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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