Is mentioning that I come from a first-gen, low-income family too personal?
Thinking about grit as one of my strengths and wanted to highlight my background as an example of the challenges I've had to overcome. Would that be a good example? Is it too personal? Thanks
Honestly...people will be able to tell whether you say anything or not.
That's not necessarily a bad thing -- and you should certainly highlight tenacity as a strength -- but I would use examples such as working part-time and managing college courses instead of which 'admissions categories' you fall under. You do not want to appear to have any sort of chip on your shoulder. You earned the interview so act like you belong.
Frankly, I would just say 'be yourself,' as cliche as that might be. Yes, many of your fellow applicants will be buddy buddy with current bankers, but you can't let it get inside your head.
And if you're not too late in your college career, you probably fall under some banks' DEI programs. Take advantage of those to the extent you qualify
There are no programs for first gen low income
You can throw it in, but dont make that the bulk of your answer .
State tenacity as a strength, name an example at the workplace/an extracurricular activity, the thought process that makes you able to remain this way in your endeavors, and THEN say that your background aided you in developing this.
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In my opinion, too personal. Some people will respect it but ultimately finance is full of people from wealthy families (think top boarding/prep schools to Ivies) and you end up seeming like an outsider. Worst case, you end up coming off as having a chip on your shoulder.
That being said, if someone brings it up, feel free to mention your story too. Remember, it’s all about showing them that you’re one of them.
Make it personalized to show how hard of a worker you are rather than just "I'm low income". As others are saying, this is not a DEI category for banks + a lot of people in finance grew up wealthy, so use the experiences rather than just the category.
For example, people will respect the hell out of you working full time to pay your own tuition during school, or mentioning that you grew up in the inner city and bootstrapped your way to a target school - but just being first-gen/low-income in and of itself isn't a big help. The examples are really key
There’s a way to say this without coming across has trying to play a diversity card which people will hate. Outright saying, “I’m a first-gen, low income student” makes you look entitled and liberal. Instead, part of your story can include those details:
”my parents immigrated and my dad was a tailor, I had to work in college to put myself through and will work harder than anyone because I get this is a once in a life time opportunity. I know it sounds corny, but I want to give my eventual kids opportunities I didn’t have and I want to help my parents and I think this job will help me do that.”
Wouldn’t say exactly that, but you get the difference? College kids and liberals play status and “privilege” like trading cards and have buzzwords. Real people just explain their circumstances personally and logically and it becomes obvious what your circumstances and drive are and it connects with people.
Agree with this OP, make it story but still wouldn’t mention anything slightly political such as immigration. Know it’s cringe but just a heads up. Even bringing up future kids too tbh.
This makes perfect sense! Thanks
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