High School Senior Preparing to Break in
Hey guys,
I'm a high school senior planning to attend Williams College and aiming for a career in investment banking or private equity. However, I currently have only a basic understanding of the financial industry and am concerned about how prepared I’ll be entering college. I’d love to hear what steps you took before starting. I basically need anything that would give me an edge as I enter freshman year. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are actionable steps to prepare for a career in investment banking or private equity as you enter Williams College:
Build a Strong Foundation in Finance:
Join Relevant Clubs and Organizations:
Network Early and Often:
Gain Technical Skills:
Secure Early Internships:
Leverage WSO Resources:
Focus on Academics:
Develop Soft Skills:
By following these steps, you’ll position yourself as a competitive candidate for internships and full-time roles in investment banking or private equity. Good luck, and remember, preparation and persistence are key!
Sources: Williams College: Econ/Pysch Major or Econ/Math Major, This is going to be a special topic (Highschool Junior), As a freshman what should I be doing?, In Search of Wisdom, 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice)
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Read Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder letters. Look into whatever he says that compels you to say "what does that mean?" Don't just skim through the WSJ, ask "why is this happening" and save the articles you find interesting. When you get to school, make as many friends/acquaintances as possible. Be a Linkedin nerd for a couple weeks this summer, figure out where the other people at Williams interned at during their freshman summers and take note of those. Lastly, get the highest GPA you can; a 4.0 checks a box that doesn't necessarily make people think "he's smart," but certainly makes them think "he's hardworking & diligent."
What sport are you going to play there?
Get great grades, not good. Read a lot. Read everything on WSJ markets page daily- make it part of your walk to class routine.
Don’t lock yourself in your dorm room- social skills are more important during recruiting than technical skills.
As an incoming freshmen, find finance profs that have experience in industry and become their lap dog - learn from them, ask more questions than you may be comfortable asking to anyone else (they’re in academia now - all they like to do is talk about themselves).
And remember. If you’re already on WSO you’re ahead of the pack - don’t let up. Grind away.
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