{"id":40086,"date":"2024-07-18T08:52:18","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T13:52:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/?page_id=40086"},"modified":"2024-09-12T12:49:20","modified_gmt":"2024-09-12T17:49:20","slug":"careers-in-finance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/careers-in-finance\/","title":{"rendered":"Investment Banking and Finance"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-modular-content-collection>\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__image_overlay panel panel-image_overlay site-section__bg--default\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"image-overlay\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--no-padding\">\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div role=\"img\" aria-label=\"nyconnections_bull\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/files\/2024\/07\/nyconnections_bull.jpg?resize=1600%2C1067&#038;ssl=1');\" loading=\"lazy\"  class=\"site-section__bg-img site-section__bg-img--m-stack\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t@media all and ( min-width: 960px ) {\n\t\t\t#site-panel__image-overlay-69f4e52606c43 {\n\t\t\t\theight: 600px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n    \n\t<div id=\"site-panel__image-overlay-69f4e52606c43\" class=\"site-panel__img-overlay-wrap site-panel__img-overlay--no-ribbon horz-center vert-bottom\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__img-overlay-content\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content t-content--light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__desc\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"content\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\">A liberal arts background prepares you well for a career in finance, but additional work is required to set yourself up for successful entry into the field. Careers in finance are competitive &#8211; it takes <em><strong>motivation<\/strong><\/em>, <em><strong>dedication<\/strong><\/em>, and <em><strong>achievement<\/strong><\/em> to reach your goals.<\/h5>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Finance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\">Finance is a term that addresses matters regarding the management, creation, and study of money and investments. It involves the use of credit and debt, securities, and investment to finance current projects using future income flows. Finance is closely linked to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/t\/timevalueofmoney.asp\">time value of money<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/i\/interestrate.asp\">interest rates<\/a>, and other related topics because of this temporal aspect. &#8211; <em>Investopedia<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finance is defined as the management of money and includes activities such as investing, borrowing, lending, budgeting, saving, and forecasting. &#8211; <em>CFI<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\">Learn More about Finance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/f\/finance.asp\">What Does Finance Mean? Its History, Types, and Importance Explained<\/a> (<em>Investopedia)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/corporatefinanceinstitute.com\/resources\/wealth-management\/what-is-finance-definition\/\">What is Finance?<\/a> (<em>CFI)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__wysiwyg panel panel-wysiwyg site-section__bg--light\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"wysiwyg\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner l-wrapper site-section__inner--top-padding-none site-section__inner--bottom-padding-none site-section__bg--gray\">\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"site-section__header\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"site-section__title site-section__title--center h3\" id=\"is-investment-banking-a-good-fit-for-me\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Is Investment Banking a Good Fit for Me?<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-section__content \">\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__wrapper site-grid__wrapper-stagger\"\n\t\t\t data-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t data-name=\"columns\"\n\t\t\t data-livetext>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__wysiwyg-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content \"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-name=\"column_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Common Upsides<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Possible Downsides<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Very high earning potential; often with large, quick increases in income.<\/li>\n<li>Interesting, exciting, and fast-paced.<\/li>\n<li>Variety.\u00a0 Many finance roles revolve around deals (e.g investment banking, private equity, venture capital), which means there is always a brand new project to work on.<\/li>\n<li>Or, consistency. In contrast, some finance roles (e.g. accounting, audit, tax) focus on specific functions that provide consistency throughout the course of the year.<\/li>\n<li>Significant and rapid professional growth opportunities.<\/li>\n<li>Always something new to learn.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Higher levels of stress &#8211; people with strong stress management skills tend to do better.<\/li>\n<li>Long hours. While it does vary based on the type of roles, finance careers generally come with longer hours and more unpredictable work weeks.<\/li>\n<li>Competitive hiring process and competitive work environment.\u00a0 (People who have a more competitive nature often do well in finance.)<\/li>\n<li>Cyclical nature of the finance industry can result in lack of job security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid, .site-grid__wrapper -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- site-section__content -->\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consider Finance Early<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many careers in finance require you to&nbsp;<strong>demonstrate interest in the industry&nbsp;as early as your first and early sophomore years<\/strong>&#8212; the sooner the better! Even if you are not entirely sure if a career in finance is for you, it is important to explore and engage early to keep doors open. Doing your own research and exploration is a great way to start.  