NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Justin Nelson, a senior private banker with JPMorgan and alumni advisor to the Tufts Financial Group, regularly speaks to college students about pursuing careers in finance. Nelson offers the following tips to aspiring bankers and money managers:
Show an interest. Having a major in economics or finance is helpful, but not necessary. What’s more important is demonstrating a strong interest in finance. This can be done through internships, classes, finance clubs on campus or even running your own mock portfolio.
Network. Get to know as many people as possible at target firms where you hope to find a job opportunity. Using your school’s alumni network is a great place to start. This is an easy way to make connections and explore if a firm and opportunity is right for you.
Take advantage of school resources. Most colleges and on-campus clubs offer connections to firms, or firms will come on campus to conduct interviews. Make sure you are aware of all career events happening on campus.
If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Don’t be shy about asking anyone for a 15–20-minute call or Zoom, or even an in person coffee, if you are local. Worst case, they say no. Best case, you open a door and they respect that you are politely persistent.
Try to focus on a specific area of finance. For example, this could include investment banking, wealth management, equity research or working at a hedge fund. But if you can be all in on a specific business, it will mean more to potential employers.
Prepare for interviews. Spend time at college career centers and with alumni as part of your interview preparation. It is extremely important to understand and prepare for the basic questions you might be asked. Many are scenario-based and if you come up with a few examples in advance, you won’t be caught off guard.
Diversity. If you have a diverse background, make sure to apply for those specific programs. You may get access to fast-track interview processes.
Remember that even if you are a late-starter and missed out on a junior internship or have a late interest in finance, many firms hire off cycle due to attrition or other hiring needs. Constantly check their job posting databases. You will be surprised by the opportunities you find.
Also, don’t forget this is your first job. You are doing your best to find a good job out of school, but it’s not forever. It’s a time to explore and find out what you like or don’t like. Most college-age people don’t know what they want to do with their life so remember, it’s just one step in a long and successful career.
Since its founding in 2005, the Tufts Financial Group (TFG) has established itself as a resource for Tufts students at all levels of experience with an interest in finance. TFG is the largest business club on the Tufts campus with over 100 members and is the only group that offers students pre-professional guidance and real investing experience.
Justin Nelson is a financial manager and private banker directly responsible for more than $11 billion in assets. He is a Managing Director, Head of the Asset Management and Financial Principals Coverage Team and a Senior Private Banker for JPMorgan. Nelson received a B.S. from Tufts University in both Chemistry and Economics and an MBA from Columbia University. He founded and leads the JPMorgan undergraduate recruiting team for Tufts University and is a member of the Tufts Financial Network Advisory Committee.