Future Graduate Prospects
Introduction
Hi, I'll begin by saying that I am new to the site and having a look through it, definitely a huge bank of content that will be very helpful in the future... Onto business.
Background
I am currently going into my second year of an engineering degree, but I have also had an interest for money, just never started doing anything until this year. I've started to read investment books and financial times on a regular basis. I've also started looking into programming languages to add to my technical skills. I have been doing some extensive reading and understand that employers, especially the larger corporate companies such as Goldman and Barclays for example, do tend to look at not only economy and finance graduates but also mathematical degree graduates.
I am a realistic individual and I don't want to fantasise about a fancy white collar city job straight out of an engineering degree at a lower end university but I also know that if I put my mind to something and have the right drive and motivation for my goal, I can achieve anything that I set myself.
So really I am here looking for your fine opinions or advise if you are happy to give on what steps I could take to at least give myself a fighting chance for a career in finance. I will be 26 when I finish university, and currently I don't have that many skills to put on a resume but I will die trying if I have to.
I know that it is essential to secure a summer internship in the city. Unfortunately, again, I believe applications for internships will begin opening and I will want to apply as soon as possible, but I won't have any financial skills or work experience to put down.
One more question
For those who know about engineering accreditation, my university offers two degree pathways, a BSc in Electronic Engineering and a BEng in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, both accredited but the BSc essentially means more practical and a slightly easier work load, which could mean I have more time to learn more about the finance industry and I graduate as an "incorporated engineer" where as, the BEng is heavier on the workload but naturally you graduate with a degree that sets you on the path to becoming a "chartered engineer". Would the finance industry care whether you have a bachelor of science or a bachelor of engineering, as long as you finish with a 1st class honours?
Thanks to anyone and everyone who responds to this post! I really appreciate anything!