Have an initial conversation with Bryan Shealer or Kirsten Cahoon in the Piper Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__wysiwyg panel panel-wysiwyg site-section__bg--light\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"wysiwyg\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner l-wrapper site-section__inner--top-padding-minimal site-section__inner--bottom-padding-minimal site-section__bg--gray\">\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"site-section__header\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"site-section__title h3\" id=\"internship-recruiting-timelines\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Internship Recruiting Timelines<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-section__content \">\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__wrapper site-grid__wrapper-stagger\"\n\t\t\t data-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t data-name=\"columns\"\n\t\t\t data-livetext>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__wysiwyg-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content \"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-name=\"column_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Recruiting timelines can vary and depend on the size of the firm, the functional area within finance, and factors in the broader economy.\u00a0 Knowing what timeline is right for you is important.\u00a0 Connect with the Piper Center to learn more and create your personal plan.\u00a0 Below are some general guidelines:<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-color: #000000;\" border=\".5\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #030000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><strong>Investment Banks (Bulge Bracket, M&amp;A and smaller Advisory Firms)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">Extremely early recruitment cycle &#8211; generally 12-18 months ahead of the summer internship period.\u00a0 This means that sophomores should be prepared to engage with employers and apply to opportunities in January, February, and\/or March for an internship after their junior year.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #030000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><strong>Other\/General Finance (e.g. Corporate Finance, Wealth Management, Accounting, Analyst roles)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">Recruiting is 10-12 months ahead of the summer internship period.\u00a0 Juniors should be ready to engage and apply in August, September, and early October.\u00a0 This can vary dramatically by employer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Many firms fill their full-time roles through their internship programs &#8211; up to 70% of full-time hires come from prior interns. To ensure that you have the best shot at a full-time offer after graduation, it is important to focus on securing an internship in your junior summer.\u00a0 An internship in your sophomore summer is increasingly beneficial &#8211; ideally in a business role with quantitative and project-based elements. Before you apply, be sure to have your application materials reviewed several times in the Piper Center.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Traditionally Underrepresented Groups in Finance<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Many organizations within the industry are focused on improving diversity and representation in the field.\u00a0 Employers are developing programs to encourage women, historically excluded minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to consider careers in finance and work at their firms.\u00a0 These programs are usually for first-years (and sometimes early sophomores) and may be a traditional internship, externship, seminar\/workshop, special info sessions, networking meet-ups, or leadership conferences.\u00a0 These programs often come with priority consideration for other internship programs.\u00a0 If these identities apply to you, watch for these programs and opportunities on employer websites and in postings.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid, .site-grid__wrapper -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- site-section__content -->\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default site-section site-panel__accordion panel panel-accordion site-section__bg--white\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"accordion\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-section__inner l-wrapper site-section__bg--white\">\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"is-style-default site-section__header\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"is-style-default site-section__title h3\" id=\"pre-professional-finance-fast-track-opportunity\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Pre-Professional Finance Fast-Track Opportunity<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid site-grid__wrapper\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\n<figure class=\"is-style-default c-caption\">\n\n\t<figure  class=\"is-style-default c-caption__img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"is-style-default \" alt=\"nyconnections_girl\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/files\/2024\/07\/nyconnections_girl.jpg?resize=600%2C350&#038;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\t\n<\/figure>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default accordion site-panel__accordion-items\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"accordions\" data-livetext role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\" data-js=\"accordion\">\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-header-0\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-content-0\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is the Finance Fast Track?\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-header-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-content-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/finance-fast-track\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pre-Professional Finance Fast-Track Opportunity<\/a> is designed to provide incoming students with the opportunity to access an accelerated course progression in order to prepare them for certain competitive careers in finance.<\/p>\n<p>Accepted students will take recommended accounting and finance courses in their first two years at St. Olaf.\u00a0 Students participating in this opportunity must eventually choose an economics major with a finance emphasis.\u00a0 (Adding a second major or concentration or withdrawing from the opportunity is permitted.)<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-header-1\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-content-1\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCourse Progression\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-header-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-content-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/files\/2024\/07\/Finance-Fast-Track_Progression.