Working to get into finance with fresh engineering degree; appreciate any pointers!

Well, how do I start.

Been a long time lurker of this site, and have used a lot of the resources on here for HireVue interview prep and what not.

Currently 2 months left of college, been applying for jobs since January, and have been refining my portfolio ever since. Mechanical Engineering major, chose it because I like cars (cliche, I know). Been trading and researching stocks/instruments since I was 18, and basically taught myself everything I know about finances, economics, and the market in-between my engineering workload.

Interned and worked in engineering; was cool no doubt but idk. Maybe it was the company I worked with, but it didn't tickle my fancy like trading and working with stocks does. I regularly spend hours looking at charts and planning moves. I'm up late, doing technical analysis on oil and/or looking at how Asian markets are going at it. I like the movements and stress I guess. Can't really do that with engineering at the moment.

Target school, in NYC. GPA not stellar, if I'm honest. Major GPA moderate. Got my ass kicked the first 1 1/2 years, but hustled into an upward trend. Anticipating finishing with a decent looking GPA. Taken engineering courses, along with business and law courses.

Been focusing on trading and equity research positions, but am also really drawn to SP research. Car club I'm apart of, along with some residents in my building, have been my main form of networking. Got some good leads at firms, which have referred me for positions...but not a lot of biting (as expected I guess). Had a few HireVue things, waiting to hear regarding those. Got my ass handed to me on my first one; took that experience and developed a guide for answers. Very comfortable doing them now, and I feel my answers are strong.

Resume has my GPA, along with major, and courses I've taken. My trading experience and engineering internship are under my experience section, and my programing and analysis ability under the skills section. Still tweaking it for each listing, but keeping the format the same. Maybe I'll post it here once I anonymize it a bit.

Applied to ~200+ positions so far. I'd say 60% engineering. Took a break from applying this week to help out my dad at home, as well as to review what I've done so far. Planning on focusing on finance related positions this next round I guess. Got some leads and got what I feel is a strong strategy on how to approach this, but am always looking for ways to improve.

So yea, thats me. As much as like building and designing stuff, I'm more comfortable working with markets and money. Gonna switch finance off the back burner; any advice/criticism/negative-motivation (CALL ME AN IDIOT, I DARE YOU) is appreciated it.

-Aat

 

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