Frequently Asked Questions
What sets Finance Connection apart from UCSB's other clubs?
Finance Connection is the only club at UCSB dedicated to educating students about paths within the financial services industry. Throughout the year, our organization hosts events that educate you on opportunities within finance and put you in touch with some of our most successful alumni in finance by bringing them to speak and present on our campus.
Where do UCSB alumni work?
We have alumni spanning all the verticals of finance, including Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, Corporate Development, Management Consulting, and Asset Management. Our alumni work around the world in many of the leading financial institutions such as J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Barclays Capital. You can see our full list of alumni placements here.
What does it take to be part of the Finance Connection?
Anyone who has an interest in finance and a desire to learn about the industry is welcome to join our group. Becoming an active member requires paying fees of $40/year. Your dues will contribute towards helping fund our events (room and projector reservation fees, snacks, food, marketing material, etc).
Can I become a Board Member?
Yes. While our Board positions may already be filled, highly dedicated and motivated students are always welcome. You can check the status of board position openings here.
Outside of Finance Connection, what can I do to better position myself for a career in Finance?
There are many ways you can better position yourself. First off, work hard in school and strive to achieve solid grades in your classes; a high GPA will never hurt you, but a low GPA will. Follow global market news and current events to familiarize yourself with the bigger picture. You should also try to gain work experience in the vertical of your choice; what better way to stand-out than to gain relevant, out-of-the-classroom work experience? You may additionally visit our Resources page for educational material.
What do Investment Banks want to see on a student's resume?
Investment Banks want to hire people who are smart, hardworking, interested in the industry, and have great personalities. The best way to present this information through your resume is to have a solid GPA, show relevant work experience, and be involved in extracurricular activities or organizations.
What should I major in if I want to pursue a career in Finance?
The most relevant undergrad degrees offered at UCSB are Economics, Financial Mathematics & Statistics, and Economics & Accounting (formerly Business-Economics with Emphasis in Accounting). Having a solid accounting background (Econ 3AB, 118, & 136ABC) and understanding of the financial markets will help you answer technical interview questions and perform well on the job. Following the news and the markets will show your prospective employer that you are actually serious about a career in the industry and not just pretending.
Is it a bad time to look into Investment Banking or Finance when the stock market is depressed?
No. Markets are cyclical and will rise and fall. Despite the fluctuations, Investment Banking fees have risen over time and the demand for bankers is crucial even in times of distress. One of bankers’ main responsibilities is to help clients raise capital and restructure their debt, which is critical in a down market. If you look at all the major downturns over the past 100 years, you will notice that markets rebounded a few years following; this crisis and the next should be no exception.
What is the Leadership Program, and how can I become a part of it?
The Leadership Program was created in order to help identify the top performing members of Finance Connection and help prepare them for a career in finance. Members will meet regularly with the board to work on technical skills, interview prep, and general advisory, and will have the opportunity to take part in exclusive events and meetings with industry professionals. Leadership Program members may also be matched up with a Mentor who currently works in the industry.
Who can I seek advice from?
You may always consult the Board with any questions that you have. Most of us have been through the recruiting process ourselves and are always willing to help.
Finance Connection is the only club at UCSB dedicated to educating students about paths within the financial services industry. Throughout the year, our organization hosts events that educate you on opportunities within finance and put you in touch with some of our most successful alumni in finance by bringing them to speak and present on our campus.
Where do UCSB alumni work?
We have alumni spanning all the verticals of finance, including Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, Corporate Development, Management Consulting, and Asset Management. Our alumni work around the world in many of the leading financial institutions such as J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Barclays Capital. You can see our full list of alumni placements here.
What does it take to be part of the Finance Connection?
Anyone who has an interest in finance and a desire to learn about the industry is welcome to join our group. Becoming an active member requires paying fees of $40/year. Your dues will contribute towards helping fund our events (room and projector reservation fees, snacks, food, marketing material, etc).
Can I become a Board Member?
Yes. While our Board positions may already be filled, highly dedicated and motivated students are always welcome. You can check the status of board position openings here.
Outside of Finance Connection, what can I do to better position myself for a career in Finance?
There are many ways you can better position yourself. First off, work hard in school and strive to achieve solid grades in your classes; a high GPA will never hurt you, but a low GPA will. Follow global market news and current events to familiarize yourself with the bigger picture. You should also try to gain work experience in the vertical of your choice; what better way to stand-out than to gain relevant, out-of-the-classroom work experience? You may additionally visit our Resources page for educational material.
What do Investment Banks want to see on a student's resume?
Investment Banks want to hire people who are smart, hardworking, interested in the industry, and have great personalities. The best way to present this information through your resume is to have a solid GPA, show relevant work experience, and be involved in extracurricular activities or organizations.
What should I major in if I want to pursue a career in Finance?
The most relevant undergrad degrees offered at UCSB are Economics, Financial Mathematics & Statistics, and Economics & Accounting (formerly Business-Economics with Emphasis in Accounting). Having a solid accounting background (Econ 3AB, 118, & 136ABC) and understanding of the financial markets will help you answer technical interview questions and perform well on the job. Following the news and the markets will show your prospective employer that you are actually serious about a career in the industry and not just pretending.
Is it a bad time to look into Investment Banking or Finance when the stock market is depressed?
No. Markets are cyclical and will rise and fall. Despite the fluctuations, Investment Banking fees have risen over time and the demand for bankers is crucial even in times of distress. One of bankers’ main responsibilities is to help clients raise capital and restructure their debt, which is critical in a down market. If you look at all the major downturns over the past 100 years, you will notice that markets rebounded a few years following; this crisis and the next should be no exception.
What is the Leadership Program, and how can I become a part of it?
The Leadership Program was created in order to help identify the top performing members of Finance Connection and help prepare them for a career in finance. Members will meet regularly with the board to work on technical skills, interview prep, and general advisory, and will have the opportunity to take part in exclusive events and meetings with industry professionals. Leadership Program members may also be matched up with a Mentor who currently works in the industry.
Who can I seek advice from?
You may always consult the Board with any questions that you have. Most of us have been through the recruiting process ourselves and are always willing to help.