Hopeless about breaking into finance
I am a 20yo woman, I currently study humanities at a super-target. I’m moving onto computer science for postgraduate at a semi-target from next academic year onwards to develop my own project. I originally come from a poor country and working-class background, my family always had to rely on economic migration to sustain itself. The most we have seen of IB and other finance-related jobs was in films, and I am the first in my family to try pursue positions in big corporations.
Unfortunately going to a super-target university doesn’t erase the fact that I have very little knowledge about the application process, how to pass SJT tests, and so on. I’ve done a fair bit of networking and I was even invited to an event at the HQ of a high-finance company, which was quite an amazing experience for me. I’m getting involved in business and finance societies and make sure I learn and connect with employers. I haven’t been able to secure any internships after my second year of university due to family commitments and discouragements from my parents and I feel like I’m lagging behind. Others are finding internships and doing all this amazing work, and I don’t have anything notable to put on my CV.
I would like to pursue some opportunities during my postgraduate degree, but it feels pointless. I’m really not sure if I can make it and whether I should even bother.I did apply to maybe two internships as a taster, but I just fail at the SJT. I can’t quite crack it. Any advice would be very welcome.
So what I'm reading is, you applied to 2 internships, gave up and now are wondering why you don't have any internships?
Am I understanding that correctly?
I can’t apply to the vast majority of internships, because I’m not in my second year of study. Now I’m obviously applying to more (I’ve done like 10 applications already), but the companies and range are very limited and it’s still very difficult to secure anything. I’ll try more, but some people my age already have multiple experiences and it’s just depressing!
I assume you mean spring weeks? Or are you actually trying to find summer internships for first years? Because you probably won't find any/many.
You really have to go out and make your own summer internship as a first year if you want one. I.e. convince someone to take you on in an ad hoc manner.
Based on me / my colleagues experience in the UK:
Read the fine print, there are a few places that take 3rd year students going into a master's as summer interns. Idk where you're from, but on the off chance that you're an ethnic minority, you should be targeting programs/applications that cater to that and your gender.
Importantly, applications today are a numbers game. The people you're competing with (who are winning offers) are generally applying to 50+ places. Do that, increasingly familiarise yourself with tests + interviews, and you will perform better.
Also, you go to a super-target — use your careers departments for coaching, networking, and general guidance.
Best of Luck!
Thanks! I’m doing and learning more and more, we will see how it works out.
Do you think it’s worth trying to apply to off-cycle internships during my postgraduate degree?
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