Suggestion #12: Consider temporary opportunities!
Consider looking for temporary jobs through a staffing agency. Temporary jobs can be a great way to gain professional experience and boost your resume, and you can find temp jobs in almost any industry. Check out this helpful Guide for Using a Temp Agency to Find Work from The Balance Careers.
This suggestion will also be dependent upon how things progress with regard to COVID-19 over the next few weeks and how states ease restrictions…
Suggestion #11: Look for a ‘regular’ summer job!
Any type of work experience that you’re able to have over the summer can be beneficial as far as developing transferable skills, even if it’s not directly related to your major and/or long-term career goals.
Whether you’re life-guarding, providing childcare services, or working in retail, food services, landscaping or construction, you’re honing skills such as customer service, communication, teamwork, multi-tasking and prioritizing, to name a few. All of these skills are in …
Suggestion #10: Learn more about relevant industry exams / certifications / designations that you may want to pursue; consider starting to study, if possible at the undergraduate level, and if it makes sense based on your career goals and personal situation.
Here is a list of some of the top finance certifications:
Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam: The Securities Industry Essentials® (SIE®) Exam is a new FINRA exam for prospective securities industry professionals. This introductory-level exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge of basic …
Suggestion #9: Participate in a Job Shadow
In case you’re not familiar with the term, job shadowing is an activity where you can “shadow”, observe, and follow someone in your potential field of interest while the professional is at work. This is the time to observe the career’s culture, explore, and ask questions. It is important to understand that job shadowing is different (and much shorter) than an internship. You most likely will not be “hands on” and you won’t …
Suggestion #8: Join a Professional Association!
Joining a professional association is a great way to boost your networking efforts! Many professional organizations offer a free or reduced membership cost for students. Membership in a professional organization may include access to the following benefits:
Career Resources
Networking Events
Educational Events
Scholarship Programs
Mentorship Programs
Membership Directory
Job Opportunities
Private LinkedIn Groups
Newsletters / Other Publications
Here are some finance-related professional associations to consider:
CFA Society Boston
The Risk Management Association (RMA)
Society …
Suggestion #7: Build your professional network!
No matter what stage you’re at in your career, having a strong professional network will pay major dividends.
Not sure what area of finance interests you most? Conduct informational interviews with professionals in a variety of areas to learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities, work-life balance, career path, company culture, and more.
Know exactly what you’re looking to do? Conduct informational interviews with professionals working in your target roles / at your target companies. They …
Suggestion #6: READ!
The world of finance is a source of endless material for writers and has resulted in fascinating stories. Check out this list of the Top 20 Best & Most Recommended Finance Books:
1. The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing | Benjamin Graham and Jason Zweig
2. Think and Grow Rich | Napoleon Hill
3. One Up On Wall Street | Peter Lynch
4. Security Analysis | Benjamin Graham and David Dodd
5. Rich Dad Poor Dad | Robert T. …
Suggestion #5: Actively follow the markets!
Regardless of what specific area within finance you’re looking to pursue, having a good understanding of what’s happening in the markets will always work in your favor. Here are a few sites to check out:
The Wall Street Journal: Bentley University students have free access to The Wall Street Journal website. Learn how to register here.
MoneyBeat: A pre-markets primer packed with market updates, insights and must-read news links. Macro Horizons. WSJ editors analyze …
Suggestion #4: Take advantage of the programs and resources offered by The Hughey Center for Financial Services / Trading Room.
Did you know that the Trading Room has been hosting a new event series: FIRESIDE CHATS | Connecting you with industry experts? Attend these chats virtually to stay engaged and continue your professional development.
In addition, several of the Trading Room’s key databases are available remotely. Take advantage of the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the programs that are relevant to your …
Suggestion #3: Enhance your skills with LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform that helps you discover and develop business, technology-related, and creative skills through expert-led course videos. With more than 5,000 courses and personalized recommendations, you can discover, complete, and track courses related to your field and interests. You can also choose to add these courses and related skills to your LinkedIn profile once you’ve completed them. Explore subjects such as: Business Analysis and Strategy, Finance and …
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