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learned to the working world. During your internship, you will see what your future banking job might entail. Internships also look good on your resume. Employers will be glad to know that you made an effort to get some experience before applying for the job. Take advantage of your summers off from the university to do an internship. Many banks offer programs to undergraduate students. Do an internet search for internships with major banks or simply apply in person to a bank in your area.
Step 2 Finding a Job
Network. Use your network of friends, family, college acquaintances and professors to find job opportunities. Networking is a large part of developing a career in business and finance. Get to know the people in the community. Remember to use social networking websites like LinkedIn and Facebook. Check out different profiles for useful information.
Attend networking events. Many undergraduates and graduate schools hold networking events for students interested in banking, especially investment banking. Events at top universities often bring in recruiters, so be prepared to put your best foot forward. Get your name and face out there as you chat with people about your interests.
Make yourself visible on professional social media pages. Websites like LinkedIn allow you to show your qualifications to other professionals in your industry. Jobs are often advertised on LinkedIn, which can tip you off to potential openings. Put together a great profile of yourself to improve your visibility on the job market. Someone might even contact you first, if they like your profile and qualifications.
Go on informational interviews. Once you’ ve met someone who has a career that sparks your interest, get in touch. Have a conversation before you ask for more of their time. Get a sense of how busy their schedule is and how
interested they are in speaking to you. If they offer to help you, take the opportunity to say something like,“ I’ d love to sit down and have coffee with you sometime. Would that work for you?”
Offer to talk on the phone or exchange emails if you are not well acquainted. Do some research about the bank that they work for and the job that they do. Prepare specific questions about their job so that you obtain the information that you need.
Get details so that, later, you are prepared to speak knowledgeably should you apply for a job. If you just met the person, you may not want to ask about salary or other
continued on page 23 The Credit Professional 22 Spring 2018