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What is the most prevalent trait in successful businesspeople in the finance sector??
I am a freshman finance major who is going to be interning as a treasury intern this summer.
40 answers
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
A good question! And I agree with all of the above, but might add something a little bit different. Be CURIOUS! The more you strive to understand different perspectives, the more you want to understand the "why behind the why", the more you want to understand what makes people tick....all of this is an informal education in itself. I found that curious people are more informed than their peers and thus successful!
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Matt’s Answer
Hi Mateo! I'd say you've already got a good start considering you are willing to reach out and communicate with others. To put it simply, I think the most important trait for a financial professional to possess is a solid business acumen. Finance is an extremely broad subject matter and encompasses several fields including: accounting, economics, and statistics. However, without a fundamental understanding of what business is and why consumers and producers even bother conducting business is crucial to have a successful career as financial professional. To accomplish a well rounded knowledge base I would suggest immersing yourself in as much business news and literature as possible. Choose a topic that interests you and if you can't find something just consider your daily life and your personal interactions with businesses as a starting point. From there, taking your business and specifically finance courses should help engrain the underlying mechanics and nuanced aspects of finance in general. It takes years to learn and understand everything that the general finance field has to offer and even then a vast majority of financial professionals usually only practice 1-10% of the total material you might typically learn during a finance undergraduate program. All the best!
Consider reading news articles and staying up to date on business activities
Adjust to your courses and hone your abilities within one, or a few, broad subject matters
Connect with individuals within the field of your choosing
Apply to positions that align with your skills and interests
Continue learning on the fast evolving world of finance
Matt recommends the following next steps:
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Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Mateo,
I have worked with a lot of interns during my time at Deloitte. I would say the best qualities of interns I have worked with include being on time, having a positive attitude, and a willingness to take on new projects. As an intern, it is more about your attitude than your technical capabilities. We do not expect our interns to be auditing geniuses but we do expect them to have a good attitude and be pleasant to work with.
Good luck with your internship!
I have worked with a lot of interns during my time at Deloitte. I would say the best qualities of interns I have worked with include being on time, having a positive attitude, and a willingness to take on new projects. As an intern, it is more about your attitude than your technical capabilities. We do not expect our interns to be auditing geniuses but we do expect them to have a good attitude and be pleasant to work with.
Good luck with your internship!
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Sarah’s Answer
I would say what separates successful individuals in any industry are their communication skills as well as humility. Being able to communicate in various situations is such an important skill - not only making sure you get your point across, but also ensuring that the other party has understood your point as you intended. Avoiding miscommunications will save you so much time and energy in the long run. Humility is another trait I see in individuals I admire - their acknowledgement that there is always something new to learn, either from constant innovations in our world or from the different people you work with throughout your career, this openness to new perspectives will make you a better leader.
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Tom’s Answer
Hello! This is a great question, but if you ask 100 people you might get 50 different answers. In my opinion, you must have a lot of attention to detail. This is true for every level and sector within finance, from analyst to managing director. When it comes to financial analysis, attention to detail is the way that you will be able to recognize and act on different problems that will inevitably arise. Whether that is noticing a typo/issue within a spreadsheet/dataset or recognizing a trend in your financial statements.
The other thing that I believe allows you to climb the ladder within Finance is people skills. Finance is a quantitative industry, and good quantitative skills are a prerequisite to enter. What separates a senior manager or director from an analyst is their ability to relay the information to others who may not be very good at understanding finance. Think of yourself as a translator, who may be explaining your findings to someone who is not financially savvy. I have found that people skills are rarely found but always appreciated within an industry like Finance.
Work hard on yourself, your job, and always be available. Remember that your managers and colleagues were once in your shoes, they are willing to help if you are willing to learn. Take pride in your work and begin to build your brand Mateo!
I am sure that you are going to kill it in your internship this summer. Go get after it!
The other thing that I believe allows you to climb the ladder within Finance is people skills. Finance is a quantitative industry, and good quantitative skills are a prerequisite to enter. What separates a senior manager or director from an analyst is their ability to relay the information to others who may not be very good at understanding finance. Think of yourself as a translator, who may be explaining your findings to someone who is not financially savvy. I have found that people skills are rarely found but always appreciated within an industry like Finance.
