Desirable Skills, Hobbies, Talents to Develop/Expand upon for a High-School Senior?

Hello all,

I'm currently a high-school senior who has just applied to colleges with plans of majoring in finance and pursuing a job in IB, PE, Asset Management, or Equity Research.

I'm kind of lost, so I just like a little guidance to put me on track to building a strong resumé. I applied to a handful of target/semi-target schools, but there's a chance that I go to a low target or non-target for financial reasons or because I don't get into any targets.  What are one or two skills that could make me stand out as an applicant? Do you think I should use my time learning technicals (financial modeling, etc.) or work on developing a skill such as building upon my second language (Spanish) or learning a third one?

I'm more or less afraid as coming across as a generic, white male with nothing interesting or unique outside of a strong passion for finance. What advice or recommendations could you give to me to make me stand out more, as I have some time to start developing?

Thank you so much for your response.

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Dicta et expedita aspernatur nisi incidunt exercitationem. Aut provident iusto debitis pariatur alias. Blanditiis aut nihil rerum iure. Debitis consectetur autem ut dolores provident.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”