Immerse yourself in the world of finance.

As students embark on the competitive journey into the finance sector, we sought advice from Eller alumni and other top industry professionals, including chief investment officers and finance directors. From going above and beyond on interview assessments to learning about the different finance sectors, here are the top sixteen pieces of career advice they generously shared.

• Go Above and Beyond On The Assessments
• Communicate Numbers Effectively
• Prioritize Learning and Adaptability
• Develop Technical Finance Skills
• Seek Out Valuable Mentors
• Leverage School Connections Early
• Explore Ancillary Courses
• Gain Experience Through Trading
• Master Excel Skills Early
• Showcase Personal Projects
• Build Strong Financial Analysis Foundation
• Embrace a Non-Linear Career Path
• Focus on Future In-Demand Finance Fields
• Gain Work Experience Early
• Secure Finance Internships
• Learn About Different Finance Sectors

Go Above and Beyond On The Assessments

I graduated with a degree in economics and worked for a property technology start-up after I attended college. While it may not have been a direct financial role, there was a significant financial component to my work. Eller set me up perfectly for the job hunt, and my experience interning for a Top Venture Capital Firm during my senior year provided valuable insights into the financial job search process.

The interview process for this internship was extensive and had multiple rounds. Here is my key advice for Eller students looking to break into careers in Finance: Go above and beyond on the assessments.

The nature of these positions requires you to stand out from the crowd. I was one of ten people selected for an internship at one of the top VC firms in California, from a pool of over 3,000 applicants. People will be applying from prestigious schools like Harvard and Stanford, so you must distinguish yourself by going above and beyond during the assessment rounds if you truly want to crack into the industry.

Going above and beyond means exceeding the basic requirements and expectations of a task or role, and demonstrating exceptional commitment, initiative, and performance. In an employer's eyes, this often looks like:

1. Thorough Preparation:
   • Doing extensive research on the company, industry, and specific role.
   • Preparing detailed and thoughtful questions to ask during interviews.
   • Demonstrating a deep understanding of the company’s values, goals, and challenges.
2. Proactive Problem-Solving:
   • Identifying potential issues and proposing innovative solutions.
   • Taking the initiative to improve processes or contribute ideas that can benefit the company.
3. Exceptional Work Quality:
   • Delivering work that is meticulously accurate, well-presented, and exceeds the standard.
   • Paying attention to details and ensuring all aspects of a task are completed to the highest quality.

Employers see these behaviors as indicators of a candidate’s potential to contribute significantly to their organization, making them more likely to succeed and grow within the company.

I hope this helps. I try to give back to the school as much as possible because it truly did give me so much. I met incredible people and had opportunities opened up for me that I never thought were possible because of Eller.

Cameron Allen, ’20 BBA (Economics and Entrepreneurship), Investor and Digital Marketing Consultant, Digital Whale Club

Communicate Numbers Effectively

Whatever you ultimately want to do with finance, remember that the power of numbers is how we communicate them to others. Whether persuading someone to invest or influencing executive action on a particular course of action, it's not the data that ultimately wins the day. The best story wins, and the most influential people in an organization can translate the financial tale into a story that appeals to the masses.

Taylor Otstot, ’08 BSBA (Accounting) ’09 MSA, VP Finance, Dashlane

Prioritize Learning and Adaptability

If you're just starting out in your finance career, here's my advice: put learning and adaptability at the top of your priority list. The finance world is always in flux, with new regulations, tech advancements and shifting market trends that you need to stay on top of. Keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up to date. This might mean taking courses, earning new certifications or keeping a close eye on industry news.

Digging deep into your analytical skills and understanding financial principles is incredible. It's what will enable you to make smart, well-informed decisions. Remember, your network is super useful. Make it a point to connect with mentors and peers who can give you advice and open doors to new opportunities. Don't forget the value of internships and entry-level roles—they're your stepping stones to practical experience.

Always, and I mean always, carry yourself with integrity and professionalism. Trust and ethical behavior are an absolute must in finance, central to building and maintaining relationships. By focusing on your education, gaining real-world experience, and sticking to high ethical standards, you're setting yourself up for a lovely and successful career.

