Is joining a finance club that important in college?

I go to a HYP, and got rejected from one of the main investment clubs on campus. I guess it's hard to get into, and I didn't have a lot of prior experience or knowledge as a freshman. I think joining a student-run fund would help me learn a lot, but is this really something I need to have on my resume? Or is the value in joining one of these clubs mainly just for personal learning and the ability to show "interest' in finance during an interview? I definitely have an interest in investing and the process of evaluating a company, but I've mostly just focused on doing well in my classes and making friends my first semester. So should I start dedicating time each day to learning about the markets?

16 Comments
 

These, as you said, are largely solely to show that you have a tangible interest in finance. Wouldn't worry about it if you can build a solid story as to "why IB" or "why S&T" whenever you are applying for internships. There are plenty of ways to show that you follow the markets or have an interest in the field than joining one of those clubs. With that said, clubs aren't valueless - they sometimes can lead to good professional connections and you'll meet kids on campus with similar interests as you.

 

** I should say that this holds true at target schools more so than semi and non-targets. Just wanted to make that clear...

 

I was in one, best bet would be to stay in touch with the people you meet that seem to know their stuff. Law of Association and all that. It helps too have smart friends. As far as continuing it and the time your investing; that's up to you.

 
Reared_Panda

I was a VP of my campus's student investment club, and it has been a big selling point in every interview I have had. Put it on your resume under "Experience" and not under "Student Clubs" or whatever. Don't be afraid to sell it up.

I can sell it for sure. I just don't see how actually participating will be beneficial at this point.
"Mr. Perkins poses an extreme risk to the market when drunk."
 

I'd stick with it as it isn't a huge time commitment. You're an officer so you can use it for leadership questions in interviews. Also, if you've stuck around for years it shows consistency and loyalty to the group. All in all, what you actually get out of it might not be much, but having it as a selling point for yourself is pretty important. I'd stick with it.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 
D M

I'd stick with it as it isn't a huge time commitment. You're an officer so you can use it for leadership questions in interviews. Also, if you've stuck around for years it shows consistency and loyalty to the group. All in all, what you actually get out of it might not be much, but having it as a selling point for yourself is pretty important. I'd stick with it.

I could just lie and say I want in it until graduation though.

"Mr. Perkins poses an extreme risk to the market when drunk."
 

I was also in a finance club. No one ever cared.

I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. See my Blog & AMA
 

They just announces a Welcome Back Luau. I can't handle that shit. I'm out.

"Mr. Perkins poses an extreme risk to the market when drunk."
 

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Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.

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