Every successful company specializes in something—but being an expert in one area doesn’t make them an expert in all areas. This is especially true when it comes to technology. Executives across all industries need help deciding which tools work best for their companies, and that’s where business technology and information technology (IT) professionals come in.

What does Business Technology and IT mean?

This industry spans everything from your in-house IT support team to the Chief Information Officer (CIO)—and there’s plenty in between. Network Architects, Systems Engineers, Business Tech Analysts, and Project Managers all play a role in a company’s IT strategy.

Working internally in one of these positions, you’ll be making decisions about what kinds of technology your company purchases, which software packages best suit the needs and values of your firm, and the installation and maintenance of this infrastructure.

One of the reasons this is such an important element of business—aside from the obvious necessity of having at least some technology—is the efficiency that can be achieved by having the right technology. This is huge. Efficiency is time, and time is money. This is why firms often turn to Business Technology and IT Consultants to make sure they get it right.

The Advantages Of Working As A Business Technology IT Consultant

Consultancies with a focus on business technology are becoming increasingly important as technology evolves and grows. That’s why traditional management consultancies like Accenture have formed such tech-dedicated offshoots like Avanade—the leading digital innovator, focused on driving results for their clients through the power of people and the Microsoft ecosystem.

One of the benefits of working as a consultant in this field is the superior professional challenge, and rich employee experience. Because these consultancies are solely focused on crafting the best business technology solutions, their employees have the opportunity to innovate for a variety of companies across a multitude of industries.

If you’re someone who loves the hustle and bustle of activity, another benefit of being a Business Tech Consultant is the opportunity to travel for work. At a company like Avanade, which works in more than 20 countries around the globe, your services can be called upon nearly anywhere. You’ll fly out to meet the client on-site and start working out of their office while you and your team craft the solution that’s right for their business needs. This can make consulting in this field an excellent choice for recent grads looking to expand their horizons.

How To Start A Career In Business Tech And IT

While it’s obvious how having a degree in computer science or engineering could provide useful knowledge for one of these roles, those aren’t the only ways in. Firms look for any number of qualifications, many of which revolve around business sense, intelligence, and problem-solving ability.

“We’re not focused on the degree. It’s more about the skills and technical mindset,” says Avanade hiring expert and head of North America Campus Recruiting, Lisa Kochert. “It’s about critical thinking and problem-solving.”

So, you might be a physics major, but your exposure to data science and programming in labs could make you a great fit for the role. Or perhaps you’re a political science major who has exposure to statistics and digital problem-solving—there are plenty of tracks that prepare you to perform in a technical role without having a specific IT or computer science degree.

At companies like Avanade, you’ll also receive a ton of training and professional development—more than 80 hours a year. As long you can show that you’re a proactive problem-solver with a passion for technology, you can possibly start a career in the field right out of school (or do an internship while you’re still an undergrad).

If you’ve got the technical mindset and a voracious appetite for creating and delivering solutions, then check out opportunities at Avanade. They’re hiring on WayUp!

The post Here’s What You Need To Know About Working In Business Technology And IT (Hint: A Tech Degree Isn’t Always Required) appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

The core skills you need to succeed in recruiting—leadership, self-management, resiliency, and being detail-oriented and quick-thinking, among others—have remained consistent over the past few decades. But how you use them has changed markedly thanks to technology.

So, where does that leave you when you’re interviewing for a Staffing Recruiter firm as a job?

It depends on a number of different factors, including your work experience and familiarity with the industry. That said, most early-career candidates will not have recruiting experience going into the interview.

And that’s fine!

Just remember that the questions will be broad enough to allow you to demonstrate these fundamental skills in a way that wows your interviewer and leaves a lasting impression.

Recruiting expert Casey Weickgenannt from Apex—one of the premier staffing and recruiting agencies in the country—opened up about her experience hiring for these roles. What are the most common interview questions she asks? How should you answer them? How do you follow up appropriately?

Check out her answers to these and other pressing questions below.

What are your strengths?

This question, while standard to most every interview, actually has a few specific right answers when it comes to recruiting.

According to Weickgenannt, there are many questions hiring managers are looking to answer. “Are you money-motivated? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? Can you multitask?” This question gives you an opportunity to show that you are all of those things—and more, she says.

