finance internship

Regardless of the field of study, obtaining a paid or unpaid internship in your area of study can pay off in big dividends. This is especially true in the area of finance where the benefits of completing an internship are numerous. Though it is generally preferable to find a paid position, Forbes indicates that an unpaid position can be a great career move as well.

Resume Builder

Are you a new graduate searching for that first job in the financial industry? Being able to list your time as an intern with a known firm will increase your chances of moving past the resume review stage. It is important to outline projects or responsibilities that show an understanding of the field and your experience. This gives you an important edge over applicants with only classroom knowledge.

Employment Potential

Many employers use paid and unpaid internships as a low cost trial period. Interns who perform well can often look forward to job offers upon graduation. The onsite supervisor can be your biggest supporter in this instance. In addition to showing an aptitude for the financial sector, it is important to show that you are trainable and that you have the soft skills necessary to do well in the firm’s culture. These skills are often found lacking in new hires, so showing you are compatible with the culture is important.

Experience in the Field

One of the most obvious positives when you are an intern in the financial field is the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field. Being able to put book knowledge to work in the office setting is vital to the learning experience. Having the safety net of doing this as an intern allows you to grow as a professional. It gives you the opportunity to observe experienced professionals. In many cases, you may work side by side with them to complete more complex tasks.

Networking

Another positive of being an intern in the financial industry is the ability to network with other interns and more seasoned professionals. In many cases, the intern supervisors may become mentors to students placed with them. In both cases, these individuals can be the beginnings of a network that will expand throughout your career. Having others in the field to talk to or call upon later in your career could be professionally beneficial.

Possible Paycheck

Many of the internships in the area of finance are paid positions that may pay you relatively well. The larger financial firms generally pay more and have more positions available than the smaller firms. It has also been shown that the initial salary when hired full-time can be more than a new hire without related experience.

The benefits of completing an internship in finance are numerous. The experience gained, skills learned and people you meet are all excellent reasons to consider this option. If given the opportunity, the dividends may be felt throughout your career.

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