can provide valuable experience in money management and customer interaction, which are useful in finance.

3. **Virtual Finance Internships/Programs**:
- Look for online platforms that offer virtual internships or finance-related certification programs for high school students. For example, JP Morgan or Goldman Sachs offer virtual programs to get exposure to financial concepts.

4. **Volunteer with Financial Literacy Organizations**:
- Some nonprofits focus on teaching financial literacy to communities. Volunteering can help you build communication and leadership skills while learning about personal finance.

### **Extracurriculars**:
1. **DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)**:
- If your school offers DECA, it’s a great way to learn about finance and business through competitions and projects.

2. **Stock Market Games or Competitions**:
- Participating in stock market simulations or investment challenges will give you a practical understanding of trading and financial markets.

These steps will help you build a strong foundation for a future career in finance, whether you pursue it in college or explore further internships.
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Addison’s Answer

Hello Adilay,

I'd suggest you build a solid foundation in mathematics through your high school courses. This doesn't just mean traditional "math", but also includes subjects like economics, accounting, statistics, computer science, and calculus. All these subjects will equip you with a competitive edge in college and future endeavors. If you have the opportunity to take AP courses and test out of some college-level course requirements, it will significantly enhance your academic profile. Even if you decide to switch majors or career paths later on, this strong foundation will likely fulfill some of the prerequisites.

In addition to academics, consider joining some well-known finance and business clubs. Look for chapters of DECA High School Business Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Business Professionals of America (BPA), National Business Honor Society (NBHS), or any relevant investing/finance club at your high school.

Lastly, explore the possibility of part-time work at your local banks and credit unions. Working as a teller, you'll be at the forefront of customer interaction, seeing more customers than any other position. This role often leads to referrals to other business units of the bank, including mortgage, lending, and investment advice, providing a comprehensive understanding of the banking industry. It's also a good way to find out about potential summer internships.

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David’s Answer

Adilay,

-economics: important to understand the basics of both micro and macro economics. For example, supply and demand.
-accounting: this will help with understanding balance sheets, income statements and cash flows
-Excel/Power Point: you'll certain need to understand the basics of both
-business information systems: to understand how databases, CRM's, workflow tools, etc. are used in the business world
-intro to business: this will help with basic concepts such as managing teams, prioritization, managing up and how to effectively meet deliverables
-debate/public speaking: to help you understand how to form and support your positions in a meaningful way and with confidence. The public speaking class will help you to get comfortable speaking in front of large groups of people. I can't emphasize this one enough. The more practice you get the better!

I hope this helps!
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Nancy’s Answer

Adilay,

As you wrap up high school and have an interest in a Finance career, I would recommend taking courses that require critical thinking (examples include any Math course, Statistics, Economics). Check to see if there are after school activities or clubs you can participate in that reinforce business or finance skills. Leadership roles in high school clubs, such as treasurer, are very helpful as well. Additionally, lean into project work with your classmates across all your courses. Working with a team to complete assignments can be challenging, but is very good experience for a future in business.

Best of luck!

Nancy
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Adilay!

Classes and Jobs for a Career in Finance

1. Recommended High School Classes

To prepare for a career in finance, it is essential to take classes that build a strong foundation in relevant subjects. Here are some recommended courses:

Mathematics: Courses such as Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus are crucial. A solid understanding of math is vital for analyzing financial data and making informed decisions.

Economics: Taking both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics will provide insights into how economies function, the principles of supply and demand, and the impact of government policies on markets.

Business Studies: Classes that cover basic business principles, accounting, and finance can be very beneficial. Understanding how businesses operate financially is key to a career in finance.

Statistics: Knowledge of statistics is important for data analysis, risk assessment, and making predictions based on historical data.

Computer Science/Information Technology: Familiarity with spreadsheets (like Microsoft Excel) and financial modeling software is increasingly important in finance roles.

Communication Skills: Courses in English or public speaking can help develop your ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly and effectively.

2. Extracurricular Activities

Engaging in extracurricular activities can also enhance your profile:

Finance or Investment Clubs: Joining or starting a finance club at school can provide practical experience through competitions like stock market simulations or investment challenges.

Debate Team: Participating in debate can improve your analytical thinking skills and ability to articulate arguments—both valuable skills in finance.

Volunteer Work: Consider volunteering for organizations that manage budgets or finances; this could include non-profits or community organizations.

3. Job Opportunities and Internships

While you may be limited by age restrictions for formal employment, there are still opportunities to gain experience:

Part-Time Jobs: Look for part-time positions at local banks or credit unions. Even entry-level roles can provide exposure to financial services.

Internships: Some companies offer internships specifically designed for high school students interested in finance. These positions may involve assisting with administrative tasks while providing insight into the industry.

Networking Opportunities: Attend local business events or workshops related to finance. Networking with professionals can lead to mentorship opportunities or job shadowing experiences.

Online Courses/Certifications: Consider enrolling in online courses related to finance through platforms like Coursera or Khan Academy. Some certifications might also be available that could enhance your resume.

In summary, focusing on mathematics, economics, business studies, statistics, computer science, and communication skills will provide a strong academic foundation for a future career in finance. Engaging in relevant extracurricular activities and seeking out job opportunities will further enhance your experience as you prepare for college and beyond.

Probability the answer is correct: 95%

God Bless You!
JC.
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Sign up for classes that provide a solid base for business, like economics, accounting, and corporate finance. But remember, don't overlook the importance of "soft" skills such as negotiation and leadership. These can be equally (or even more) beneficial when starting a finance career. You can usually sign up for these classes during the school year, over the summer, or even online. By the summer of your junior year, it's a good idea to start an internship at a company you've researched and are interested in joining full-time after graduation. Make sure to chat with people who already work there to get a feel for the place.
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Nick’s Answer

There are a number of ways to gain experience in finance as a high school student.
1. Pursue financial-specific classes: Economics, Law, & Accounting are available in high school courses. These will give you general knowledge of the many topics that fall under Finance.
2. Many high schools have work study, clubs, etc where you could volunteer as treasurer or similar position to gain hands-on experience.
3. A summer job can provide valuable experience and resume-building for college applications.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have interest in finance.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Maths is very important in finance. Make sure academic standard of maths in high school is good.
2 Choose finance related subjects in high school, eg economy, accounting, etc
3. Attend information session hosts by finance department of colleges. Speak to the professors and alumni if you can.Also, find out the entry criteria.
4. Explore any intern opportunities working in financial institutions
5. Work hard on your academic to meet the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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