Advice for Employers and Recruiters
Top schools for recruiting finance interns and other early career candidates
When you’re recruiting students for internships or recent grads for early career finance jobs, which are your favorite schools to recruit from and why? Here is what eight thought leaders have to say.
- Prefer Wharton and Harvard Alumni
- Choose Schools with Practical Experience
- Value Practical Programs and Networks
- NYU Stern and USC Marshall Stand Out
- Ontario Tech Graduates Excel in Finance
- Success with Wharton and Stern Talent
- Cornell’s Rigorous Finance Program Shines
- MIT and Stanford Graduates Bring Innovation
Prefer Wharton and Harvard Alumni
I have discovered that several institutions generate good candidates, but I particularly want to mention those like the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where more than 20 percent of new graduates go into finance, representing a combination of theoretical and practical orientation. In addition, Harvard Business School also stands out with its impressive alumni network as well as stringent curriculum, having almost 25% of all graduates employed in the financial industry.
Moreover, Stanford Graduate School of Business and Columbia Business School have been successful schools for recruitment due to their strong emphasis on finance-related coursework, which provides students with many opportunities to connect with leading professionals in this field. These establishments provide top-notch financial instruction coupled with an explicit focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking skills that are necessary in the ever-changing world of today’s company function.
In my observation, sourcing from such top-ranked institutions guarantees tapping into a rich talent base who, other than having adept technical skills, come along with the malleability and impetus required for a fast-paced financial sector.
Recruiting from top-tier institutions ensures access to talent that is not only well-equipped with technical skills but also possesses the adaptability and drive to excel in the fast-paced world of finance.
Arifful Islam, Finance Expert, Sterlinx Global
Choose Schools with Practical Experience
When recruiting students for internships or recent graduates for early-career finance jobs, my favorite schools to target are those with strong business and finance programs that emphasize both theoretical foundations and practical application.
Schools like the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, New York University Stern School of Business, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business are among my top choices. These institutions are renowned for their rigorous curricula and their ability to produce graduates who are not only well-versed in financial theories but also adept at applying these concepts in real-world situations.
One of the main reasons I prefer these schools is their comprehensive approach to education. They integrate quantitative skills with critical soft skills like strategic thinking and effective communication, which are crucial in the finance industry. Moreover, these schools have strong industry connections that provide students with valuable internship opportunities, which means that by the time they graduate, they already have practical experience and a professional network, making them particularly effective as new hires.
Another factor is the diversity of the student body, which brings a wide range of perspectives and solutions to the table. This diversity enriches the problem-solving process, making these graduates well-prepared to handle the complex challenges of the finance sector.
In addition, the career services at these schools are highly proactive in partnering with businesses to host career fairs, workshops, and networking events that facilitate direct interactions between students and potential employers. This active engagement makes the recruitment process more efficient and effective, allowing us to meet and recruit top talent directly.
Michael Dion, Chief Finance Nerd, F9 Finance
Value Practical Programs and Networks
Selecting candidates from schools with strong practical programs in finance, like those with real-world investment simulations or robust alumni networks, always proves beneficial. These institutions often foster not just academic excellence but also critical thinking and adaptability, essential in the fast-paced world of finance. Such graduates typically bring fresh perspectives and a readiness to tackle the complex challenges that define early career paths in this industry.
Lara Woodham, Director, Rowlen Boiler Services
NYU Stern and USC Marshall Stand Out
When recruiting students for internships and early-career finance roles, my top choices are NYU Stern and USC Marshall. These schools not only provide a rigorous education but also foster a deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of finance.
Graduates from these institutions bring a blend of innovative thinking and strategic acumen to the table, qualities that are invaluable as we navigate complex financial landscapes and continually strive to exceed client expectations.
Jonathan Gerber, President, RVW Wealth
Ontario Tech Graduates Excel in Finance
Recruiting students for internships or early-career roles, Ontario Tech University stands out. Having studied there, I can attest to the strong blend of theory and practical application in their Finance & Accounting program, which equips students with the skills needed in today’s dynamic financial landscape.
Their readiness to tackle real-world challenges and embrace innovative solutions makes them invaluable assets to any team, especially in a fast-evolving industry like digital insurance.
Gregory Rozdeba, CEO, Dundas Life
Success with Wharton and Stern Talent
Recruiting top-tier talent in finance starts at the source: the educational institutions that nurture and develop these young professionals. Over my career, I’ve honed a targeted approach to selecting schools that consistently provide the most prepared and adaptable interns and early-career hires.
Personally, I have found immense success recruiting from schools like the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and New York University’s Stern School of Business. Both institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on practical, real-world applications of finance theories. These schools not only teach the technical skills necessary for a career in finance but also emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving, which are crucial in the dynamic financial sector.
One memorable instance was when we hired an intern from Wharton, who demonstrated exceptional analytical skills during a high-stakes project. Their ability to dissect complex financial data and deliver actionable insights was beyond their years and proved pivotal for the project’s success. This intern was offered a full-time position and has since become a key player in our team.
This experience reinforces my preference for recruiting from schools that not only focus on academic excellence but also prepare their students to seamlessly transition into the workforce. It’s a strategy that has enriched our team and contributed significantly to our company’s success.
Shir Amram, COO, Montana Capital
Cornell’s Rigorous Finance Program Shines
While I can’t say Cornell is my absolute favorite, it definitely stands out for recruiting in finance. It has a well-respected finance program, known for its rigorous curriculum and focus on practical application. Graduates often possess a strong foundation in financial theory and quantitative skills, which are highly sought after in the industry.
Besides this, Cornell fosters a strong work ethic and leadership qualities in its students. Many participate in extracurricular activities like business clubs or mock investment competitions, providing valuable real-world experience. These factors combine to make Cornell graduates strong contenders in the competitive world of finance.
Khunshan Ahmad, CEO, InsideTechWorld
MIT and Stanford Graduates Bring Innovation
While scouting for fresh talent in finance, my preference often leans toward schools like MIT and Stanford. Their blend of cutting-edge technology and robust business curriculum equips students exceptionally well for the complexities of today’s financial landscapes.
Graduates from these programs tend to bring innovative thinking and a strong analytical foundation, making them invaluable assets in any finance-related role, especially in environments that value forward-thinking and adaptability.
