On-campus finance clubs

Just wondering how much on campus business/finance clubs actually matter in recruiting. What i’m seeing is that most of the upperclassmen in these clubs are going to top firms and banks, but just curious how much these actually add to a resume.
Freshman at non-ivy target (rhymes with burn)

 

On-campus finance clubs play a significant role in the recruiting process, especially for careers in high finance. Being actively involved in these clubs, particularly in leadership positions, can significantly enhance your resume. Here's why:

  1. Networking Opportunities: Finance clubs often host events with alumni and professionals from top firms. These events provide a platform for you to network, which is crucial for securing internships and full-time positions.

  2. Skill Development: Many finance clubs offer workshops and seminars on financial modeling, investment strategies, and other relevant skills. These skills are highly valued by employers and can make your resume stand out.

  3. Demonstration of Interest: Active participation in finance clubs shows a genuine interest in the field. It signals to recruiters that you are passionate about finance and are likely to be committed to a career in the industry.

  4. Leadership Experience: Holding a leadership position within a finance club can be a strong indicator of your ability to manage teams, projects, and events. Leadership skills are highly sought after by employers in all industries, including finance.

  5. Project and Investment Experience: Some finance clubs manage real investment portfolios or work on consulting projects for real companies. Participation in these activities provides practical experience that can be highly attractive to potential employers.

  6. Alumni Network: Finance clubs often have strong alumni networks. Being an active member can give you access to this network, which can be invaluable in your job search.

In summary, involvement in on-campus finance clubs can significantly impact your recruiting prospects by providing networking opportunities, skill development, and practical experience. It also demonstrates your interest and commitment to a career in finance, making you a more attractive candidate to top firms and banks.

Sources: How do I make my finance club fun?, Undergrad Investment Clubs and their impact on recruiting, Liberal Arts Undergrads: A few tips to land THE internship, UG Recruiting Part I: How a resume becomes an interview, Fraternity on resume?

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

At a non-target being apart of a finance club is typically the easiest path to success, almost every placement will be from within those clubs. *Obviously could be different at your school, but this is typically the case.

 

My apologies, the logic for those is that they control networks/pipelines. So former club members will push club members first, so the benefit is not on the resume but in the phonebook. 

 
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I would say join 100%, even if it doesn't help a ton on your resume, it's super important to be close with those on your campus that have the same goals in mind. The resources you share and connections you build will be invaluable, the connections I made through my finance club helped a ton in getting my offer especially at a non-target where not many people are focused on IB or high finance. (I know you said you're at a target so may not be as applicable). 

As for resume, you have to be in a leadership role, if you just put "Member" interviewers probably won't care or if they do they aren't going to place a ton of value on it. However if you are President / Vice President / Director of operations or whatever this could help a lot if you can speak on events you planned or how you lead other students to be successful. 

Lastly it depends how good your club is, "finance club" could mean guests speakers from BBs every week or a group of kids talking about news for 30 min. At my school we tend to have few IB guest speakers but many from PWM, CB, etc. Since you go to a target I'm assuming they get some pretty good guest speakers. At my school they usually bring a VP/MD and a recruiter. Obviously this is huge and if you can really connect with the MD or recruiter (this can be hard in a big club, always email after and try to set up a call after). 

I probably went way too deep on this subject but hopefully this helps OP and others. 

 

At my school it depends we have finance club, and an investment group that actually manages a portfolio. The finance club is open but the investing club where the funds are managed is really difficult. 

 

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