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Finance Fast Track &#8211; Course and Opportunity Progression Handout<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Typical course requirements for the Finance Fast-Track:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Semester 1 (fall of the first year): Principles of Economics (ECON 121) or equivalent (AP credit, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Semester 2 (spring of the first year): Principles of Accounting (BUS 225).<\/li>\n<li>During either semester 3 or 4: Managerial Accounting (BUS 237).<\/li>\n<li>Semester 3 (fall of the second year): Corporate Finance (BUS 281).<\/li>\n<li>Semester 4 (spring of the second year): Investments (BUS 380).<\/li>\n<li>During either Semester 2 or 3: Introduction to Econometrics (ECON 260). This course, or another course in statistics, has to be completed before Investments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Students are encouraged to take the other two economics core courses \u2013 ECON 261 Macroeconomic Theory and ECON 262 Microeconomic Theory \u2013 as soon as possible in their program of study.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-header-2\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-content-2\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"2\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tApplication Details\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-header-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-content-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"2\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>To apply for Finance Fast-Track,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.stolaf.edu\/account\/login?r=https%3a%2f%2fadmissions.stolaf.edu%2fregister%2f%3fid%3d352733da-881b-425f-8238-16172080eac9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">complete and submit the application<\/a><em>. (You will need your St. Olaf log-in credentials.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Incoming and first semester, first-year students are eligible to apply for the opportunity.\u00a0 Students wishing to apply to the Finance Fast Track after their first semester should contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/management-studies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business &amp; Management Studies Department<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stolaf.edu\/profile\/shealer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bryan Shealer<\/a> in the Piper Center for guidance.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-header-3\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-content-3\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"3\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFour-Year Co-Curricular Recommendations: Finance\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-header-3\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69f4e52609174-content-3\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"3\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Economics, Business, and Finance courses are an important foundation but what you do out of the classroom is equally important. Below are suggested activities by class year &#8211; while you don&#8217;t need to do everything listed here, it is a great source of recommendations to draw from.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/files\/2024\/05\/Four-Year-Roadmap-Finance.docx.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Four-Year Co-Curricular Recommendations: Finance<\/a><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__imagetext panel panel-imagetext site-section__bg--light\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"imagetext\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--no-padding\">\n\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__no-gutters site-section__bg--gray site-panel__imgtxt-img-right\">\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<figure  class=\"c-image c-image--rect\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" alt=\"CFI Interactive Career Map\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/files\/2024\/07\/CFI-Career-Map.jpg?resize=820%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1260px) 1260px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/files\/2024\/07\/CFI-Career-Map.jpg?resize=520%2C300&#038;ssl=1 520w, \nhttps:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/files\/2024\/07\/CFI-Career-Map.jpg?resize=820%2C600&#038;ssl=1 820w, \nhttps:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/files\/2024\/07\/CFI-Career-Map.jpg?resize=866%2C835&#038;ssl=1 866w\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col site-grid__col-safari-fix\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__imgtxt-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"c-text\">\n\n\t<h2 class=\"site-section__title h3\" id=\"roles-in-finance\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Roles in Finance<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-text__desc t-content\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"content\" data-autop=\"true\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/corporatefinanceinstitute.com\/resources\/career-map\/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_term=&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_campaign=&amp;utm_adgroup=&amp;utm_funnel=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw1920BhA3EiwAJT3lSapU-9VZihsPag4UWewL4HUVCIEJ7pXEZB-wihAbnImff0Xh3mM06RoCyGgQAvD_BwE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CFI Interactive Career Map<\/a> is a great tool to explore the greater finance ecosystem.\u00a0 Where is your fit?<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__wysiwyg panel panel-wysiwyg site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"wysiwyg\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner l-wrapper site-section__inner--top-padding-minimal site-section__inner--bottom-padding-minimal\">\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"site-section__header\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"site-section__title h3\" id=\"important-factors-for-success\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Important Factors For Success<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-section__content \">\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__wrapper site-grid__wrapper-stagger\"\n\t\t\t data-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t data-name=\"columns\"\n\t\t\t data-livetext>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__wysiwyg-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content \"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-name=\"column_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<table style=\"height: 2803px; border-color: #000000;\" border=\"1\" width=\"673\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<h6><strong>Leverage Piper Center Staff<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s hard to secure a role in finance alone &#8211; speak often (and early) with Piper Center coaches for guidance and support.