Work hard on yourself, your job, and always be available. Remember that your managers and colleagues were once in your shoes, they are willing to help if you are willing to learn. Take pride in your work and begin to build your brand Mateo!
I am sure that you are going to kill it in your internship this summer. Go get after it!
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Keiana’s Answer
Hi Mateo, I think what makes a person successful in the Finance sector is truly the desire to tell stories through numbers. Rather it be visualization, data interpretation, researching financial variances, etc. Alot of times dealing with a vast amount of data requires patience, diligence, and again the desire to work with people and numbers. You have to understand you'll be working on fast, tight deadlines. And if you are servicing Finance Business Partners, the data you are complying will be critical in helping business partners make imperative financial decisions. No pressure :) but understand it's a lot of hard work and sometimes long hours. However, the professional payoff is astounding.

Jonathan Mann
I am a consultant advising clients in the oil & gas sector on financial transactions and transformations.
5
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New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Mateo,
Nice to meet you! I think it is excellent that as a freshman in college you are already thinking about this question and ALSO have an internship in treasury for the summer. I think a few of the most important characteristics of being a successful business person in finance are:
1) having a love for numbers and an appreciation for detail. Businesses (and management) have to trust that their Finance departments are paying close attention to detail. When numbers are balancing or aren't as expected, Finance people have to get to the bottom of it. Once people lose trust in the data, they will lose trust in you -- so pay close attention to detail!
2) being a strong communicator and storyteller - a big role of people in Finance is telling a story and explaining things to people that are NOT Finance people or strong with numbers / data / detail. Focusing on your ability to tell a story through both your words and charts, power point slides, etc. will make your audience better appreciate Finance details. You are the sync between the detail and your audience.
Good luck on your internship - be open to anything and everything that your team needs help with - that is how you will learn the most.
Nice to meet you! I think it is excellent that as a freshman in college you are already thinking about this question and ALSO have an internship in treasury for the summer. I think a few of the most important characteristics of being a successful business person in finance are:
1) having a love for numbers and an appreciation for detail. Businesses (and management) have to trust that their Finance departments are paying close attention to detail. When numbers are balancing or aren't as expected, Finance people have to get to the bottom of it. Once people lose trust in the data, they will lose trust in you -- so pay close attention to detail!
2) being a strong communicator and storyteller - a big role of people in Finance is telling a story and explaining things to people that are NOT Finance people or strong with numbers / data / detail. Focusing on your ability to tell a story through both your words and charts, power point slides, etc. will make your audience better appreciate Finance details. You are the sync between the detail and your audience.
Good luck on your internship - be open to anything and everything that your team needs help with - that is how you will learn the most.
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Joseph’s Answer
Hi Mateo - you've received a lot of great answers already but I would also mention being flexible I couldn't count the number of times where I planned for my day and then by 10am it has gone off the rails and I've had to adapt to a whole new schedule or plan. Being able to be flexible and efficiently pivot to different tasks is a great skill to have and one that I always look for on my team.
Always be open to new things and opportunities. This will help add to your ever growing "toolbox". And you never know, you might find something you are very interested in!
Always be open to new things and opportunities. This will help add to your ever growing "toolbox". And you never know, you might find something you are very interested in!
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Francesco’s Answer
5 of the most important skills to think about and focus on:
Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze complex financial data and market trends is crucial. Successful finance professionals can interpret data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions based on their analyses.
Attention to Detail: Precision is vital in finance. Whether it's managing large portfolios, conducting audits, or handling transactions, a keen eye for detail ensures accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Adaptability: The finance sector is dynamic, with constantly changing markets, regulations, and technologies. Successful individuals are adaptable, able to quickly adjust their strategies and approaches in response to new information and changing conditions.
Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for explaining complex financial concepts to clients, stakeholders, and team members. This includes both written and verbal communication, as well as the ability to listen and understand others' perspectives.
Resilience and Persistence: The finance sector can be highly competitive and stressful. Successful businesspeople exhibit resilience and persistence, maintaining their focus and motivation even in the face of setbacks and challenges. They are committed to their goals and willing to put in the necessary effort to achieve them.
Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze complex financial data and market trends is crucial. Successful finance professionals can interpret data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions based on their analyses.
Attention to Detail: Precision is vital in finance. Whether it's managing large portfolios, conducting audits, or handling transactions, a keen eye for detail ensures accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Adaptability: The finance sector is dynamic, with constantly changing markets, regulations, and technologies. Successful individuals are adaptable, able to quickly adjust their strategies and approaches in response to new information and changing conditions.
Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for explaining complex financial concepts to clients, stakeholders, and team members. This includes both written and verbal communication, as well as the ability to listen and understand others' perspectives.
Resilience and Persistence: The finance sector can be highly competitive and stressful. Successful businesspeople exhibit resilience and persistence, maintaining their focus and motivation even in the face of setbacks and challenges. They are committed to their goals and willing to put in the necessary effort to achieve them.
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Joshua’s Answer
Excellent inquiry! Drawing from my experience as an intern in a treasury department and subsequent years in finance-related positions, here are some actionable steps to enhance your performance:
Active Listening - During meetings, jot down important points. Validate your understanding of these points with your supervisor or more experienced colleagues to ensure you've grasped the correct message. If your notes are well-organized and clear, don't hesitate to share a summary of the discussion and the next steps (who does what and when) with others. They'll appreciate having a concise recap.
Proactive Responsiveness - Don't just passively receive information, but determine how to implement it. Unlike in school, the workplace won't always provide step-by-step instructions. Therefore, when you receive feedback, promptly demonstrate that you're taking action based on it. This proactive approach will certainly impress your colleagues.
These are just a few strategies that I've observed to be effective in setting individuals apart. Best of luck with your internship!
Active Listening - During meetings, jot down important points. Validate your understanding of these points with your supervisor or more experienced colleagues to ensure you've grasped the correct message. If your notes are well-organized and clear, don't hesitate to share a summary of the discussion and the next steps (who does what and when) with others. They'll appreciate having a concise recap.
Proactive Responsiveness - Don't just passively receive information, but determine how to implement it. Unlike in school, the workplace won't always provide step-by-step instructions. Therefore, when you receive feedback, promptly demonstrate that you're taking action based on it. This proactive approach will certainly impress your colleagues.
These are just a few strategies that I've observed to be effective in setting individuals apart. Best of luck with your internship!
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Crystal’s Answer
This is a great question and I agree with the other responses. I would recommend having a positive attitude and an open mind. This will help you learn more and succeed during your internship. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. We don't expect our interns to arrive knowing everything, so take this opportunity to learn what you can. Good luck with your internship!
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Thomas’s Answer
Hi Mateo, I agree with what everyone else has written above and echo the same! I think a big part of what most "Finance" people share is a desire to constantly learn more, a sense of curiosity, attention to detail and not being afraid to ask questions. I think a big part of Corporate Finance is trying to think a step ahead and critically think "if this were to happen, what would be the result" and how does that result change if something else were to also change at the same time.
Congrats on the internship! Don't be afraid to ask questions, and ask people what their story/career path is. Everyone has a different path on how they ended up in the profession they're in, and have different perspectives on things they've learned along the way. Don't be afraid to ask them about their path and what they've learned! Good Luck!
Congrats on the internship! Don't be afraid to ask questions, and ask people what their story/career path is. Everyone has a different path on how they ended up in the profession they're in, and have different perspectives on things they've learned along the way. Don't be afraid to ask them about their path and what they've learned! Good Luck!
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clayton’s Answer
Hello Mateo,
1. Having a Dream (Vision): Successful business people know exactly what they want to achieve. They have a dream, and they're determined to make it happen.
2. Bouncing Back (Resilience): Business can be tough, with lots of ups and downs. The best business people don't let the hard times get them down. They pick themselves up and keep going.
3. Big Picture Thinking (Strategic Thinking): Successful business people always think ahead. They can see how today's decisions will affect their business in the future, and they plan accordingly.
4. Good at Talking and Listening (Strong Communication): In business, you need to be able to explain your ideas clearly and convince people to agree with you. But you also need to listen to what others have to say.
