FLY x Columbia Financial Investment Group
By Kathleen Xie
We are excited to announce that FLY has formed a partnership with the Columbia Financial Investment Group and delivered our first co-hosted webinar event on August 27th. Students from 6 distinct time zones in the US, UK, Asia, and Africa participated. During this inaugural event, four Columbia University student panelists shared their journeys in finance, tips on crafting resumes and networking, and insights on careers in finance. Below are the takeaways from the webinar.
Crafting the Perfect Resume
What is it?
A resume is a one-page document summarizing your experience, education, and skills. It serves as an introduction to employers and presentation of your qualifications.
Why does it matter?
It is a powerful first impression on potential employers that often determines who gets an interview. In other words, it’s an important marketing and networking tool to make yourself memorable in a short review time. Because of this, it needs to be concise and direct.
What should you put in a resume?
Contact Information - Usually in the header of the resume, centered; includes name, address, phone number, and email address
Education - Includes: college, university, location of school, expected graduation date, degree information, major information, cumulative GPA
Experience - This is the most important part of the resume! You should:
Organize your experiences section in reverse chronological order
Use bullet points to list out past responsibilities with concise, direct language and always start with an action verb.
Ex: Organized and executed a state-wide Model UN conference
Include quantifiable evidence and numbers
Ex: Organized and executed a state-wide Model United Nations conference including 200 participants
Talk about the impact you’ve made
Ex: Organized and executed a state-wide Model United Nations conference including 200 participants and increased new member participation by 60%
Skills & Interests
Language: separated into native, fluent, intermediate, and basic
Technical: can include a wide range of skills, from specific programming languages, to computer programs like Microsoft Office, to specific finance applications like Bloomberg or Factset
Interests: make sure to also highlight your personal interest
Oftentimes, this is where you differentiate from others. Interviewers could end up talking a lot about your personal interests, as that is one way they can connect with you and find out more about you.
Ex: You like to watch marvel and superhero movies; you love to watch premier league soccer
*Some relevant technical skills to highlight in finance include Microsoft Office Suite, Financial Modeling, Accounting, Data Manipulation, Business Analysis, and Programming. Some interpersonal skills include public speaking, communication, motivated, takes initiative, writing abilities, attention to detail, multi-task, and EQ.
The Power of Networking
Networking is the process of forming professional connections. It should be a mutually beneficial relationship, as your goal should be to make authentic relationships! Networking is a great way to learn about different career paths and discover your interest. For this reason, you should focus on careers you’re interested in, but don’t close doors on any industries/firms too early.
Careers in Finance
Careers can be separated into two categories: buy side and side sell. While jobs on the buy side work for financial institutions that purchase assets and securities for either the firm itself or its clients, jobs on the sell side work for financial institutions that create and sell financial instruments. On the buy side, common careers include Asset/Wealth Management, Hedge Funds, Private Equity, and Venture Capital. On the sell side, common careers include Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, and Equity Research.
Asset/Wealth Management - this job involves evaluating clients’ needs and understanding their vehicles of wealth to develop recommendations
Hedge Funds - a hedge fund manager raises money from outside investors and invests according to whatever strategy the fund uses
Private Equity - private equity firms invest in businesses with the goal of increasing value over time before eventually selling the company at a profit
*book recommendation: Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar
Venture Capital - venture capitalists are entities that invest large sums of money in businesses during startup or early expansion phases and seek massive returns
Investment Banking - investment bankers serve in an advisory role to their clients as they raise capital or pursue M&A activities
Sales & Trading - this job focuses on pitching ideas to clients as well as trading assets and engaging in the markets
Equity Research - equity researchers focus on producing reports and recommendations on publicly traded equities which provides investors with the information they need to buy, hold, or sell an investment
Student Panelists: Why Columbia?
When asked what brought them to Columbia, some said it’s because the university is located in NYC – a city with diverse cultures, music and arts that are open to explore. It is also one of the world’s most important financial centers. Others said it is the required general studies that allows students to explore different topics ranging from philosophy, art, and history to economics and humanity.