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<h6><strong>A competitive GPA<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally 3.5 or higher for mid-sized and larger financial institutions.\u00a0 Smaller and regional organizations may be more flexible with GPA, but a minimum of 3.0 is usually needed.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<h6><strong>A solid resume<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It must be curated and concise with bullets that demonstrate impact and results.\u00a0 There can be no errors or formatting inconsistencies.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Resumes should include experiences that demonstrate your interest in a career in finance.\u00a0 These can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>On-campus jobs that relate to money.<\/li>\n<li>Leadership roles in finance-related student clubs and organizations.<\/li>\n<li>Treasurer roles in clubs or organizations.<\/li>\n<li>Financial roles in Student Government.<\/li>\n<li>Certifications, badges, or skills credentials related to finance.<\/li>\n<li>Finance and business coursework.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work with Kirsten Cahoon or Bryan Shealer in the Piper Center to shape and tailor your resume before sending.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<h6><strong>The ability to build and maintain a strong network of industry professionals<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A network is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">critical<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to success. You will need people to advocate for you throughout the application and interview process.\u00a0 You may have family, friends, or people in your community who work in finance &#8211; or you can create your own connections.\u00a0 All students can access the Ole alumni network. The Piper Center can help you prepare for those connections.\u00a0 You must <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> put in the work to research, reflect and articulate your career goals before building a network. Ways to build a network include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attend employer information sessions to talk to employer representatives and alumni.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attend relevant Piper Center events.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scour <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/stolaf\/people\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a> and use the <a href=\"https:\/\/stolaf.alumniq.com\/index.cfm\/login\/via?target=https%3A%2F%2Fstolaf%2Ealumniq%2Ecom%2Findex%2Ecfm%2Fdirectory%3Asearch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">St. Olaf Alumni Directory<\/a> to learn more about potential career pathways.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attend community and industry events either in-person or virtually.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Share your career goals with people you meet &#8211; connections often happen organically as people learn about your goals.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<h6><strong>Meaningful leadership and co-curricular engagement<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candidates can distinguish themselves through co-curricular involvement.\u00a0 Simple membership in a club or organization is a start, but what sets candidates apart is a track record of leadership \u2013 the ability to demonstrate clear results or impact within your involvements is the gold standard.\u00a0 The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">quality<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or depth of leadership and co-curricular involvement is far more important than quantity.\u00a0 At least some involvement in roles on campus that relate to finance or business will be helpful &#8211; examples include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treasurer of a club<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SGA roles that deal with budgets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Student work in a campus office that deals with budgets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Volunteer or off campus work in a financial role<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Running a small business, \u201cside hustle\u201d, or entrepreneurial venture<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<h6><strong>An understanding of the finance landscape and employers<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An interest in finance is the first step. It must be followed up with research and reflection to articulate why and where you fit in the spectrum of careers in finance.\u00a0 How do your interests, values, strengths, skills and even personality connect to an area in finance?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who are the international, national, regional, and even local players in the world of finance? Do you understand the different types of financial institutions from the very large to the very small?\u00a0 Why are you interested in certain organizations?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore websites, especially the sections that deal with undergraduate (college or university) recruitment.\u00a0 Also, search for current news and updates about employers outside of their own websites.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Participate in virtual info sessions, activities, leadership programs, or panel events sponsored by the employer. These opportunities are usually posted in Handshake as events.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<h6><strong>A clear understanding of the recruiting timelines<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember &#8211; early, early, early!\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<h6><strong>Build relevant skills and Knowledge of financial terminology<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn how to &#8220;speak Finance&#8221; &#8211;\u00a0 build the ability to engage in conversations with finance professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Participate in the Finance Fast Track (early course progression) &#8211; <\/span><span style=\"font-family: inherit;\">Incoming and first-year students are eligible to apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Leverage Your Resources!