Looking to get into finance

[Swag22]

I'm transferring this fall to UCLA to continue doing the Mathematics/Economics major there. I really want to line something up in the financial sector for next summer. Is UCLA a good school to position myself for an internship gig?

Also, I think I'm going to stay an extra year at UCLA (so, 3 years there instead of 2) so I can have 2 summers. I want to study abroad for one summer and intern at a financial company for the other.

I have learned a great deal about finance just on my own over the past year (reading newspaper, books, etc.), but I guess I just need a bit of guidance to position myself to landing a solid internship with my major.

Thanks

 

[gomestar]

I'd consider studying abroad this summer, and then taking the next summer to be a summer analyst. Typically that junior to senior summer is the big internship time for banks and most summer analysts get an offer to work fulltime the following year.

 

[Swag22]

I'm aware that there aren't many big investment banks here on the west coast, and I know it would be pretty hard to set something up in Manhattan when I go to school in LA.

I do know that big4 accounting firms recruit heavily out of UCLA, but I dread the idea of doing accounting. What kind of positions should I look for in order to lateral into Ibanking, private equity, hedge fund type stuff?

 

[gomestar]

there's a good number of banks on the west coast, both in LA and SF. Honestly, you are FAR more likely to get an offer via the summer route while an undergrad than trying to lateral in from a big 4 or from the middle office after you graduate. The good news is you still have plenty of time to build up a great academic record, take some finance classes, and to start networking. Do this and apply to be a summer analyst for the summer after next.

 

[Swag22]

Yeah that's probably what I'll aim to do.

What else should I know? Who should I shoot to work with on the west coast?

 

[GreenFrog]

www.wallstreetoasis.com ask all your questions there, but search first.

 

[ConcernedParent]

Originally Posted by Swag22

I'm aware that there aren't many big investment banks here on the west coast, and I know it would be pretty hard to set something up in Manhattan when I go to school in LA.

UCLA is a very well regarded school, I doubt it will that that will hold you back.

 

[JoelF]

Have a great time at UCLA, the place is paradise. Go Bruins. In before Whodini.

 

[Swag22]

Thanks a lot guys, cheers

 

[deepitm]

Milk the career center as much as possible. Consider internships during the school year. Do some finance on your own (trading in your own account, managing your own finances/budgets, getting an on campus job that is finance related). Get to know older UCLA guys who are aiming to work in finance too, but don't be a turd about it. If these people get jobs with firms you desire, they can likely help you get an interview when it's your time. Join the UCLA investment club if there is one.

 

[Quadcammer]

plan ahead for the internship.

When you think are about to start the process way in advance, you're about 1 month late.

 

[Joffrey]

UCLA should position you alright for San Fran where there are more finance/banking/investment firms. I'm sure there are some gigs in LA, San Diego, Seattle. UCLA is also a good enough school to look at opportunities in the Midwest, East coast, etc. Yeah be very pro active with working with the career center and getting in touch with alumni in your field of interest. You never know who may offer to pass around your resume. Also, you will be suprised about the number of very smart kids that have no clue/interest in attacking the resources available to them until they're about to graduate.