High school student in Germany interested in Finance – how can I prepare early?

To prepare early for a career in finance as a high school student in Germany, here’s what you can focus on:

1. Skill Development

• English Proficiency: Since finance is a global industry, strong English skills are essential. Continue improving your English through reading financial news (e.g., Financial Times, Wall Street Journal) and practicing speaking and writing.
• Math and Economics: Build a solid foundation in math, especially in statistics and algebra, as they are crucial for finance. Explore introductory economics courses online to understand basic concepts.
• Excel Skills: Familiarize yourself with Excel, as it’s widely used in finance. Look into free resources or beginner Excel courses.

2. Networking and Exposure

• Online Communities: Join forums like Wall Street Oasis (WSO) to learn from discussions about investment banking and finance careers. Engage with professionals and students to gain insights.
• LinkedIn: Create a LinkedIn profile and start connecting with finance professionals. Follow companies and individuals in the industry to stay updated.
• Finance-Related Events: Look for webinars, virtual conferences, or local events related to finance. These can provide exposure and networking opportunities.

3. Relevant Experience

• Finance Projects: Participate in online investment simulations or competitions to gain practical experience. Platforms like Investopedia’s Stock Simulator can be a good start.
• Internships: While internships for high school students are rare, you can explore opportunities at local banks or financial institutions for shadowing or part-time roles.
• Extracurricular Activities: Join or start a finance or economics club at your school. This demonstrates initiative and interest in the field.

4. University Selection

• Target Universities: Attending a top target university like Frankfurt School, LSE, Bocconi, or HEC Paris can significantly boost your chances in finance due to their strong recruiting pipelines. However, it’s not the only path. A strong GPA, internships, and networking can help you succeed even from a non-target school.
• Preparation for Admission: If you aim for top universities, focus on excelling in your Abitur and preparing for standardized tests like the GMAT (if required for master’s programs).

5. Long-Term Planning

• Master’s Degree: In Germany, many finance roles (e.g., investment banking) expect candidates to have a master’s degree. Plan for this as part of your academic journey.
• Work Experience: Gain relevant internships during your bachelor’s and master’s studies to build a competitive profile.

6. Resources

• Books: Start with beginner-friendly finance books like The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham or Principles by Ray Dalio.
• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or WSO Academy offer courses on finance, investment banking, and Excel modeling.

By focusing on these areas, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a career in finance. Remember, consistency and a proactive approach will set you apart. Good luck!

Sources: Is target MSc Finance still possible in my situation? (Bocconi, HEC, LSE, HSG....), Germany Sucks, A bunch of target / semi - target schools have decided to prevent banks from recruiting on campus before the fall, Comprehensive List of Target Schools for Investment Banking, An old man looking for advice