In need of guidence/ What should I do?
Im a freshman at a non target nearing the end of the academic year in june and have so far was able to do the Goldman Sachs possibilities Summit. The clubs at my school are not very good at all and the main clubs campus in Seattle doesn't accept students from the other campus. Im trying to get into the Investment industry like Asset Management, Equity Research and Portfolio Management buy side things. I know those roles are different Im just trying to focus on the one I like the most but overall making investment decisions and the markets is what intrests me. Im trying to figure out what to do besides just school and this freshman program is their any suggestions on projects, technicals, networking, or just things I can do in general to get ahead of the game. I appreciate any and all help ! Thank you so much !!!
To get ahead in the investment industry as a freshman at a non-target school, here’s a roadmap based on the most helpful WSO content:
1. Build Technical Skills
2. Start Personal Projects
3. Network Strategically
4. Gain Relevant Experience
5. Stay Informed and Curious
6. Plan for the Long Term
7. Leverage the Numbers Game
By focusing on these areas, you’ll build a strong foundation and stand out in the competitive investment industry. Remember, persistence and consistent effort are key!
Sources: Non-Target Undergrad to Non-Target Grad to Asset Management, Non-Target Undergrad to Non-Target Grad to Asset Management, Q&A: Non-Target School to Portfolio Manager at a Top Hedge Fund – 6 Years Out of Undergrad, Asset Management vs Investment Banking for exit opps into value-based hedge funds, As a freshman what should I be doing?
I'm pretty tired and already typed an essay on another post, but I'll see what I can do...
With asset management or equity research, there's general academia of corporate finance theory which can be learned in school, through Coursera or EdX, technical skills which can be taught or sharpened from financial modelling courses (BIWS, Wall Street Prep, CFI) or recruitment guides for technical interview questions (walk me through...), and finally knowledge of the industry or ecosystem.
What I'd recommend is just creating a club or side project and building from there via trial and error. Pick a niche you like, it could be industry updates on a monthly basis for finance and real estate, it could be financial modelling with a different sector every three months, it could be equity market analysts, a live podcast showing how news affects equity markets, or any number of things. Pick something and build from there. Don't know how to financially model? YouTube and trial and error. Can't write a newsletter? Put out some terrible ones and learn what other folks do. Have no clue how news affects equity markets? Watch some financial news networks and see what parallels they draw from tarriffs and trade wars to AI Chip manufacturing.
On the knowledge of the industry front, NETWORK. Send me a message and I'll reply with my coffee chat framework, but the gist is: reach out to people from a place of gratitude and curiousity. Do that consistently and you'll build your knowledge steadily.
Once you've done that, the last step is to prepare for internships (knowing the timeline, requirements, good grades, etc.). That pretty much gives you a Coles Notes of it.
Creating a club is gonna be huge for your resume and practical knowledge, and something that finance students at most schools will probably never get to do since there are so many university investment funds out there. If you do you’ll get to leave a lasting legacy which is pretty cool in its own right
Networking and learning your technicals never hurts (AM btw) but can speak from watching others who were in my school’s fund with me pursuing banking.
Thank you so much I really do appreciate your input it’s funny cause today was my final round for that investment club in Seattle ( I harassed them until they gave me a shot ). It was a one pager equity research report. But most definitely I will sharpen those technical skills I got kinda of humbled in the interview when it came to the accounting based questions so I’ll definitely be on that aswell but I will try and start a blog post I think that is a very good idea I can use to translate my skill set. Thank you very much for your help it’s nice having someone help me honestly college has felt like me against the LinkedIn demons. GET SOME SLEEP !
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