From History Student to Finance Professional

I am in my second year of a three-year course studying History for a BA (Hons) at the University of Exeter. I initially wanted to pursue a career in law, hence my decision to study history. However, after more research and exposure to the industry, I realised that it was not for me. I then considered pursuing a career in finance. But which field of finance, as there are so many distinct sectors, each with its unique demands and required skill sets?

This is why I decided to participate in AmplifyME’s Summer Analyst Programme. It presents a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure to various industry segments, helping me better understand where my skills and interests align.

I am in my second year of a three-year course studying History for a BA (Hons) at the University of Exeter. I initially wanted to pursue a career in law, hence my decision to study history. However, after more research and exposure to the industry, I realised that it was not for me. I then considered pursuing a career in finance. But which field of finance, as there are so many distinct sectors, each with its unique demands and required skill sets?

This is why I decided to participate in AmplifyME’s Summer Analyst Programme. It presents a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure to various industry segments, helping me better understand where my skills and interests align.

While financial institutions are increasingly looking to diversify their hiring by considering candidates from non-finance academic backgrounds, they still conduct technical interviews and expect a certain level of knowledge and understanding. The hiring environment has become immensely competitive.

Suppose you can be an applicant from a non-finance background who demonstrates a firm grasp of financial concepts, sometimes surpassing your peers with finance degrees. In that case, it will impress interviewers and help you stand out in the application process.

Developing this knowledge is not easy, especially for a student who has never formally studied finance. This is where AmplifyME’s Summer Analyst Programme is invaluable.

While I was aware that many participants in the programme came from finance and economics backgrounds, the AmplifyME team did a fantastic job starting from the basics and progressing steadily, ensuring that everyone could learn and keep up. The programme allowed me to bridge the gap between my non-finance academic background and the technical knowledge required for success.

While financial institutions are increasingly looking to diversify their hiring by considering candidates from non-finance academic backgrounds, they still conduct technical interviews and expect a certain level of knowledge and understanding. The hiring environment has become immensely competitive.

Suppose you can be an applicant from a non-finance background who demonstrates a firm grasp of financial concepts, sometimes surpassing your peers with finance degrees. In that case, it will impress interviewers and help you stand out in the application process.

Developing this knowledge is not easy, especially for a student who has never formally studied finance. This is where AmplifyMe’s Summer Analyst Programme is invaluable.

While I was aware that many participants in the programme came from finance and economics backgrounds, the AmplifyME team did a fantastic job starting from the basics and progressing steadily, ensuring that everyone could learn and keep up. The programme allowed me to bridge the gap between my non-finance academic background and the technical knowledge required for success.

The programme was essential in helping me prepare for my subsequent applications. To provide context, I applied to almost all spring weeks before the programme and did not get a single interview.

After completing the programme and applying for summer internships, I reached final rounds with J.P. Morgan and secured interviews with Morgan Stanley and other major firms. Ultimately, I secured a place with a notable firm.

AmplifyME does a fantastic job of presenting a realistic picture of how competitive these firms' hiring processes are. They provided guidance on structuring CVs and conducted mock interviews, which were instrumental in highlighting where my spring week applications were going wrong and what needed to be improved.

The programme was essential in helping me prepare for my subsequent applications.

To provide context, I applied to almost all spring weeks before the programme and did not get a single interview. After completing the programme and applying for summer internships, I reached final rounds with J.P. Morgan and secured interviews with Morgan Stanley and other major firms. Ultimately, I secured a place with a notable firm.

AmplifyME does a fantastic job of presenting a realistic picture of how competitive these firms' hiring processes are. They provided guidance on structuring CVs and conducted mock interviews, which were instrumental in highlighting where my spring week applications were going wrong and what needed to be improved.

My advice for students from non-financial backgrounds is to understand the actual value of your diverse academic perspective.

Your unique background can bring fresh insights and different ways of thinking that are highly valuable in finance. Learn how to communicate this in your applications and interviews.

That said, it is crucial to complement this with a strong understanding of core technical concepts relevant to the roles you are applying for.

This is where AmplifyME’s Summer Analyst Programme is excellent. This combination of a unique perspective and solid technical knowledge will help you stand out.

The competition is fierce, and firms receive applications from highly qualified candidates.

Picture the ideal candidate, someone with credentials and technical expertise, and aim to exceed that benchmark. Dive deep into financial concepts, stay curious, and continuously build your knowledge. Learn from any setbacks you encounter and remain resilient. With persistence and proper preparation, you will achieve your goals.

My advice for students from non-financial backgrounds is to understand the actual value of your diverse academic perspective. Your unique background can bring fresh insights and different ways of thinking that are highly valuable in finance. Learn how to communicate this in your applications and interviews.

That said, it is crucial to complement this with a strong understanding of core technical concepts relevant to the roles you are applying for. This is where AmplifyME’s Summer Analyst Programme is excellent. This combination of a unique perspective and solid technical knowledge will help you stand out.

The competition is fierce, and firms receive applications from highly qualified candidates. Picture the ideal candidate, someone with credentials and technical expertise, and aim to exceed that benchmark. Dive deep into financial concepts, stay curious, and continuously build your knowledge. Learn from any setbacks you encounter and remain resilient. With persistence and proper preparation, you will achieve your goals.