Joining a top finance firm can be life-changing. For many, it begins with an internship. Although interns are not core company employees, internships make you 32% more likely to land a full-time role in a prestigious organization after school.
Securing an internship role remains a challenge as the number of applicants continues to soar each session. However, you can beat the odds with some practical methods we will discuss at length. This article discloses five proven strategies that can help you land a top finance internship.
1. Be Early Bird
Opportunities for finance internships are usually open at least a year before they start. So, making an early move can be advantageous.
Search for Opportunities Early
Start your search early. Although internship opportunities may be available throughout your time in college or university, early preparation helps you secure the best spots before competition becomes fierce. You may start looking for internship applications the year before the program commences, ideally in your junior year.
To do so, pick your internship location and field, and then start searching on the web. For example, if you want to do an internship in Malaysia in finance, look for companies that offer finance internship Malaysia. Once you find relevant internship opportunities, connect with companies.
Attend Career-Centered School Events
Join your department’s student organizations in your freshman or sophomore year and attend career-centered events. These organizations usually get first dibs on the most lucrative opportunities for students during and after school.
Many top finance institution representatives also attend these events to sensitize students, reveal the latest industry trends, and offer exclusive internship opportunities.
2. Master Art of Acing Interviews
After your resume has been reviewed, you will likely show up for an interview with a top firm. At interviews, the interviewer aims to assess candidates to see how they fit the company’s culture while analysing their technical abilities. Acing interviews is not down to luck; it takes skill.
Your preparation for an interview must start early. Research current industry trends to show your vast knowledge and appreciation for the finance world. Learn the latest financial news, company takeovers and mergers, and M&A agreements. Interviewers typically ask questions relating to current events.
You will also face technical and behavioral questions in interviews. The STAR method is the most recommended approach for answering behavioural questions. Learn to answer evidence-based interview questions in 1 and 2 minutes.
Also, be ready to give detailed and accurate responses to technical questions involving major finance and accounting tools and why they are superior to traditional models.
3. Start Side Project
Internship in the top finance firms is nearly as competitive as entry or senior-level job applications. With a limitless list of candidates pouring in applications, spots are limited. Thus, recruiters look for applicants who stand out from the rest, and a side project can make the difference.
Working on a side project during your freshman or sophomore year puts you in a unique spot for securing a full-time appointment. It can help you learn or develop critical thinking, leadership, and technical skills needed in the corporate world. Add this information and your experiences at other previous relevant work environments to your resume.
4. Look for Referrals Through Networking
Know Key Industry Individuals
Some names ring a bell in the finance world. These are best-selling authors, executives, and originators of modern finance and accounting systems. Being acquainted with them can boost career opportunities for you during your internship and after.
Besides industry greats, research the top finance firms and identify key professionals currently plying their trade there. These individuals can be instrumental in landing an internship, as some might be integral to the recruitment process.
You can learn about their itinerary on their social media pages or website. Meet them at functions they will be speaking at or major events, such as book signings, to create room for rapport.
Seek Value
If you make a good first impression, seek value, and prioritize genuine rapport above asking for favours. Try to know them personally, learn from them, and find ways to join any ongoing or tentative projects they might be involved in. That way, you can work closely with them and perhaps develop a healthy mentor-mentee relationship.
Ask for Referral
Establishing a positive rapport with industry giants puts you in pole position to get their referral. Ask for their permission to be added to your resume as a reference, including the correct contact information.
5. Draft Results-Driven, Relevant Resume
Your resume is your first impression. A distinctive resume can make your application stand out from a sea of promising young talents. So, here is how to structure this document to improve your internship chances and appeal to recruiters.
Customise Resume for Each Application
While looking for internship opportunities, you probably have many options in mind. However, ensure you customize your resume and tailor it to the company you are applying to. This also applies to your cover letter. Ensure it is addressed to the hiring manager of each firm, using key points or phrases relevant to the company.
Study Application Guideline Thoroughly and Proofread
Use the internship application or job description as a guide when drafting your resume and cover letter. For instance, some applications clearly state certain keywords or phrases that each applicant must include in their cover letter to qualify for the next selection rounds.
Identify the buzzwords and highlight them in your list of accomplishments on your resume. It shows relevance to the role and attention to detail.
Quantify Experience and Achievements
When drafting your resume, describe your previous or current roles through impactful action words. Also, use figures and characters to quantify your results or experience for a better impact. For example, use “ My team achieved 12% in the first quarter of my involvement” instead of “We successfully executed financial analysis within a short time”.
Conclusion
The key to landing a top finance internship in Malaysia is starting your preparation early. From networking to mastering technical and behavioral interview questions, you can land your dream job with the practical steps examined earlier.
If finding top finance internships in Malaysia seems challenging, consider using a proven talent-matching platform. These platforms allow interns to find the best available opportunities in any field or organisation they choose. Recruiters at top finance firms also streamline their search for technically sound candidates who fit their company culture using these platforms.
Sign up for a talent-matching website today and match 8 times faster to your dream finance position.
