Since my first appointment with peer career advisor Cece Hawley, which I found incredibly helpful, I scheduled three additional appointments at the Gordon Career Center. I initially planned a meeting with Holly Robinson but unfortunately had to cancel due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict. Following this, I met with Sharon Belden Castonguay, the supervisor of the CSPL 405: Ideals into Practice course, to discuss my progress and address concerns about completing my coursework on time. This meeting was enlightening, providing valuable insight into my future aspirations and how Wesleyan can support my journey. Sharon’s guidance prompted me to reschedule my meeting with Holly Robinson, a career counselor specializing in finance.
My second attempt to meet with Holly Robinson was successful. During this meeting, I expressed my interest in exploring a career in finance. Holly provided a comprehensive overview of the recruitment process for investment banking and consulting. She explained that recruitment in the financial sector starts early and moves quickly. By the spring of sophomore year, students should ideally secure a summer internship for the following year, which often leads to a full-time role. Holly also highlighted that diversity programs begin recruiting as early as August and September of sophomore year. This information has been invaluable in helping me prepare for the recruitment process and plan my courses and extracurricular activities accordingly.
Our discussion also covered how I could become a competitive candidate for roles in investment banking or consulting. I shared my experience from the CSPL150: Demystifying Finance class with Anne Martin, where I discovered my interest in finance. The readings on money, investing, and the stock market fascinated me, leading me to explore these topics further. Holly recommended that I engage with the various finance clubs and organizations on campus. I am eager to join these student groups and connect with peers who share similar interests.
In addition, Holly suggested that I complete the CORe curriculum at the Harvard Business School Online. This program covers business analytics, economics, and financial accounting, providing a solid foundation for a career in finance. I am currently applying to the Fall cohort and hope to gain valuable knowledge that will complement my academic and professional goals. Furthermore, I will be assisting my parents with their small business in Mongolia over the summer. This experience will provide practical business insights and help me develop skills that are transferable to professional opportunities in finance and technology in the United States.
Meeting with Cece Hawley, Sharon Belden Castonguay, and Holly Robinson has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations. Each conversation has provided unique insights and actionable advice, guiding me towards a clear path in finance. I now feel more confident about my future and the steps I need to take to achieve my goals. The support from the Gordon Career Center has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunities to learn and grow through these interactions. I look forward to continuing my journey, armed with the knowledge and resources to succeed in the competitive world of finance.