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lots of online resources: e.g. Investopedia.com<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wall-street-prep-certificate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wall Street Prep Financial Modeling and Valuation Certificate<\/a> (Ole Career Launcher Program)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CFA certification (eligible senior year)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\">Other certificates (e.g. Bloomberg)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<h6><strong>Follow relevant publications and news about the industry to build industry awareness and vocabulary<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A daily and\/or weekly practice of absorbing current events in the world of business and finance. Barron\u2019s, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg News, and The Economist are a few examples to choose from.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\">\n<h6><strong>Get to know the Technology<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PC-based computers are the industry standard for careers in finance.\u00a0 PC shortcuts in Excel are a key skill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Pay attention to the current emerging trends around technology in the industry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid, .site-grid__wrapper -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- site-section__content -->\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__wysiwyg panel panel-wysiwyg site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"wysiwyg\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner l-wrapper site-section__inner--top-padding-minimal site-section__inner--bottom-padding-none\">\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"site-section__header\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"site-section__title h3\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-section__content \">\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__wrapper site-grid__wrapper-stagger\"\n\t\t\t data-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t data-name=\"columns\"\n\t\t\t data-livetext>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__wysiwyg-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content \"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-name=\"column_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f4e5260b822\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Whoa!  This feels like a lot of pressure so early in my time as a student!\"    >Whoa!  This feels like a lot of pressure so early in my time as a student!<\/h5>\n<div id=\"target-id69f4e5260b822\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\n<p>Yes, indeed.\u00a0 Many (rightly)\u00a0 argue against such early timelines within the finance industry but, for now, these very early timelines are the reality.\u00a0 It\u2019s normal to not be 100% sure about a career in finance but you should at least take early steps to prepare in order to maintain your competitiveness for the industry.\u00a0 You can always change your mind but it\u2019s hard to catch up if you wait too long to start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h5 class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f4e5260b8ad\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"What kind of students do financial organizations seek?\"    >What kind of students do financial organizations seek?<\/h5>\n<div id=\"target-id69f4e5260b8ad\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\n<p>There is no one archetype here and, in fact, your liberal arts background can give you a stronger, well-rounded foundation to help you stand out.\u00a0 However, there are key strengths, skills, and even personality traits that often correlate with different roles within finance.\u00a0 In general, financial organizations seek candidates who are well-rounded, highly motivated, possess strong communication skills, and are able to organize themselves.\u00a0 While internships are an important way to build experience and success, employers will look at experiences that demonstrate leadership in both curricular and co-curricular venues.\u00a0 And frankly, strong GPAs and high-achievement academically are a foundational requirement for many larger financial organizations.<\/p>\n<p>There is no one major, per se, that determines whether you can pursue a career in finance.\u00a0 An English major can succeed in this area IF they build necessary experiences and take important business and quantitative courses to round out their education.\u00a0 Most St. Olaf students who pursue careers in finance choose to major in Economics, Quantitative Economics, or Math and add a finance emphasis or the business and management studies concentration.\u00a0 The Finance Fast Track Opportunity is a course progression option that starts in your first-year at St. Olaf to ensure early access to the most important courses to help you prepare.\u00a0 Participation in the Finance Fast Track does require at least one major in economics with the finance emphasis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h5 class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f4e5260b8e4\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Is my junior or senior year too late to explore finance?\"    >Is my junior or senior year too late to explore finance?<\/h5>\n<div id=\"target-id69f4e5260b8e4\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\n<p>If you\u2019re just starting to explore finance as a senior or junior, it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll be competitive for roles at larger financial organizations immediately after graduation.\u00a0 You may get lucky, especially if you have deep connections within the industry and you\u2019ve had significant exposure to quantitative courses and financial markets, but it\u2019s much harder to do.<\/p>\n<p>This does not mean you can\u2019t enter the world of finance, but you\u2019ll most likely need to begin your professional career in a related industry or at smaller financial organizations and then network to move into your desired role or employer.\u00a0 During that time, you can network, take relevant courses or certificate programs,\u00a0 or perhaps pursue a master\u2019s degree in finance.<\/p>\n<p><i>Occasionally\u00a0<\/i>financial organizations of all sizes will do \u201cjust-in-time\u201d hiring to fill full-time analyst classes not completely filled by summer interns. Because these opportunities typically have short turnaround times, pay attention to communication from the Piper Center, Handshake, LinkedIn, and other relevant platforms to make sure you don\u2019t miss out on these time-sensitive opportunities. Have your resume ready so you can apply\u00a0right away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h5 class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f4e5260b910\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Will studying abroad affect my chances of getting internships?\"    >Will studying abroad affect my chances of getting internships?