How to Optimize the Financial Intern Experience
- Consider and research the options
- Read core material beforehand
- Communicate and ask questions
- Network with industry professionals
- Watch and learn from others
For many new and prospective financial professionals, internships serve as a foundational building block in their career building efforts. Most students are highly encouraged to seek out intern opportunities before graduation. There is no substitute for gaining practical, hands-on experience working alongside experienced members of the industry. Internships also gives students a chance to identify their own:
- strengths
- weaknesses
- special areas of interest
Here are five tips to maximize the finance internship experience.
Related Resource: 50 Best Online Master of Finance Degree Programs
Consider and Research the Options
For many students, the key to getting the most out of a temporary position is getting started early and researching all the options. There are many types of organizations that hire interns. Finding the right opportunity can take time and research. Looking for openings early on also gives students multiple chances to pursue the positions that they really want if they don’t succeed in their first application.
Read Core Material Beforehand
Even if it’s not required, interns can show that they are serious and committed by reading up on their position before the first day. Learning about the company, its culture and the details regarding specific duties or operations can make the integration process much faster. Doing internship homework ahead of time also primes candidates to learn the ropes as soon as possible so they can start making meaningful contributions to their team.
Communicate and Ask Questions
Many interns hesitate to communicate with their supervisor and team members at first. This attitude can become a big hindrance to learning. Instead, interns are encouraged to ask questions directly when they aren’t sure what to do. Of course, it’s also expected that they take note of the answers and do their best to apply the lesson in the future. Asking questions usually doesn’t have a negative impact on team members’ perceptions. But the inability to engage and learn can be a big problem.
Network with Industry Professionals
Aside from the gaining practical work experience, the opportunity to meet members of the industry is one of the most important benefits of an internship. Building a career and reputation in finance relies heavily on networking, so this is an important first step for many new professionals. Interns should adopt an active stance towards meeting the people they work with and building long-term relationships.
Watch and Learn from Others
Math and money skills aren’t the only thing that finance interns should be learning while at work. In fact, specifically watching basic social relationships in the office and how people interact can make the integration process easier. It can also improve job performance, according to US News & World Report. Essentially, interns should treat everything as a learning experience and try to draw as much useful information from each day as they can.
Conclusion
Students from virtually every field and discipline should try to accumulate job experience during their undergraduate and graduate programs. Even unpaid opportunities can prove invaluable as long as participants take steps to maximize their finance internship experience.
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