“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly.
One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application.
Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps.
Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress.
What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications.
Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention.
I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”
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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