<\/h5>\n<div id=\"target-id69f4e5260b910\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\n<p>Studying abroad is a great way to gain global perspectives on financial markets, so doing so shouldn\u2019t limit you from applying for internships or getting selected for interviews. It can be helpful to choose programs that provide you with the opportunity to take business and finance courses while you are studying away from campus.<\/p>\n<p>Since the pandemic, financial organizations are much more flexible and willing to interview candidates entirely through virtual platforms.\u00a0 However, depending on the employer the inability to engage with in-person interviewing can be a disadvantage even if there are virtual options.\u00a0 And for some employers, students may be expected to interview in person, especially for final interviews (often referred to as super days).\u00a0 In these cases, you may have the ability to interview in your host country or even fly for the on-site interviews.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h5 class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f4e5260b938\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"What should I be doing over first-year or sophomore summer? What if I can\u2019t get a sophomore internship?\"    >What should I be doing over first-year or sophomore summer? What if I can\u2019t get a sophomore internship?<\/h5>\n<div id=\"target-id69f4e5260b938\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\n<p>Firstly, it\u2019s very possible that you will be applying for sophomore summer internships AND junior summer internships at the same time.\u00a0 Yes, it can feel a little crazy!\u00a0 Remember that timelines for junior internships are far more rigid, so it\u2019s important to prioritize those applications or at least be organized to ensure you don\u2019t miss any deadlines.<\/p>\n<p>Relevant summer experience is critical to showing an interest in and commitment to a career in finance. However, internships can often be hard for sophomores to obtain, especially when they\u2019re competing against juniors with more knowledge and skills. Any opportunities that provide you with the chance to cultivate relevant knowledge and skills can be valuable. For example, exposure to financial statements and spreadsheets can be helpful if you\u2019re interested in investment banking. A fast-paced environment with client-facing responsibilities can be useful if you\u2019re interested in sales and trading. The emphasis should be on the nature of the work rather than the environment or industry in which it\u2019s being done.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h5 class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f4e5260b960\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"I\u2019m an international student, is finance a good industry to pursue?\"    >I\u2019m an international student, is finance a good industry to pursue?<\/h5>\n<div id=\"target-id69f4e5260b960\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\n<p>This is a difficult answer but the answer is usually no.\u00a0The U.S. immigration system significantly limits the options of employers to hire international student candidates in the long-term, which often results in policies that exclude candidates who do not have unlimited work authorization already in hand.\u00a0 Some employers are willing to consider candidates who rely on CPT, OPT, or who need work visa sponsorship &#8211; but many, in fact a majority, have policies in place that limit eligibility for internship and job opportunities to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only &#8211; and that can fluctuate from year to year.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s not impossible.\u00a0 International students who meaningfully engage in the steps outlined above can find success.\u00a0 International Oles have found successful careers in finance in the past &#8211; but the journey is likely to be arduous and frustrating.\u00a0 You will have to work harder and longer &#8211; and deal with a lot of rejection &#8211; before finding success.\u00a0 Additionally, international students must observe, navigate and adapt to a very unique industry culture.<\/p>\n<p>Students may want to investigate whether the pathway to careers in finance might be easier in your home (or third) country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid, .site-grid__wrapper -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- site-section__content -->\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__wysiwyg panel panel-wysiwyg site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"wysiwyg\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner l-wrapper site-section__inner--top-padding-none site-section__inner--bottom-padding-minimal\">\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"site-section__header\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"site-section__title h3\" id=\"resources\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Resources<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-section__content \">\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__wrapper site-grid__wrapper-stagger\"\n\t\t\t data-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t data-name=\"columns\"\n\t\t\t data-livetext>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__wysiwyg-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content \"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t data-name=\"column_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About the Industry Area<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asset\/Wealth Management<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wallstreetoasis.com\/finance-dictionary\/what-is-asset-management-am\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Asset Management?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Wall Street Oasis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/feeonlyplanner\/2018\/04\/20\/what-is-wealth-management-a-definition-that-works-for-everyone\/#2af4fee12dfb\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Wealth Management?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Forbes)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/smartasset.com\/financial-advisor\/asset-management-vs-wealth-management\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asset Management vs. Wealth Managemen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t (Smart Asset)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial Banking<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/c\/commercialbank.asp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Commercial Banking?