Alex Langan, Chief Investment Officer, Langan Financial Group

Develop Technical Finance Skills

I believe that currently, it's extremely difficult to operate in the finance sector without having technical skills and familiarity with modern finance systems. Thirty years ago, a good financier was only required to know his way around money and management, but currently, the situation has shifted rapidly.

Even in the top Wall Street companies, the digitalization of finances has proceeded so rapidly that almost all decisions are made by computers and algorithms; the human factor is really marginal. It does not mean that any random person taken from the street can become a great financier (like in the 'Trading Places' movie from 1983), but the skills necessary to operate the software and modern tools are as essential as the finance knowledge itself.

Holly Andrews, Managing Director, KIS Finance

Seek Out Valuable Mentors

I had a couple of mentors when I first started out in my career, and without their tough talks, I definitely wouldn't be where I am today. If you're still in college, your school should have a career center or someone dedicated to helping you find mentors. That's how I found my mentor when I was a student. You can also ask your professors, since they're connected to alumni. Attend college events, too, to meet potential mentors.

If you’ve already started working, and if you know where you want to be in the next three years at least, try to find someone at your company who has that role now and ask if they'd be willing to mentor you, since you want to be in their shoes soon. You can also reach out to people after company meetings or events that you really liked, how they presented, and their background. See if they'd be interested in mentoring you.

Paul Carlson, Managing Partner, Law Firm Velocity

Leverage School Connections Early

My top advice is to take advantage of the connections and network you have through your school from the jump. I would say that you should start using your connections to explore your employment options even before you graduate, and potentially even as early as the end of your junior year when it comes to looking for internships.

Don't wait to start exploring those opportunities—it isn't impossible to start a career in finance without these connections, but it is much more difficult, especially if you want to work for large or prestigious financial institutions. Talk to your professors or your school's career counselor about any internship or apprenticeship opportunities that are available. Also, make sure to take advantage of other career resources, like conferences, job fairs, networking events, or similar activities where you can build and strengthen those connections you started to make in school. 

Finance is definitely one of those industries where knowing the right people can open up a lot of doors. While knowledge is important, I would say that those connections are the single most valuable part of earning a degree in the field, so you don't want to waste them because you didn't realize you'd need them until after you graduate, at which point it might be too late to take full advantage of them.

Matt Erhard, Managing Partner, Summit Search Group

Explore Ancillary Courses

As someone from finance, my best advice is to branch out and take as many ancillary courses as you can. While it's true that your core finance courses will give you the foundation you need, exploring subjects like economics, data analysis and even psychology can give you a more competitive edge. 

This wide collection of skills will help you become more versatile as a finance expert. It will also allow you to understand the broader context of financial markets and client behaviors. Plus, it shows employers that you’re proactive and well-rounded, which is always a plus when looking for a job.

Joe Chappius, Financial Planner, Tax Climate

Gain Experience Through Trading

Start trading. An excellent way to earn and gain some useful experience while applying what you've learned in your course is to start doing some financial trading while you're still in university. You might not have a lot of capital to start with, but it's crucial to take your trades seriously by doing the necessary research and analysis.

Choose markets that interest you—for example, opt for forex if you're keen on understanding the global economy and the interactions between countries and currencies. If you're more interested in the business side of things, the stock market might be for you. Alternatively, if you want to keep an eye on various markets and spot trends, trading CFDs could be the way to go. This approach not only makes following business and financial news more engaging but also allows you to apply your knowledge practically, improving your analytical skills and testing your strategies.

If you're interested in online trading, setting up an online trading account is straightforward. You can trade right from your phone using various applications.

Paw Vej, Chief Operating Officer, Financer.com

Master Excel Skills Early

Learn Excel inside and out. It's not glamorous, but strong Excel skills are essential in finance. Master it early, and you'll immediately see career growth.

Taryn Pumphrey, President, Ledger Lift

Showcase Personal Projects

If you're looking for a job in finance, my biggest advice is to highlight your personal projects or side hustles. These experiences are gold mines for showing off your skills, creativity and drive. Have you run a small online business? Perfect! This showcases your talents in financial planning, budgeting, and problem-solving. 

Don't overlook the skills you've picked up from other fields. You might be in HR right now, which seems far from finance, but highlight how it taught you about risk management, strategic thinking, and paying attention to detail. These skills are crucial in finance too.

