Finding a entry level job in finance New York

i've been having difficulties finding a entry level job in finance. i graduated with a economics degree and minor in may of 2010. i was a part timer in retail when i was in college and when i graduated was offered a career in retail management although i am seeking/interested in started a career in finance/accounting. if anyone has any tips or advise it would be greatly appreciated. i have advanced excel, access skills and proficient with computers in general.

Thanks,

S

Like with many occupations that involve sitting down at a desk in an office, where most of the management is male, being a young woman is going to work to your advantage when it comes to gaining employment.

Hi, unfortunately a lot of people have microsoft office skills, you need to come at it from a different angle entirely. You need to decide exactly what job it is your are going after in finance - and then figure out how you can let the person reading your cover letter/resume that you will know exactly what to do, what your goals will be in that role.

How do you do this: research companies you want to work for, find employees see if any are in your network or seem approachable and reach out to them to ask questions. Find a forum online for finance young professionals, hell you are near NYC go to a bar where they might be having an after work drink. Read articles on the subject, current events. Ask your parents to ask their friends if they know anyone in the finance world you can have a chat with.

Then take that knowledge and get it across on whatever documents they are using to screen you out by demonstrating any real world results you have gotten that are relevant to finance, write in the cover letter your goals with the company what you hope to achieve for them.

Or try smaller companies, finance guys that started their own businesses - might be easier to get through than HR at bigger firms.

Are there any particular frustrations you are having with the search?

/risa

Hi Risa,

Thanks for your reply. i have been seeking a financial analyst position but most of the entry level/junior positions require exp which i dont have. i do tailor my resume toward the company when i apply but seeks like i have been unlucky. i contacted my friends and family but no one has any concrete connections. i've been trying to network but hasnt been working for me. i just want a chance to prove myself within the industry. Thanks for your input.

Steven

Hi Risa,

Thanks for your reply. i have been seeking a financial analyst position but most of the entry level/junior positions require exp which i dont have. i do tailor my resume toward the company when i apply but seeks like i have been unlucky. i contacted my friends and family but no one has any concrete connections. i've been trying to network but hasnt been working for me. i just want a chance to prove myself within the industry. Thanks for your input.

Steven

I got a job at a great financial services through their internship program. I was able to get the internship even though I didn't get school credit. Maybe you should try to find yourself an internship. You can also go through a temp agency, you wont be making much of a salary but you'll be putting your time in for experience.

You may want to do:
-Register with as many accounting agencies as possible; take any clerical position if offered, you may end up
-Take all the necessary accounting classes in the evening so that you can have an accounting degree; or a MBA
-Apply to all the small or mid accounting firms for the infamous low-pay/long-hour position so that you could get your CPA
-Use your idle time now to prepare and take the CPA exam so when you pass, you can put "Passed CPA Exam" on the top of your resume and even though you never worked for a CPA firm; it should significantly increase your odds of catching the hiring managers or recruiters' attention for an entry level financial analyst or accountant position

Its very difficult to get your 'foot in the door' as a new graduate. We understand this and work with many top NYC financial institutions to recruit and place qualified candidates in entry level consultant positions as Client Services, Trade and Operations Associates. Working as a consultant is a great way to earn experience and establish yourself in the industry. We'd be happy to take a look at your resume and see if we have any positions open that match your skill set.

As others mentioned, take as many classes and attend as many sessions as possible to grow your 'experience and skills' section. Getting involved in relevant communities and interest groups will also help you establish relationships with others in the industry. In the next few months, we will be offering resume and job seeking workshops and resumes available at no cost to folks in our network. Look for similar opportunities that will help you with your applications.

Fusion5151 in Bronx, New York said: i've been having difficulties finding a entry level job in finance. i graduated with a economics degree and minor in may of 2010. i was a part timer in retail when i was in college and when i graduated was offered a career in retail management although i am seeking/interested in started a career in finance/accounting. if anyone has any tips or advise it would be greatly appreciated. i have advanced excel, access skills and proficient with computers in general.

Thanks,

S

Good Luck. I hope you find something soon.