6 answers
Zech
Student
Santa Ana, California
1
Question
Updated
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How do you get your foot into the door in the Finance Industry?
I am going to be a freshman in college; I've always been interested in money and finance and want to get started as soon as possible. #Spring25
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6 answers
Daniel Brennan
94
Answers
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Internships and externships are the best way to get your foot in the door and meet people in the industry. It is also a paid job and a way to get an understanding of what you like and what you don't like. As not every job might be the best fit for you. I completed an externship with PwC (accounting firm) as a sophomore in college. It was a great experience and gave me an understanding of what the company was about and how to be a professional. From there, it gave me connections to apply for an internship and eventually get a full time offer from the firm. It truly got my foot in the door, and it was fun! There was fancy dinners and all kinds of free fun events that were included. So not only is it helpful, but it can be a great time and also very lucrative depending on the position.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Zech
Riana Whelan
Communications & Events
4
Answers
Fresno, California
Updated
Riana’s Answer
Hi Zech!
Get involved in local networking groups, attend local business events and even pick up golfing. This can, believe it or not, open so many doors for you! Just connecting with like-minded people can connect you to the right fit into starting your career in finance. Remember, you can also lean on your current connections to help you get interviews, internships etc.
Get involved in local networking groups, attend local business events and even pick up golfing. This can, believe it or not, open so many doors for you! Just connecting with like-minded people can connect you to the right fit into starting your career in finance. Remember, you can also lean on your current connections to help you get interviews, internships etc.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Zech
Marc Merrill
Business Valuation
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marc’s Answer
Join the finance or investing club at your university and take relevant classes. Talk to your professors about finding internships and different job opportunities. Reach out to anyone in the industry, like family, friends, or their connections, to help open doors. Internships are crucial; many who succeed had early experiences that helped them get their first job quickly and set them on the right path. Start early to find out if you want to stay in a specific area of finance or try something different. The more experience you gain and the more people you meet, the stronger your network will be, helping you understand what you truly want to pursue.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Zech
Kevin Yang
Impact Investing
13
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Zech,
Great question! It's important to note that finance is an incredibly broad industry and Analyst positions cover many things -- say from wealth management (helping manage other people's portfolios), to corporate financial planning and analysis (FP&A), to investment banking (working on mergers and acquisitions). Especially for freshman, any foot-in-the-door internship or position is a great step.
If you're entering college, there may likely be a finance or investment club on campus that you may be able to join that will have members who share your interest and you'll be able to learn from. I think that's the #1 starting point! Those upperclassmen and classmates may also have knowledge of internships that typically recruit on campus, or career centers that might be able to connect you to a role. You could also explore roles that don't just take place in the summer, but during the school year part-time as well.
As you think longer term, I'd encourage you to consider what exact role in finance interests you most, as the day-to-day of investment banking looks incredibly different from wealth management. If you're interested in investing, you could open up a mock investment portfolio to practice and learn some of those skills as well.
Cheers to your professional journey ahead!
Best,
Kevin
Great question! It's important to note that finance is an incredibly broad industry and Analyst positions cover many things -- say from wealth management (helping manage other people's portfolios), to corporate financial planning and analysis (FP&A), to investment banking (working on mergers and acquisitions). Especially for freshman, any foot-in-the-door internship or position is a great step.
If you're entering college, there may likely be a finance or investment club on campus that you may be able to join that will have members who share your interest and you'll be able to learn from. I think that's the #1 starting point! Those upperclassmen and classmates may also have knowledge of internships that typically recruit on campus, or career centers that might be able to connect you to a role. You could also explore roles that don't just take place in the summer, but during the school year part-time as well.
As you think longer term, I'd encourage you to consider what exact role in finance interests you most, as the day-to-day of investment banking looks incredibly different from wealth management. If you're interested in investing, you could open up a mock investment portfolio to practice and learn some of those skills as well.
Cheers to your professional journey ahead!
Best,
Kevin
Kevin, thank you!
Zech
Luke Cardozo
Auditor
2
Answers
Rohnert Park, California
Updated
Luke’s Answer
Hi Zech,
I would check to see if your college has an accounting/finance club on campus. Often these clubs will hold career fairs once to twice a year which allow you to network and seek employment opportunities.
I would check to see if your college has an accounting/finance club on campus. Often these clubs will hold career fairs once to twice a year which allow you to network and seek employment opportunities.
Thank you for the advice, Luke.
Zech
Monica S.
Finance
37
Answers
Savannah, Georgia
Updated
Monica’s Answer
Hi Zech,
Thanks for sharing! The easiest and most underestimated way to break into finance is starting with a cashiering job! Being a cashier (especially at small local businesses) give you the fundamentals of finance.
Also, starting as a cashier (especially at small businesses i.e. dollar tree, dollar general, family dollar etc...) allows you to advance faster to a manager position.
This will all translate well on your resume and will open doors you wouldn't imagine. Go into the role, knowing your goals and use it as your motivation!
Take care!
Thanks for sharing! The easiest and most underestimated way to break into finance is starting with a cashiering job! Being a cashier (especially at small local businesses) give you the fundamentals of finance.
Also, starting as a cashier (especially at small businesses i.e. dollar tree, dollar general, family dollar etc...) allows you to advance faster to a manager position.
This will all translate well on your resume and will open doors you wouldn't imagine. Go into the role, knowing your goals and use it as your motivation!
Take care!
Thank you, Monie for the advice.
Zech