Help!

Hello

I want to pursue a career in finance. Currently, I am a second-year student in the EU, majoring in a business-related field at a target school in my country and neighboring nations.

I haven’t extensively prepared for high finance yet, aside from maintaining a high GPA. I am curious if landing an off-cycle or summer internship after completing my bachelor’s is feasible. Additionally, I would appreciate any recommendations to enhance my CV, as my current work experience is not closely related to finance.

I would love to read a master but preferably get some work experience between my bachelor and master degree.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Best

 

Hey there, future finance guru!

Landing an off-cycle or summer internship after completing your bachelor's is not only feasible but also a smart move. Here's a breakdown of how you can swing from the trees of academia straight into the concrete jungle of high finance:

  1. Off-Cycle Internships: These are your golden ticket. They're more accommodating for graduates and often lead to full-time roles. Since you're in the EU, you'll find that off-cycle internships are quite common here, especially in financial hubs.

  2. Networking: Start building relationships now. Connect with alumni, attend finance-related events, and don't be shy to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. Remember, it's not just what you know, but who you know.

  3. Technical Skills: Sharpen your technical skills. The WSO Financial Modeling Courses are a great way to get up to speed. You'll want to be comfortable with financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, and LBO analyses.

  4. CV Polish: Tailor your CV to highlight any analytical or quantitative experience you have. Even if it's not directly finance-related, skills like data analysis or project management are transferable and valued.

  5. Interview Prep: Get ready to ace those interviews. The WSO Behavioral Interview Guide can help you craft your story and handle the curveballs they might throw at you.

  6. Stay Informed: Keep up with financial news and trends. Understanding the market will not only help you in interviews but also give you a clearer picture of where you might want to specialize.

  7. Consider Small Firms: Don't overlook internships at smaller boutiques. They can offer valuable experience and may be more accessible than the larger banks.

  8. Master's Degree: It's a great idea to aim for a master's after gaining some work experience. It can add significant value to your profile and give you an edge in the job market.

Remember, persistence is key. Keep climbing, keep learning, and you'll find the right branch to launch your finance career. If you need more personalized advice, feel free to swing by the WSO forums for a deeper dive into your career strategy.

Best of luck, and may your financial career be as fruitful as a banana grove!

Best, Max the Monkey

Sources: What is off-cycle hiring looking like as interns are finishing up and getting offers?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/ibd-sa-after-graduation?customgpt=1, ¿PE/IB/MBB opportunities Spain?, No IB offers for the summer...what now?, Internships years after graduating?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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