4 answers
Kavin
Student
Bernardsville, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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What opportunities for highschoolers related to finance are actually worth applying for, opportunities that aren't just pay-to-participate and money grabbers.?
I'm currently in Grade 11 (Junior) in High School in the United States I've decided I want to pursue a Finance Major in university but am unsure about what opportunities there are that will genuinely boost my application and be worth taking in terms of experience, life-skills, and knowledge that I may gain.
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4 answers
Guillermo Cervantes
Accountant
12
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Guillermo’s Answer
Hello Kevin,
I wasn't sure whether you meant application to university or application to work during/after university, so I will give both.
In high school I would take advantage of your local chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) and university/career days/events your school may have during the school year. I would also take advantage of the Key Club, or other volunteer organizations as it may help you figure out what industry you are passionate about as well as network while you are doing good in the community. I would research groups that need help with tasks in the finance area, even if its just a tangent skill. For example, nonprofits usually need data entry/bookkeeping help.
During university, I would take advantage of participating in the clubs available at the business college. There are many groups geared towards ethnicities (ex. Asian Business Student Association), as well as interest areas (nonprofit). These will again help you find your industry of choice, and function as a network method that will make it easier to get into that industry. In terms of skill acquisition, once you find your industry area, start researching what the current pain points are, and future trends - these will help you pinpoint what you should focus on.
I hope this helps!
I wasn't sure whether you meant application to university or application to work during/after university, so I will give both.
In high school I would take advantage of your local chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) and university/career days/events your school may have during the school year. I would also take advantage of the Key Club, or other volunteer organizations as it may help you figure out what industry you are passionate about as well as network while you are doing good in the community. I would research groups that need help with tasks in the finance area, even if its just a tangent skill. For example, nonprofits usually need data entry/bookkeeping help.
During university, I would take advantage of participating in the clubs available at the business college. There are many groups geared towards ethnicities (ex. Asian Business Student Association), as well as interest areas (nonprofit). These will again help you find your industry of choice, and function as a network method that will make it easier to get into that industry. In terms of skill acquisition, once you find your industry area, start researching what the current pain points are, and future trends - these will help you pinpoint what you should focus on.
I hope this helps!
Terence Foley
Director - Digital Marketing
2
Answers
Princeton, Texas
Updated
Terence’s Answer
Hi Kavin,
It's great that you're thinking about your future in 11th grade! You're ahead of the game, and that's a big advantage.
Here's some advice: Life is long, and your thoughts and priorities will change over time. Instead of focusing only on specific business skills, work on building discipline and willpower by taking on challenging tasks. Try to get a job that interests you, show up consistently, and learn how to work well with others. These skills will be valuable throughout your life.
Also, engage in activities outside of work that build your character and make you reliable. Develop your ability to focus on tasks, build physical and mental strength, and learn how to interact with people effectively. These skills are harder to master but are more valuable in the long run.
Jobs may change, but being reliable, engaging, and strong will always make you stand out.
And don't forget to have fun!
It's great that you're thinking about your future in 11th grade! You're ahead of the game, and that's a big advantage.
Here's some advice: Life is long, and your thoughts and priorities will change over time. Instead of focusing only on specific business skills, work on building discipline and willpower by taking on challenging tasks. Try to get a job that interests you, show up consistently, and learn how to work well with others. These skills will be valuable throughout your life.
Also, engage in activities outside of work that build your character and make you reliable. Develop your ability to focus on tasks, build physical and mental strength, and learn how to interact with people effectively. These skills are harder to master but are more valuable in the long run.
Jobs may change, but being reliable, engaging, and strong will always make you stand out.
And don't forget to have fun!
Alejandro Zapata Duran
Dentist
4
Answers
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Updated
Alejandro’s Answer
That’s true — the academic path in dentistry is long, but for me, it has never been just about completing years of study; it’s been about moving toward a deeper purpose. From early on, I understood how much a healthy smile can impact someone’s life, so each stage of training — from theory to clinical practice and research — became an opportunity to grow and get closer to that goal.
My motivation came from curiosity and from my desire to integrate different fields such as periodontics, implantology, and prosthetics . I’m constantly inspired by how technology can enhance precision, diagnosis, and patient care.
As for avoiding burnout, I learned to recognize my limits and maintain balance. Spending time with my wife, enjoying nature, and keeping personal space outside the academic environment helped me stay grounded and motivated. I believe sustained passion comes from combining discipline, purpose, and personal well-being.
My motivation came from curiosity and from my desire to integrate different fields such as periodontics, implantology, and prosthetics . I’m constantly inspired by how technology can enhance precision, diagnosis, and patient care.
As for avoiding burnout, I learned to recognize my limits and maintain balance. Spending time with my wife, enjoying nature, and keeping personal space outside the academic environment helped me stay grounded and motivated. I believe sustained passion comes from combining discipline, purpose, and personal well-being.
Khaimook Lerksomboonsiri
Statutory & Tax Controller
1
Answer
Bangkok, Thailand
Updated
Khaimook’s Answer
When I was your age, I also looked for “real” finance opportunities — ones that actually teach something useful, not the kind that just ask for money and print certificates. The truth is, you don’t need expensive programs to stand out. What matters is learning how to think like a finance person — curious, analytical, and responsible.
For "technical skills", I’d start small but consistent:
- Try a stock simulator or use Excel to track a few real companies and see how their prices move with news — that’s how you learn the link between business and numbers.
- Take a few hours a week to learn Excel or Google Sheets properly — it’ll be your daily tool later in finance.
- If your school offers DECA, FBLA, or an economics competition, join one. You’ll learn how to analyze data and present your logic — two things every finance student needs.
But honestly, what helped me most early on were "soft skills":
- I once helped an accounting department in school to organize their simple income/expense list — not glamorous, but it taught me about trust and accountability with money.
- Public speaking and debate trained me to explain complex things simply — that’s what finance really is about.
- And if your school doesn’t have a finance club, start one. Even five people discussing how credit cards or investments work is more valuable than a summer camp.
The best opportunities are often the ones you create yourself. Focus on learning deeply, not just collecting activities. That curiosity and consistency will show — and it’ll take you much further than any “pay-to-learn” program ever could.
For "technical skills", I’d start small but consistent:
- Try a stock simulator or use Excel to track a few real companies and see how their prices move with news — that’s how you learn the link between business and numbers.
- Take a few hours a week to learn Excel or Google Sheets properly — it’ll be your daily tool later in finance.
- If your school offers DECA, FBLA, or an economics competition, join one. You’ll learn how to analyze data and present your logic — two things every finance student needs.
But honestly, what helped me most early on were "soft skills":
- I once helped an accounting department in school to organize their simple income/expense list — not glamorous, but it taught me about trust and accountability with money.
- Public speaking and debate trained me to explain complex things simply — that’s what finance really is about.
- And if your school doesn’t have a finance club, start one. Even five people discussing how credit cards or investments work is more valuable than a summer camp.
The best opportunities are often the ones you create yourself. Focus on learning deeply, not just collecting activities. That curiosity and consistency will show — and it’ll take you much further than any “pay-to-learn” program ever could.