We had the opportunity of interviewing Oliver Sun, an alum from Princeton University about: Internships
Oliver is currently a Manager in the Wealth field with the Equity Index Research team at London Stock Exchange Group. He graduated from Princeton University in 2016 with a concentration in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a certificate in Finance. He has an expansive work experience ranging from marketing and quantitative strategies to wealth management and private banking.
As a high school valedictorian, Oliver was also a part of Mock Trial, Science Olympiad, the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra, and others.
Here are some important words Oliver shares:
"Almost any white collar job will require computer use. Proficiency with the basics of PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and especially Excel are the foundations of success, particularly at the entry level. If you have strong computer skills that nobody else has, you will earn your role as a niche and irreplaceable team member."
"Recruiters also react very well if you can clearly explain why you want to work at their company instead of any other company in the industry. Keep your interview answers specific both to the job posting and to the company you are interviewing for."
Internships
Q: Could you briefly describe the typical application process for internships?
A: It depends on the type of internship. For a smaller company, you would apply directly through their job posting on their website or on LinkedIn. For a medium or large company, oftentimes they will send recruiters or host career fairs or networking events on campus. It is very helpful to attend these events to learn more about the company, meet the recruiters, and ask questions about the internship specifically. After you apply, you will typically pass through one or two rounds of interviews before the company comes to a decision.
Q: What are some important things that are necessary to do well at interviews for internships?
A: It is important to be able to speak cogently about your experience and why you would be a good fit for the company. Recruiters also react very well if you can clearly explain why you want to work at their company instead of any other company in the industry. Keep your interview answers specific both to the job posting and to the company you are interviewing for.
Q: What important skills did you take away from your prior internship and work experiences?
A: At my Credit Suisse internship I learned how to network and learn in a corporate environment. The best way to approach the internship is to look at it as a long-term interview that will lead to a full-time offer if you perform well. Express yourself as eager to learn and help in any way that you can, and you will learn both technical skills and soft skills that are necessary for long term success.
Q: How important do you think internships are in the business and finance world? i.e. What learning opportunities do they provide that school cannot? How do you think you were able to land all of these different work and internship opportunities?
A: The internship provides you with valuable firsthand experience about what it is like to work in a corporate environment. You will also learn about the practical, real-world applications that companies deal with. Schools typically teach more theoretical concepts, but on the job you will see how these concepts are implemented into reality.
Q: As an intern for Prudent Engineering, you provided computer IT support. Are there any future opportunities or job prospects that may intersect your major, interests, and the computer-based skills that you have?
A: Almost any white collar job will require computer use. Proficiency with the basics of PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and especially Excel are the foundations of success, particularly at the entry level. If you have strong computer skills that nobody else has, you will earn your role as a niche and irreplaceable team member.
While you’re here, connect and learn more about Oliver Sun on his LinkedIn.
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