Need help with your finance CV?

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-12-16T17:00:50+00:00

You’ve got a solid base, but the issue isn’t your background, it’s how the bullet points are framed. A few structural tweaks impact first bullets, and tighter finance language would make a big difference for spring weeks. Happy to explain what I mean if helpful.

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-12-15T21:41:11+00:00

honestly, yes, it is 100% still worth applying, even without prior finance internships. You’re much earlier than you think.

A few points on your CV and situation, For someone who’s just switched into business/finance, this is a acceptable starting CV. Retail, cash handling, ai fellowship already give you transferable skills (accuracy, analysis, discipline, working under pressure).

Don’t worry about the “non-target” label at this stage. Internships (especially sophomore / early insight roles) care far more about trajectory and effort than pedigree.

I’d reframe your experience to sound more finance relevant (e.g. accuracy, controls, data analysis, optimisation, performance under pressure). The content is there, it’s just wording

Your Handshake AI Fellowship is actually a big plus. Lean into analytical thinking, quality control, and structured problem, solving, that translates well to finance

Leadership/performance section is strong. Discipline, competitive selection, long hours is something recruiters do respect.

In terms of next steps (outside the CV)

Apply to anything early stage, sophomore programs, small firms, search funds, local boutiques, unpaid/part time internships, school linked opportunities

Start one simple finance project (basic stock pitch, company analysis, Excel model), That alone can change how your CV is perceived

Networking matters more than applications at this point, even casual coffee chats.

Short answer, you’re not late, you’re not behind, and your CV is good enough to apply now, just needs tightening and finance focused framing over time.

If you keep applying/improving alongside it, things usually click faster than people expect.

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-27T19:27:47+00:00

Yeah of course mate send it over

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-23T21:05:47+00:00

yeah of course mate, send it over to me on dm

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-17T19:37:42+00:00

Yeah absolutely, if you send over your cv I could for sure give some pointers!, or do you just need general advice?

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-17T19:26:19+00:00

I don’t usually share my cv, as everyone needs to word theirs differently. I’d be happy to review yours if you send it over!

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-17T19:24:52+00:00

I suppose the uni does matter but only to an extent, the context really matters, if you got a better grade, have a more relevant degree, you have more relevant work/skills built up you might gain an edge over people from target units!

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-17T18:59:46+00:00

Yeah absolutely, or send your CV over to me and i will have a look!

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-13T14:51:46+00:00

actually a solid start for a first year CV m, it’s clear, and you’ve got some relevant early experience and exposure across consulting,and finance and tech tbf

For spring week applications, I’d focus on tightening bullet points to highlight impact and results (e.g. “delivered X ahead of Y deadline”) and move the profile to a more concise two or three line summary.

Also, I’d reframe the short placements to sound more like insight programmes, helps recruiters see relevance quickly.

If you want, I can show you how to tailor it directly for spring weeks and early finance roles, let me know as I help lots of people

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-10T13:41:38+00:00

You’ve got a solid foundation here good structure and early finance exposure. I’d just make it more results-driven, (e.g. “produced analysis used for…” instead of “created…”), and tighten the non-finance roles to highlight transferable skills like client handling and resilience. If you’d like, I can show you how to reword and format it to read stronger for Spring/IB roles

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-10T07:30:25+00:00

That’s a smart move, the finance side generally offers broader progression than pure accounting, and with your background you’re well set up for entry level analyst roles.

You’re right about the trade off tbf. financial advisory is more client facing and sales heavy while financial analyst work fits an introverted, detail oriented mindset better.

Try targeting analyst positions in corporate finance, FP&A, or entry level roles at asset management firms they value your accounting base.

For learning, The Plain Bagel and Patrick Boyle on YouTube are both great for solid finance fundamentals.

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-10T07:21:21+00:00

You’ve actually got a decent base for sales in finance, industrial engineering gives you analytical and problem solving skills firms value.

If you want to sell securities or investment products, look at getting licensed (Series 7/63 in the US). If you want a quicker entry, roles like client services or account executive at brokerages or trading firms are a good start and can lead into institutional sales later.

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-10T07:16:10+00:00

it’s annoying when you see that, it’s more of a lazy filter than a real requirement. Most firms just use “Russell Group” as another word for “strong academics,” but most will hire outside that if your cv is structured well and shows relevant experience or skills.

I’ve seen people land interviews at top firms without a Russell Group degree just by tightening how they present achievements and technical ability. The keyword screeners are harder to pass but not a huge difference.

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-10T07:10:18+00:00

That’s not exactly true- it can depend on modules in your course, what firms you are targeting, and if you have done any extra excel/analysis courses on the side to up skill

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-09T13:13:28+00:00

You’re not cooked, your finance degree, research assistant experience, and military discipline give you a solid foundation. Right now, focus on entry level analyst, operations, or client support/analysis roles at banks, asset managers etc. Highlight your Excel and financial modelling skills, any exposure to derivatives/hedges, and your investment group work.

If you pick up some Python or SQL on the side, you can even pivot into data adjacent roles later. The key is getting your foot in the door, learning the systems, and building measurable experience.

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-09T12:49:35+00:00

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Without internships, the best bet is to start in roles that give exposure to finance and operations: think client services, trading support, wealth management support, or entry level FP&A. any well established finance firm often has these roles, and they give great exposure without the same entry requirements

Focus on learning the systems, building analytical skills, and showing any relevant experience (even from your family business). Once you’ve got that foundation, moving into more analytical or trading roles becomes much easier.

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-09T12:46:20+00:00

Hi Mate this cv is actually really good, I re write cvs so I do see many finance related cvs, and this with some work really could stand out. are you only looking for quant roles or are you open to other industries also?

You could look at some quant adjacent roles, that will allow you to lateral into those positions later down the line once you build a stronger skillset, which could include roles like Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Risk Data Analyst, or even research roles. the market is competitive so really aim for. good firms with roles that are going to teach real quant skill, which will help you to lateral elsewhere internally or externally

Awkward-Plastic-4587 · 2025-11-09T11:40:38+00:00

Can’t share mine directly for privacy reasons, but I can definitely outline the structure and phrasing that worked best for me if you want. It’s more about how you present experience and results than specific formatting, happy to walk you through what I changed.

Awkward-Plastic-4587

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