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Investopedia)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=W-vc9C9WiyQ#action=share\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial Banking vs. Investment Banking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Wall Street Mojo)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corporate Development<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/corporatefinanceinstitute.com\/resources\/careers\/jobs\/corporate-development-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Corporate Development?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Investopedia)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investment Banking<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/corporatefinanceinstitute.com\/resources\/careers\/jobs\/investment-banking-overview\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Investment Banking?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Corporate Finance Institute)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/corporatefinanceinstitute.com\/resources\/careers\/jobs\/what-do-investment-bankers-do\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do Investment Bankers Do?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Corporate Finance Institute)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wallstreetmojo.com\/sell-side-vs-buy-side\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buy Side vs. Sell Side<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Wall Street Mojo)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wallstreetwannabe.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wall Street Wannabe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Industry guide created by Carlson Alum Dino Bilankov)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wallstreetoasis.com\/investment-banking-industry-reports\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2018 Investment Banking Industry Report <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Wall Street Oasis)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/corporatefinanceinstitute.com\/resources\/careers\/map\/\">Finance Careers \u2013 a map of your options<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/financial-careers\/08\/financial-career-options-professionals.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Financial Career Options for Professionals (Investopedia)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onetonline.org\/find\/career?c=6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Finance Career Cluster (O*NET)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/c\/corporatefinance.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Breaking Down \u201cCorporate Finance\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n<h5>Sample Student Involvement Opportunities<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Pause Kitchen Finance Officer<\/li>\n<li>SGA Finance Officer<\/li>\n<li>Student employment: Business Office<\/li>\n<li>Student employment: Teaching Assistant for Financial or Managerial Accounting Classes<\/li>\n<li>Treasurer of student government branches, clubs\/organizations<\/li>\n<li>Finance Club<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/stolaf.presence.io\/organization\/investment-club\">Investment Club<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/stolaf.presence.io\/organization\/women-in-business\">Women in Business<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.girlswhoinvest.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Girls Who Invest<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pillarsofwallstreet.com\/\">Pillars of Wall Street<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/learning\/\">LinkedIn Learning\u2019s Excel Tutorials<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Job Postings<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>St. Olaf College\u2019s Handshake database<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1VyTFeRJDXklZ6we4BVQ26vlTwzdTH3fdp2WLeIu7o6c\/edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Finance Diversity Recruitment Programs<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Check company websites directly! Many postings require you to act right away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Technical Interview Prep Resources<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wall-street-prep-certificate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wall Street Prep Financial Modeling and Valuation Certificate<\/a>\u00a0(Ole Career Launcher Program)<\/li>\n<li>Key topics: What\u2019s investment banking (capital raising, advising); valuation approaches (DCF, trading comps, precedent transactions, LBO); accounting\/financial statements and how they are related (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement); current market knowledge<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wallstreetoasis.com\/finance-interview-questions-and-answers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Common Finance Technical Interview Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Investment-Banking-Valuation-Leveraged-Acquisitions\/dp\/1118656210\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers &amp; Acquisitions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mergersandinquisitions.com\/banker-blueprint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Banker Blueprint<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Professional Groups<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfasociety.org\/minnesota\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MN CFA Society<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/women-wave.org\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Women\u2019s Association of Venture and Equity<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/100women.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">100 Women in Finance<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.swsatuva.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Smart Women Securities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid, .site-grid__wrapper -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- site-section__content -->\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Finance? Finance is a term that addresses matters regarding the management, creation, and study of money and investments. It involves the use of credit and debt, securities, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10251,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-40086","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10251"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40086"}],"version-history":[{"count":259,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40086\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43543,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40086\/revisions\/43543"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}