5. Understanding Feelings (Emotional Intelligence): Being good in business isn't just about making money. It's also about understanding how you and the people around you feel. This can help you work better with others and make smarter decisions.
6. Being Flexible (Adaptability): Things change fast in business. The best business people can roll with the punches and adjust their plans when they need to.
7. Never Giving Up (Perseverance): Running a business is hard work. Successful business people don't quit when things get tough. They keep going and never give up on their dreams.
8. Making Friends in Business (Networking Skills): Knowing the right people can make a big difference in business. Successful people are good at making connections and building relationships that can help them in their careers.
9. Willing to Take Chances (Risk Tolerance): Sometimes, you have to take chances to succeed in business. The best business people know how to take smart risks, not just random ones.
10. Always Learning (Continuous Learning): Even when they're at the top, successful business people keep learning. They're always looking for ways to get better and stay ahead of the game.
1. Having a Dream (Vision): Successful business people know exactly what they want to achieve. They have a dream, and they're determined to make it happen.
2. Bouncing Back (Resilience): Business can be tough, with lots of ups and downs. The best business people don't let the hard times get them down. They pick themselves up and keep going.
3. Big Picture Thinking (Strategic Thinking): Successful business people always think ahead. They can see how today's decisions will affect their business in the future, and they plan accordingly.
4. Good at Talking and Listening (Strong Communication): In business, you need to be able to explain your ideas clearly and convince people to agree with you. But you also need to listen to what others have to say.
5. Understanding Feelings (Emotional Intelligence): Being good in business isn't just about making money. It's also about understanding how you and the people around you feel. This can help you work better with others and make smarter decisions.
6. Being Flexible (Adaptability): Things change fast in business. The best business people can roll with the punches and adjust their plans when they need to.
7. Never Giving Up (Perseverance): Running a business is hard work. Successful business people don't quit when things get tough. They keep going and never give up on their dreams.
8. Making Friends in Business (Networking Skills): Knowing the right people can make a big difference in business. Successful people are good at making connections and building relationships that can help them in their careers.
9. Willing to Take Chances (Risk Tolerance): Sometimes, you have to take chances to succeed in business. The best business people know how to take smart risks, not just random ones.
10. Always Learning (Continuous Learning): Even when they're at the top, successful business people keep learning. They're always looking for ways to get better and stay ahead of the game.
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Jonathan L.’s Answer
The most prevalent trait in successful businesspeople in the finance sector is adaptability. This trait is crucial due to the dynamic nature of the finance industry, which is constantly influenced by global economic conditions, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. Successful finance professionals are those who can quickly adapt to new situations, learn continuously, and apply their knowledge to solve complex problems and capitalize on new opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of why adaptability is so vital:
Key Aspects of Adaptability in Finance
- Navigating Regulatory Changes
- Technological Proficiency
- Innovative Problem Solving
While adaptability is critical, other supporting traits include:
- Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data and economic trends to make informed decisions.
- Ethical Judgment: Maintaining integrity and ethical standards in all dealings, crucial in building trust in finance.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for explaining complex financial concepts and building relationships with clients and stakeholders.
Key Aspects of Adaptability in Finance
- Navigating Regulatory Changes
- Technological Proficiency
- Innovative Problem Solving
While adaptability is critical, other supporting traits include:
- Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data and economic trends to make informed decisions.
- Ethical Judgment: Maintaining integrity and ethical standards in all dealings, crucial in building trust in finance.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for explaining complex financial concepts and building relationships with clients and stakeholders.
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Garrett’s Answer
Adaptability
Team Player
Think outside the box
Proactive communication / asking questions
Willingness to work hard
Team Player
Think outside the box
Proactive communication / asking questions
Willingness to work hard
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Prahlad’s Answer
I think the most important traits to be successful are:
1) showing the curiosity to always explore and learn
2) positive mindset and attitude
3) being a team player (and being good with collaboration)
4) spontaneity
5) excellent verbal and communication skills
6) structured/logical thinking to solving a problem
1) showing the curiosity to always explore and learn
2) positive mindset and attitude
3) being a team player (and being good with collaboration)
4) spontaneity
5) excellent verbal and communication skills
6) structured/logical thinking to solving a problem
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