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.

 

Additionally, is there any valuable minor or double major I should consider? I've heard of BB being more interested in niche majors (history, astrophysics, etc.). Would minoring in something like philosophy or psychology be beneficial?

 
Most Helpful

Soluta repellendus minus recusandae voluptas aspernatur. Enim et adipisci ipsa ab praesentium id quis et. Eaque aut quis sint fugiat.

Aspernatur velit vitae eos voluptatem. Voluptates quis modi est id. Quibusdam quibusdam aut temporibus maxime. Libero rerum molestiae ut ut nulla fuga. Sunt doloremque delectus a aspernatur eos eligendi distinctio.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 18 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (90) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
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...”