How to Get Finance Internships? Step by Step Guide!

You can't get your first job in finance without experience. And you can't get experience in finance without a job. Ring a bell? Breaking into finance feels like solving a timeless puzzle, a challenge many, including myself, have faced. In this video, I'm excited to share advice that might just help you unravel this mystery and set you on the path to a successful career. But before we continue, if you're interested in more career-boosting finance videos, remember to hit like, subscribe, and turn on notifications. Very well. So how does one land their first finance internship? First, ensure you master the basics. Your resume needs to be robust. Consider these few essential tips. Eliminate all typos. Opt for an attractive single-page layout. And highlight your achievements using active verbs to ensure your resume's overall appeal. Seeking feedback from friends who have successfully secured jobs and acting on their suggestions with an open mind can be significantly beneficial. Once your resume is good to go, polish your LinkedIn profile by adding a professional photo, refining your headline, and detailing your academic achievements and interests. Given the likelihood of being searched on LinkedIn and other social media, proactively enhance your online presence. Before applying for an internship, review the job description and tailor your resume by including relevant keywords from the ad. This makes your resume ATS-friendly, enhancing its visibility to HR who are likelier to notice when you highlight the sought-after skills. ATS refers to the Applicant Tracking System. What if you don't have such skills? You can enhance your skills online. Suppose you're applying for a financial analyst internship, needing Excel expertise, three-statement modeling ability, and capital budgeting skills. Proactively enrolling in the 365 Financial Analyst Program and acquiring new skills will significantly boost your interview prospects. Demonstrating flexibility, a keenness to learn, and creativity in problem-solving will considerably enhance your chances of securing your first internship. Back in the day, I worried I'd never secure my initial job experience. Understanding the difficulty, I'm eager to share a conventional approach and several out-of-the-box strategies that led to three internships and my first position as a financial analyst. Typically, researching company websites and knowing the application deadlines in your area is critical. For instance, European companies often offer summer internships and off-cycle opportunities. Familiarize yourself with the timeline, including when opportunities are posted, the application window, and the application process. This knowledge will undoubtedly aid in planning your efforts. But sometimes submitting standard applications feels like sowing seeds in infertile ground. You hear nothing back. When that happens, consider the following out-of-the-box ideas. 1. Engaging with startups is currently in vogue, offering immense benefits for personal growth and enhancing your resume. Proactively connect with various startup projects, and you'll likely secure an opportunity quickly. Typically, you'll assume a versatile role, allowing you to craft compelling narratives for future full-time job interviews. Two to three months of unpaid internships can significantly elevate your resume's appeal. 2. Consider monitoring your university's job board, particularly beneficial if your institution has strong employer connections. Often, companies post exclusive job openings to maintain ties with academia, a resource many students overlook, enhancing your odds. Regularly explore these opportunities. It's an efficient method, typically requiring just a CV and cover letter. 3. Finally, consider cold calling. A strategy often reserved for when other avenues seem closed. Even without advertised openings, many companies may still have opportunities. They might welcome the extra help, especially if it comes at minimal cost. Craft a concise, compelling 100-word email. Attach your CV and send it to 50 companies and 50 professionals on LinkedIn. Enhancing your approach with a follow-up call can significantly increase your chances. Target entities lacking structured recruitment procedures, such as private equity funds, boutique investment banks, small consulting firms, and public organizations, where you're more likely to stand out. In conclusion, please remember that determination and proactivity are integral when you want to find new opportunities. Follow the advice from this video and you'll have plenty of options. Good luck on your finance journey!