Watch this if you don't have a 2024 finance internship.

Summary

In this video, Cameron shares his journey of landing a finance internship during the pandemic by utilizing cold emails to smaller firms. He emphasizes the importance of proactive outreach over traditional applications and details the key elements of an effective cold email, such as clarity, flexibility, and personal research. Cameron illustrates how networking can lead to unexpected opportunities, highlighting that even if no internships are available, conversations can create valuable connections. His experience showcases the significance of building relationships in the finance industry, encouraging students to adopt similar strategies for their career advancement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many internship applications may go unanswered, especially as deadlines approach.
• 😀 Cameron shares his personal experience of struggling to find an internship during the summer of 2020.
• 😀 Cold emailing smaller firms can be an effective strategy for landing internships.
• 😀 Tailoring your outreach emails to specific companies demonstrates genuine interest and effort.
• 😀 Highlight your flexibility regarding job responsibilities and compensation to increase your chances.
• 😀 Include your relevant coursework and skills to showcase your academic preparation.
• 😀 Prior work experience, even if not directly related, is valuable to highlight.
• 😀 Expressing interest in a conversation, even if no internship is available, can lead to networking opportunities.
• 😀 A well-crafted email can lead to unexpected connections and opportunities within your desired field.
• 😀 Building relationships and networking is crucial for career advancement, especially in competitive fields like finance.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Cameron's video?

Cameron's video focuses on how to secure internships through proactive outreach, specifically using cold emails to smaller firms.

Why does Cameron emphasize targeting smaller firms for internships?

Smaller firms often lack structured internship programs and may be more open to cold outreach compared to larger corporations.

What personal experience does Cameron share to illustrate his point?

Cameron shares his experience from 2020, when he secured an internship during the pandemic through a cold email after struggling to find opportunities.

What should be included in the initial part of the cold email?

The email should start formally, introduce the sender, and clearly state the purpose of the outreach early on.

How important is it to demonstrate research in the email?

It's crucial to show that you've researched the company and are genuinely interested in their specific operations, which helps personalize your message.

What is the significance of showing flexibility in job responsibilities?

Demonstrating flexibility indicates a willingness to learn and gain experience, making the candidate more appealing to potential employers.

What should candidates include regarding their academic background?

Candidates should highlight relevant coursework and any academic achievements to showcase their qualifications and skills.

What is Cameron's advice regarding compensation for internships?

Cameron suggests being open to various compensation structures, including unpaid opportunities, especially when starting out in one's career.

What should a candidate do if there are no available internship positions?

Even if there are no internships available, candidates should express interest in scheduling a call to learn more about the industry, which can lead to future opportunities.

What improvements does Cameron suggest for future cold emails?

Cameron recommends including a resume and a link to a LinkedIn profile in future emails to provide additional context and facilitate easier communication.