……………………..……………………..

……………………..…………………….. ……………………..…………………….. ……………………..…………………….. ……………………..…………………….. ……………………..……………………..

2 Comments
 

Based on the insights from Wall Street Oasis, here are some strategic steps you can take to explore and advance your career in finance, particularly in commodities trading and defense venture capital:

  1. Boost Your GPA: While a 3.5 GPA is decent, aiming for a 3.7+ can significantly enhance your profile, especially coming from a non-traditional major like classics. Focus on taking some easier courses that can help boost your GPA.

  2. Leverage Your Finance Club Membership: Being part of the main finance club at Georgetown is a great asset. Aim for a leadership position within the club, as this can provide valuable experience and make your resume stand out. Use this platform to network with peers and industry professionals who might provide insights and opportunities in commodities trading and venture capital.

  3. Internships and Exploratory Programs: Look for internships in both commodities trading and venture capital to gain firsthand experience. These positions will not only clarify your interests but also strengthen your resume. Since you're interested in defense-related venture capital, consider internships in firms that specialize in or have a division dedicated to this niche.

  4. Networking: This is crucial, especially for someone from a non-target background and a non-traditional major. Utilize LinkedIn, alumni networks, and professional events to connect with professionals in your areas of interest. Informational interviews can be particularly helpful in gaining insights and advice.

  5. Educational Supplements: Consider taking additional courses or certifications related to finance and your areas of interest. Online courses in financial modeling, commodities markets, or even an overview of venture capital can provide you with necessary technical skills and knowledge.

  6. Career Services and Mentors: Utilize your university’s career services to help tailor your resume to finance roles and to practice for interviews. Finding a mentor in the field can also provide guidance and potentially open doors for you.

  7. Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends by reading relevant financial publications and joining industry groups. Understanding the market dynamics of commodities and the strategic interests in defense-related ventures will give you a better footing in interviews and networking conversations.

By following these steps, you can better position yourself to enter and succeed in the finance sector, even with a non-traditional background.

Sources: 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice), Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, An old man looking for advice, An old man looking for advice, 22 Year Old Failure Seeks Advice re: Breaking into Finance

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Placeat error delectus expedita velit esse consequatur saepe. Repudiandae ullam deleniti eveniet hic magnam sit. At illo ut et quisquam dolores mollitia odio laudantium. Et quod dolorem rem porro iusto hic mollitia. Sed molestiae expedita laudantium omnis natus non. Id minima est ut aliquid sed numquam ut ullam.

Facilis quo autem reprehenderit nostrum molestiae. Asperiores voluptatibus illo eligendi ex. Magni excepturi quam architecto voluptas qui. Neque dolore magnam et delectus nihil et quam vitae. Voluptatem quod optio laboriosam non. In eum reiciendis eos qui.

Et qui deserunt exercitationem consequatur. Saepe aspernatur pariatur dolor atque minus architecto velit minima. Ut aliquid dolorum dolor eos harum eos qui. Sit explicabo ea ut distinctio. Molestiae fuga assumenda omnis maiores error mollitia et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”