Interest in finance
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Anonymous
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DD (8th grade) is interested in majoring in finance (it’s early, I know!) and has been thinking about potential activities or projects to start this summer. She’s been reading and researching finance, business, etc on her own.
I would love any advice/suggestions for activities, organizations or paths to consider. For those who have HS/college students interested in finance (or are in the field yourself) what types of extracurriculars have they found to be rewarding? Thanks! |
Anonymous
| Subscribe to WSJ and the Economist. |
Anonymous
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FBLA or DECA!! Great student organizations to get them started and meet like-minded business people.
If they're really ambitious/driven, they can try to start their own business or nonprofit. Also, try to learn to code. Academics-wise, do well and sign up for the harder math classes and AP Macro/Micro. |
Anonymous
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I can’t recommend DECA enough!! My daughter joined as a freshman unsure of what it really was and no real existing interest in business, but it ended up being the BEST thing ever for her. She learned so many skills—not just business but also life skills (public speaking, collaboration, etc.) that are serving her very well now that she’s in college at a top 10 business school. There are even opportunities to serve in a leadership role at the state level.
I have also heard FBLA serves a similar role and know kids who have loved it, but DD’s school didn’t have it. Other recommendations: WSJ/Economist, take math and AP macro/micro, take business-related classes in high school. |
Anonymous
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DS interviewed for a number of finance positions this year at college and the one that hired him was interested in his community service work over many years. Academically, DS also took the hardest math classes including four semesters of college calculus and statistics in addition to the classes required by the business school. While I don't know if he will ever use the calculus at work, the advanced math serves as a signaling device for finance. DH also worked in finance at a managing director level and looked for the math when hiring.
There is also the sales side of finance both for institutions and individuals. My mom was a very successful broker and she was a cheerleader in college. The sales types jobs are often filled by former athletes and very socially adept people, who are also smart. I wouldn't discount athletics as an extracurricular that is helpful for getting into finance, especially if your kid likes it. |
Anonymous
Not the WSJ but yes the Economist. |
Anonymous
I am a business school professor and disagree. Economist doesn't even make top 5 for finance publications, in my opinion (is it even finance???? or is it politics and social science?). WSJ is a must. Bloomberg would be another good one. For free investment related news, advice, and op eds, seekingalpha.com is good. It's the kind of website that could get a novice investor excited about certain companies or analysis tools, but not one where you would actually want to follow a lot of the advice with your personal portfolio (haha). |
Anonymous
| Curious how she got interested in finance? |
Anonymous
| WSJ is a must. |
Anonymous
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Nobody is interested in finance.
She is interested in being rich. Very different. |