When you showcase your projects, focus on what you learned and how those lessons apply to finance. Maybe you are good at analyzing data while managing your business's finances or making smart decisions based on numbers. These skills will definitely help you stand out in the finance world.

Embrace your unique background as well. Employers in finance love versatility and fresh perspectives. Think of it like cooking—sometimes, the unexpected ingredients make the best dishes.

Highlight everything you think is applicable and how they make you a perfect fit for a finance career.

Showing off your diverse skills and experiences will not only make you stand out but also bring a rich, varied perspective to your desired finance industry.

Susan Andrews, HR Consultant, KIS Finance

Build Strong Financial Analysis Foundation

To start a successful career in finance, it's crucial to build a strong foundation in financial analysis, as this will enable you to quickly understand a company's health and assess risks effectively. Also, make a habit of continuous learning, staying updated on new methods and tools to enhance your efficiency and automate time-consuming and low-value tasks, allowing you to focus on high-impact projects. Don't just stick to theory—apply what you learn to real projects. Create financial statements and forecasts that clearly guide people in making better decisions.

Alhadade Ali Said, Finance Manager, Mention

Embrace a Non-Linear Career Path

Understand that most careers are non-linear in nature, so don't be so hard on yourself if your first job is not your "dream" job. Try to have fun. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Invest time and resources in building your unique skill set. Don't be afraid to ask questions and challenge the status quo. Be intentional about building your network and make sure to engage regularly—these folks can be some of the most valuable resources throughout your career.

Nico Serventi, Director, Finance and Strategy, Kajabi

Focus on Future In-Demand Finance Fields

As someone who went to a finance-focused school, I've watched my fellow classmates grow in their careers and noticed a key trend that has led to success. One key piece of advice for students starting their careers in finance is to focus on fields that may not be hot right now but are likely to be in high demand in five years.

The financial industry is constantly evolving, and areas like fintech, sustainable finance, and blockchain technology are expected to grow significantly. By positioning yourself in an emerging field, you can gain expertise early and become a valuable asset as the demand for these skills increases. Stay curious, keep learning and be open to exploring new areas that align with future trends.

Vivian Chen, Founder and CEO, Rise

Gain Work Experience Early

Start gaining work experience as early as possible, even while you're still studying! Whether you're looking to earn some extra cash during university or not, taking on jobs during breaks or part-time can significantly enhance your employability. Even typical student jobs available during term times, like event staffing, can be crucial. They help you demonstrate essential job skills such as punctuality and customer service.

While roles in bars and retail might not seem directly relevant to a finance career, having experience in any work environment and handling job responsibilities gives you an edge over those who graduate without any work experience. If casual jobs don't attract you, consider starting a small business in your spare time as an even more engaging alternative.

Adam Klein, Certified Integral Coach® and Managing Director, New Ventures West

Secure Finance Internships

Try a finance internship as an undergrad—it's a great way to grow your network of professionals in the industry. This is particularly crucial in the competitive world of finance. Throughout your career, it's beneficial to nurture and expand your network as much as possible. After 30 years in the business, I'm never surprised by how small an industry can be. I can assure you that someone you intern or work with today might play a decisive role in a job or business opportunity you pursue years from now.

One of the best ways to see if finance is the right career for you is by completing an internship. During this time, you'll make connections within the firm and get a firsthand look at the day-to-day life of a finance analyst. Moreover, having this experience before applying for full-time positions can really make your resume stand out. Remember, networking is crucial not just for securing a full-time job but also for landing an internship. Often, you won’t find internships advertised online; many of our students secure internships through networking and by pitching themselves for the position.

Rosana Tejada Crespo, CEO, Tejada Solicitors Law Firm

Learn About Different Finance Sectors

One piece of advice I always give to students is to learn about different finance sectors. This is crucial because finance is a broad field with various areas like investment banking, corporate finance, personal finance, and fintech. By exploring these sectors, you can identify which areas align best with your interests and strengths. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions about your career path, ensuring that you choose a role that you're passionate about and suited for. Furthermore, understanding different finance sectors provides you with a complete view of the industry, making you more versatile and adaptable in the job market. It also equips you with a broader skill set, which is highly valued by employers. This exploration can lead to more fulfilling and successful career choices.

Brian Quigley, Founder and Finance Expert, Beacon Lending