Landing a Finance Internship in Cincinnati: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on an internship is more than just gaining work experience; it's a chance to apply your academic knowledge in the real world of business. For students in Cincinnati pursuing finance careers, internships offer invaluable opportunities. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to secure a finance internship in Cincinnati, drawing on insights from successful students and highlighting key programs.

The Value of Finance Internships

Internships serve as a bridge between academic studies and professional practice. They provide hands-on experience, allowing students to develop practical skills, build professional networks, and gain a deeper understanding of the finance industry. Deloitte interns, for example, actively engage in tackling challenges and driving meaningful outcomes, rather than simply observing from the sidelines.

Preparing Your Application

The first step towards landing a finance internship is preparing a strong application. Many companies, like UBS, have streamlined the application process, requiring only an online submission and a CV/resume.

Crafting a Compelling CV/Resume

Your CV is your primary tool for showcasing your qualifications and experiences. Since many companies don’t ask for cover letters, your CV needs to effectively communicate who you are. Include the following:

Hobbies and Interests: These provide a glimpse into your personality and can help you stand out.
Academic Achievements: Highlight relevant coursework, GPA, and any academic honors.
Work Experience: Detail your previous jobs, internships, and volunteer experiences, emphasizing the skills you developed and the lessons you learned.
Skills: Include both hard skills (e.g., financial modeling, data analysis) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).

UBS's Ten-Step Roadmap to Recruitment Readiness

UBS offers an interactive roadmap to help candidates prepare for the recruitment process. This roadmap likely includes tips on resume writing, interview skills, and understanding the company's culture and values. While the specifics of the roadmap aren't provided, consider it as a helpful tool to guide your preparation.

Accessibility and Inclusion

UBS emphasizes that everyone is welcome and is committed to disability inclusion. If you require reasonable accommodation or adjustments during the recruitment process, don't hesitate to contact them.

Navigating the Assessment Process

Many finance internships require candidates to undergo online assessments to evaluate their skills and aptitude. UBS, for example, uses four types of online assessments:

Verbal Reasoning: Assesses your ability to understand and analyze written information.
Numerical Reasoning: Evaluates your ability to interpret and analyze numerical data.
Inductive-Logical Reasoning: Tests your ability to identify patterns and apply logical rules.
UBS Culture Match: Assesses how well your values and behaviors align with UBS's principles.

The specific assessments you're assigned will depend on the business area you're applying to. Be sure to complete the assessments before the deadline. The inductive-logical reasoning assessment involves identifying logical rules in patterns and applying them to different sets of patterns.

The UBS Culture Match Assessment

This assessment presents realistic, hypothetical work scenarios where you need to choose the most effective course of action, aligning with UBS's principles and behaviors. This assessment is about culture fit.

Mastering the Interview Stage

After passing the online assessments, you may be invited to a video interview. This is your chance to make a strong first impression.

Video Interview Tips

Dress Smartly: Professional attire is essential, even for a virtual interview.
Maintain Eye Contact: Look directly at the camera to simulate eye contact with the interviewer.
Be Concise: Answer questions clearly and avoid rambling.

Final Round Interviews

The final stage of the process typically involves virtual or in-person interviews.

Preparing for the Final Interview

Research the Company: Go beyond the basic facts and figures. Understand UBS's mission, values, and recent news.
Prepare Questions: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest and engagement.
Share Your Experiences: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide specific examples of your accomplishments. Discuss the outcomes, opportunities, and what you might have done differently.

Internship Programs at Deloitte

Deloitte offers a variety of internship programs designed to provide students with real-world experience and professional development opportunities.

Discovery Internship Program

This program is tailored for early college students, providing insights into professional services and client-facing businesses. It includes comprehensive training and engaging projects to enhance professional skills. Participants also receive valuable mentorship.

Internal Services Internships

These internships are available in areas such as finance & administration, technology, and marketing (SHINE program).

Client Service Internships

These internships provide an opportunity to work in client-facing roles, contributing to client projects and deliverables. Interns are assigned to one or more client projects where they are responsible for a particular part of a client deliverable(s).

Student Perspectives from the University of Cincinnati

Several students at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati have successfully pursued finance-related internships. Their involvement in various campus organizations highlights the importance of extracurricular activities in building a well-rounded profile.

Eugene: A fourth-year student majoring in Finance and Economics, Eugene is the Chapter VP of Professional Development for the Scholars of Finance.
Darwin T. Mattie: A fourth-year Lindner Business Honors student majoring in Finance, Darwin is actively involved in the Student Alumni Council, Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations, Lindner Ambassadors, and Sigma Phi.
Shakilah: A second-year in the Lindner Business Honors program, Shakilah is double majoring in Finance and Business Economics with a minor in Entrepreneurship/Family Business. She is involved in numerous organizations, including the University Honors Program, Woman in Finance, Lindner Ambassadors, Business Fellows, the Kautz-Uible Economic Society, and Delta Sigma Pi. She also serves on the Clifton Heights Music Festival Finance committee and the Lindner Ambassadors recruitment committee.
Caroline: A second-year Lindner Business Honors student majoring in Finance and Real Estate, Caroline is pursuing certificates in Business Law and Ethics and in Business Spanish. She is involved in Lindner Ambassadors, Lindner Women in Business, and Financial Planning Club.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Finance Interns

Start Early: Begin your internship search well in advance of the application deadlines.
Network: Attend career fairs, industry events, and networking sessions to connect with professionals in the field.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter for each specific internship, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant.
Practice Your Interview Skills: Conduct mock interviews with career counselors or mentors to improve your performance.
Be Persistent: Don't get discouraged by rejections. Keep applying and refining your approach.

tags: #finance #internships #Cincinnati