Hi from me, but also a quick question?

Hi everybody! I've been lurking on WSO for a while now and it's definitely been a great help for learning about the industry. I'm going to be a freshman next year at a target (top 10 in US), and I was just wondering if not having a background in finance in high school would hurt me at all? When I entered hs I wanted to do law, and so a lot of my extracirricular's (debate, law firm internships, politics) was concentrated in that area. Now I'm not entirely sure, but I do enjoy learning more and more about finance as the days go on My job for this summer was also canceled, so now I have to quickly try and apply for everything possible, including potentially some internships at small-scale banks. Am I just overstressing, or does not having that fundamental background potentially negative for say, future ib internships?

 
Most Helpful

Relax. You are going to be fine.

There is no way you know what career you are going to enjoy at this point in your life. I am sure it will change a few times (at least). Additionally, college is the opportunity to learn and explore a bit so you can learn about yourself, what you enjoy, and what you want to do in life.

Not having experience isn’t an issue at all. But I would also say don’t go into college thinking finance is 100% it for you, you’ll miss out on great learning opportunities.

You are in a great spot at a top 10 university, you’ll have plenty of opportunities if you do well. Being at a top school also gives you a bit more freedom to study why you truly enjoy, as the recruiting there will be strong (and you might find out you enjoy other career paths).

 

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