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How can I use connections in the finance world to land a future career?
Senior at Harrison High School in New York
Majoring in Finance at Fairfield University
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4 answers
Updated
Adriana’s Answer
Networking is key in the finance world. Here’s how you can use your connections to build your career:
Start Early: Begin networking while you're still in school. Join finance clubs and attend events.
Use LinkedIn: Connect with finance professionals and join relevant groups.
Attend Events: Go to conferences and seminars to meet people in the industry.
Find a Mentor: A mentor can guide you and introduce you to their network.
Informational Interviews: Talk to professionals to learn about their careers and make connections.
Stay in Touch: Keep in contact with your network by sending updates and checking in.
Be Genuine: Build real relationships by being yourself and showing interest in others.
Networking is about building relationships, not just collecting contacts. Good luck!
Start Early: Begin networking while you're still in school. Join finance clubs and attend events.
Use LinkedIn: Connect with finance professionals and join relevant groups.
Attend Events: Go to conferences and seminars to meet people in the industry.
Find a Mentor: A mentor can guide you and introduce you to their network.
Informational Interviews: Talk to professionals to learn about their careers and make connections.
Stay in Touch: Keep in contact with your network by sending updates and checking in.
Be Genuine: Build real relationships by being yourself and showing interest in others.
Networking is about building relationships, not just collecting contacts. Good luck!
Updated
Leo’s Answer
Start by engaging with industry professionals through events and online platforms like LinkedIn, where you can connect with Fairfield University alumni and join finance-related groups. Seek mentorship, conduct informational interviews, and gain practical experience through internships and part-time jobs.
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Congratulations on graduating from high school and starting college, Colin. Fairfield University is a terrific place, and I hope you have a great experience there.
Adriana gave you excellent advice. I would like to emphasize her last two points. Networking should be based on mutually-beneficial relationships. Yes, you are the one looking for internships or jobs, but you still have something to offer them. It might be knowledge of newer technology or familiarity with social media that they don't have. Or you may see an article, video, or podcast about their company, field of finance, or perhaps one of their outside interests that they have not seen yet. As you build your network, there may be someone in it that they want to meet. In other words, look for opportunities to connect without asking them for something.
Fairfield's business school is very good. Once you are there, look for opportunities to connect with alumni through the business school and general careers office. Go to on-campus talks by business people and email them thank you notes. That shows courtesy and is a way to connect without asking for something.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Adriana gave you excellent advice. I would like to emphasize her last two points. Networking should be based on mutually-beneficial relationships. Yes, you are the one looking for internships or jobs, but you still have something to offer them. It might be knowledge of newer technology or familiarity with social media that they don't have. Or you may see an article, video, or podcast about their company, field of finance, or perhaps one of their outside interests that they have not seen yet. As you build your network, there may be someone in it that they want to meet. In other words, look for opportunities to connect without asking them for something.
Fairfield's business school is very good. Once you are there, look for opportunities to connect with alumni through the business school and general careers office. Go to on-campus talks by business people and email them thank you notes. That shows courtesy and is a way to connect without asking for something.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Updated
Antonette Nicole’s Answer
Try using LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the finance industry and reach out to HR representatives at leading financial companies. Look for any internship or cadetship programs they might be offering now or in the near future.