Breaking into finance: Top tips from recent graduates

These are just some of the reasons why finance is a competitive business to break into. But with tips and advice from people in a similar position, you can maximize your chances of success. Here’s what university students and recent graduates had to say about reaching that all-important first step on the ladder.

Standing out 

Your first challenge will be to stand out from the crowd. Think about how to differentiate yourself – and plug those gaps if you need to.

“You’re competing with the smartest minds in every field,” said Liam Newport, who graduated with a Bachelor of Finance and Bachelor of Economics, Capital Markets, from the Australian National University in 2023 and is now working as an investment banking analyst at Gresham Partners.  

“In order to stand out you really have to go above and beyond in terms of extra-curriculars and what you are doing outside of the classroom,” he said. “I really had to work on my own resumé over the past year.”

But when it comes to the work itself – whether it’s an internship or your first junior role – it’s important also to be realistic about what is expected of you. You should treat it as the learning environment that it is.

“You have to assume that you know nothing and be a sponge,” said Hugo Heanly, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Finance and Bachelor of Science from the Australian National University who completed an investment banking internship at Goldman Sachs.  

“What people don’t realize is that the expectations of interns or incoming analysts aren’t as high as what everyone believes.”

Attitude matters 

Remember that at the start of your career, it is not your knowledge that will make you stand out but the way you approach your work.  

“It’s difficult to get qualified and valuable experience as a first, second or third-year university student,” said Heanly. “But it’s your attitude, the way you go about tasks and your openness to learning that will really differentiate you.”

Mentors also matter: seek them out wherever you can. And don’t forget that employers have an interest in helping junior staff – so ask for it.

“I don’t know many people who have really wanted to get into finance and haven’t been able to, provided they have the right support and are willing to stick their neck out and ask questions, ask for help,” said Ryan Trainor, who is set to join the Graduate Rotational Program at Canadian holding company George Weston Limited after completing his Master’s of Accounting at the University of Waterloo in September 2024. 

Be curious 

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it never did any harm to new graduates and those on internships: showing that you are interested in the bigger picture will always stand you in good stead.  

“Being curious about understanding the ‘why’ we’re doing something is very important,” said Ronis Goel, who is studying for a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Financial Management at the University of Waterloo and recently interned at alternative asset manager Onex.  

That isn’t always easy, particularly when there is so much to take on board in an unfamiliar environment.

“I think it’s quite common to get absorbed in the nitty-gritty of things, but being able to understand why things are going on is really important,” said Arnav Sheth, who is also studying Accounting and Financial Management at the University of Waterloo.

Ultimately, there are no shortcuts to success. The secret is often simply working hard – and grabbing every chance you are offered.  

“The mindset that you should go into a job with is to give 100% effort,” said Newport. “If an opportunity comes, take it.”  

That might take courage – and it might mean overcoming natural fears about being underqualified - what is often called imposter syndrome. “You have to be bold,” said Alex Pates, who is studying business administration and accounting at University of the Philippines Diliman and who interned last year at cryptocurrency trading platform PDAX.  

“You have to take the risk even if you don’t think you’re ready,” she added. “As long as you do your best to prove that you deserve an opportunity, I think that’s a good way to stand out.”

Discover more: read the full series

Why a financial career is a top choice for students and graduates

Overcoming imposter syndrome: Advice from recent finance graduates

AI in finance: why recent graduates are optimistic about their career prospects