How to Compete with Rich People’s CVs as a Student?
I recently had a friend come to me for advice and I must admit, I struggled to come up with the right words to say.
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Background: My friend comes from a challenging inner city London school, raised in a single-parent household, but defied the odds to attend LSE, studying Maths and Economics.
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Dilemma: He is feeling disillusioned after seeing his classmates’ impressive CVs, doubting his ability to stand out when applying for internships and other opportunities.
According to him, some of his peers at LSE already have relevant finance work experience and a plethora of exciting hobbies such as horse riding, skiing, tennis, opening an art gallery, sailing, polo, and even starting charities overseas… all before even stepping foot into the university.
He feels like he is already at a disadvantage compared to his peers.
What advice could I offer to boost his confidence?
One response
First and foremost, it’s important to remind your friend that everyone’s journey is different and comparing himself to others, especially those with more privilege or opportunities, is not productive. It’s essential to focus on his own strengths, experiences, and unique qualities.
Here are some tips that may help him compete with his classmates’ impressive CVs:
Leverage his unique background: Coming from a rough inner city London school and a single-parent household is a significant part of his story. This background can showcase resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges, which are valuable traits in the professional world.
Highlight his academic achievements: Attending LSE and studying Maths and Economics is a significant accomplishment. He should showcase his academic achievements, any relevant coursework or projects, and extracurricular activities related to his field of study.
Showcase transferable skills: Even if he doesn’t have the same level of finance work experience or extravagant hobbies as his classmates, he likely has developed valuable transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and time management. These skills are often just as important to employers as specific experiences.
Seek out internships and opportunities: Encourage him to proactively search for internships, networking events, and volunteer opportunities in his field of interest. Building real-world experience, even if it’s not as extensive as others’, can still make a difference on his CV.
Network and build connections: While he may not have the same pre-existing network as some of his classmates, encourage him to start building connections within the industry. Attending career fairs, industry events, and reaching out to alumni or professionals for informational interviews can open doors and help him stand out.
Focus on personal growth and development: Remind him that personal growth and continuous learning are essential. Encourage him to pursue personal interests, hobbies, and skills that he genuinely enjoy, as these can make him a more well-rounded and interesting candidate.
Seek guidance and mentorship: Encourage him to seek guidance from career advisors, professors, or mentors who can provide valuable insights, advice, and support in navigating his professional journey.
Above all, remind your friend that his worth is not determined by his classmates’ accomplishments or extravagant hobbies. Encourage him to stay focused on his goals, work hard, and believe in his own abilities. With determination, resilience, and a positive mindset, he can certainly compete with rich