Any advice for a recent graduate?

I am about to graduate from a reputable university in Canada (McMaster University) with an Honours BCom degree (specializing in Finance), and I was just wondering if anyone has any advice for a recent graduate looking to get into the industry? I specifically have an interest in IB, PE, VC, AM & ER, though I am open to looking at different fields.

I also have questions regarding skills that would make my resume stand out? I consider myself proficient in Excel & financial modelling (taken two courses in financial modelling specifically and earned an A+ and an A, respectively). I was also fortunate that at my school, we had licenses in Bloomberg Terminal and Reuters Eikon/Refinitiv, so I utilized this and have become familiar with both (mostly Refinitiv). I have also taken two classes on financial statement analysis & valuation (for which is received an A in both) and I have been familiar with fundamental analysis & valuation models (DCF, COMPS & Precedent Transactions). I personally really enjoyed the valuation courses the most, and I know that the application of these skills is different in the professional environment compared to the academic environment, but I hope that these could help me stand out.

I appreciate any advice/guidance you would be able to give me! :)

3 Comments
 

What were your internships?

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

I was in an internship program at my school and was looking for an internship at the end of the semester last year & in the summer, however, I couldn't find a position. So I never did an internship.

 

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