What Stood Out?
College sophmore, looking to find ways to get my resume in order so when I do plan on applying for internships and eventually a job I have the skills, experience and characteristics of a desirable candidate. I'll probably be majoring in accounting and finance.
What things are good to have? Aside from a 4.0 GPA, I'm aware of the CFA program but it's outside of my reach right now.
Volunteer work? What kind of job can I get now that would help? Out of school clubs? Activities? Organizations?
What are some things that really made your resume stand out?
Everything you listed is important. Above all, focus on your grades, keeping your GPA >3.5 is key.
Aside from grades, focus on your story. You want it to follow a logical path that shows you interest in finance. Get internships sophomore through senior year, preferably in finance/IB (assuming you want to work in this field). As far as volunteering, this can be a good thing, but not necessary at all. Employers like to see leadership skills, anything that shows you taking initiative.
Basically, show recruiters/future employers that you have the drive, desire, skills and intelligence to succeed at whatever it is you do. Kick ass and take names.
For the resume: internships, internships, internships. Oh, and don't forget about internships, they're important, too. To get internships and jobs: networking, being aggressive.
Leadership! Recruiters want to see that you are a natural leader. Take a position on campus that requires managing people and tasks, and make sure you put time and effort into it.
I am currently the portfolio manager of my college's Student Investment Fund. While it a lot of work, managing the fund in addition to a full course load, it's enjoyable and I learn A LOT about the the market. Positions like this show that you're genuinely interested in finance, as well as it shows that you can handle a position responsibility.
Best of luck to you!
JPG
start a club
Internships trump any EC by a mile. But, I agree with the above that the best two best ECs are being in a student fund and starting, or holding a high position in, a finance club. Stuff that has nothing to do with finance, or takes no leadership, is superfluous. It's much, much better to have 1 or two impressive ECs than several petty activities.
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