Student organizations serve a social purpose. These groups bring together individuals from different backgrounds but with a common interest. For students majoring in finance, these organizations and socio-academic clubs provide opportunities to engage with your field of specialization on a deeper level through symposium, hands-on training, subject-driven competition and community discussions. Interacting with other members and alumni is the perfect networking activity for budding financial experts. However, it is also important to choose the student organization that provides a good fit for your personality and time constraints. You have the choice of joining national and international organizations with local chapters in your school or stand-alone clubs organized just for area.
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Entrepreneurial Clubs
The skills of financial whiz kids are enhanced when you have the chance to work in a real-world setting. Entrepreneurial clubs promote internships and volunteer involvement that are designed to provide exposure to actual situations in the business environment. The main thrust of student entrepreneur organizations is to introduce concepts of business planning specifically the funding and financing aspects that determine viability of business ventures. These clubs routinely sponsor competitions on business plan preparation and pitching business ideas to financiers. Collegiate Entrepreneurs’Organization is a global organization that may have a chapter in your school or community.
Financial Organizations
Finance-focused organizations aim to educate students about the opportunities and challenges faced by corporate finance professionals. Lectures, conferences and group learning activities typically cover various industries to emphasize the role of finance in the success of every business. These clubs may also delve into the legal and ethical aspects that financial professionals may face in the course of their job. Information Systems Audit and Control Association is an international group involving 300,000 universities worldwide. The goal is to develop, deploy and assess best practices in information systems audit.
Investment Management Groups
Investment management groups provide members with opportunities to test your portfolio management skills through simulated investing using real-world numbers. These clubs are some of the most robust on campus attracting even non-finance majors. Some organizations will deal with mock-investing only while others may actually trade and invest in the market with funds provided by the club or through self-funding. Given the nature of member activities, joining an investment management organization that is part of a national or international network can become a profound learning experience in an atmosphere of friendly competition. Campus charters of various investment management associations, some of which may be tied to more specific groupings, such as gender or race-based designations, make it possible for students to gain exposure in asset management strategies.
Certified Public Accountants Charter Groups
There are various industry groups for accounting professionals, many of which have on-campus charters. A student organization for would-be accountants could provide a venue for socializing and collaborating with peers in study groups, lectures and competitions. Since these groups are affiliated with national organizations, they would provide opportunities to interact with alumni and network with professionals in the field.
Joining a student organization is one of the ways that you can deepen your understanding of the field that you have chosen. It is a great opportunity to work with your peers, alumni and industry experts. It may also give you an opportunity to network and establish contacts with professionals in your field.
