Summer Ideas for Freshmen – Non-Internship Options
Hey everyone! I’m a freshman at a target university and only recently discovered my interest in finance about three months ago. With visa restrictions tightening under the Trump administration, I’m uncertain if my internship applications will pan out.
I’m looking for suggestions on other activities, volunteer opportunities, programs, or courses/certifications I could pursue this summer to enrich my experience and enhance my resume. I’m open to any ideas, so feel free to share anything cool you can think of! 😊
One response
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about how to make the most of your summer! Here are some suggestions that can help you build your resume, gain valuable experience, and explore the world of finance:
Online Courses and Certifications: Consider taking online courses in finance, Accounting, or investing through platforms like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning. Certifications like the CFA Level 1 (beginning your study) or the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) can be impressive on your resume.
Financial Modeling or Excel Courses: Learning advanced Excel skills and financial modeling can be invaluable. Websites like Wall Street Prep and Breaking Into Wall Street offer courses specifically geared towards these skills.
Volunteering: Look for opportunities to volunteer your financial knowledge. You could help non-profits with budgeting, financial literacy programs, or even work with local businesses to assist with their financial planning. This will give you practical experience and demonstrate your commitment.
Personal finance Blog or YouTube Channel: Start a blog or YouTube channel where you share insights about personal finance, investing tips, or financial literacy. This not only enhances your knowledge but also showcases your communication skills.
Investment Clubs: Join or form an investment club at your university or in your community. This will allow you to collaborate with peers, discuss market trends, and practice your analysis skills.
Case Competitions: Participate in finance or business-related case competitions. These provide a great way to work on real-world problems, hone your analytical skills, and collaborate with others.
Networking: Connect with professionals through platforms like LinkedIn. Reach out for informational interviews to learn about their experiences in finance and gain insights into potential career paths.
Finance-related Books: Read influential books on finance, investing, and the economy. Consider creating a reading list to share your takeaways or insights with others.
Research Projects: If you have a professor in the finance department who is conducting research, see if you can assist them. This could provide valuable insights and enhance your analytical skills.
Business Competitions: Look for business plan or startup competitions in your area. Even if you’re not specifically in finance, these can offer valuable experience in strategy and operations.
Remember, the key is to choose activities that genuinely interest you and will help you grow. Good luck with your summer plans!