Emphasize your ability to multitask even in a hectic setting. Talk about how you build relationships and are a quick learner. And don’t just say what you are, show them. Speak eloquently and confidently to prove to the recruiter that these are among your many, many strengths.

Do you have leadership skills/experience?

This is one of the more concrete questions in a recruiting interview, which means answering it should be a little more straightforward. This is the time to talk about any clubs or teams you’ve started or belonged to. Specific experience works, too.

Talk about a time when you took the reins on a group project or organized others to accomplish something. Leadership means different things in different settings, so think about your own experiences and how it applies.

Do you like working with people?

This question is key when it comes to recruiting. “Our product is people, and people are very unpredictable,” Weickgenannt says.

That means you need to understand how to work with all kinds of people. So, to ace this question, communicate that you not only enjoy being a service-oriented team player, but also are skilled at handling the twists and turns of working with a range of personalities.

At the end of the day, Weickgenannt stresses, the most important qualification for a Staffing Recruiter boils down to essentially one quality. “We’re looking for somebody who has very strong interpersonal skills,” she says. “That’s definitely the most important qualification for us. Someone who’s able to connect with others and have strong communication.”

What would you do if…?

These types of behavioral questions—during which your interviewer will present a scenario and ask how you’d handle it—are very common for Staffing Recruiter interviews.

First, don’t panic.

The important thing to remember is that you will receive a lot of training once the job begins, so it’s more important to show that you’re resourceful, clever, and smart. Don’t perseverate on the fact that you’re unfamiliar with the specifics or tactics you’re presented with.

Weickgenannt also recommends researching common behavioral questions. “There are plenty available online,” she says. Yet no matter what, always make sure you:

Practice beforehand.

Polished answers will demonstrate your public speaking skills and sales skills.

Engage with the interviewer.

Make sure you’re actually engaging with what the interviewer is asking. This way you can learn about the position and better prepare for later in the interview process.

Ask thoughtful questions.

Do your research beforehand so that you can ask an informed question when the interviewer turns the tables. Additionally, you should think of a question based on something the interviewer either said or asked. And avoid topics like benefits, vacation time, or salary. Those can be ironed out later.

Follow up!

“A candidate who can stand out in the application process is someone who’s being responsive,” Weickgenannt says. “Following up, keeping open the line of communications—that’s really memorable.”

These interviewers are handling a ton of applications for a variety of jobs. Following up by thanking them for their time and reminding them of your strengths is a great way to ensure you’re going to be top of mind when decision time comes around.

Interested in a career in recruiting? Apex is hiring on WayUp now, so check out their open roles and apply!

The post Here’s How You Should Answer Common Recruiter Interview Questions appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Recruiters are an essential part of the business world. But what skills make an ideal candidate? According to recruiting expert Casey Weickgenannt of Apex—one of the country’s premier staffing and recruiting firms—recruiting is all about people.

Strong Social Skills

Here’s something that all successful recruiters know: Recruiting is a lot like matchmaking.

You have to pair the person with the position in a way that makes both your client and your candidate happy. Otherwise you’re not getting the job done.

This means you’re basically making two sales at the same time. To pull that off, you need equal parts intelligence and social grace. That’s why social butterflies with a knack for making compelling arguments will find themselves uniquely prepared for this role.

Weickgenannt agrees. “The best candidates are well-rounded and have very strong interpersonal skills,” she says.

Multitasking And Quick Thinking

Recruiting is incredibly multifaceted, which means you need to be, too.

“There really is no average day,” Weickgenannt says. “There’s a lot of variety.”

That variety includes anything from meeting with candidates and following up on references to strategizing with your team and extending offers. Sometimes it can even mean helping with on-boarding for the candidates who accept the job.

And all the while, you’ve got more positions to fill. If you’re someone who looks at a mountain of tasks and thinks, “I’ve got time for that and maybe a couple of other things, too,” chances are you would thrive as a recruiter.

Leadership Skills

“Leadership” is one of those vague terms that seems like it simultaneously applies everywhere and nowhere—usually, that is.

But when it comes to recruiting, you actually need to lead people. It’s like being the president of a club, except your goal is to get everybody in the club the perfect job. That means helping people put forward the best version of themselves and their skill sets—and matching them to positions that you’re tasked with filling. (And then trying do that again and again and again.)

That can be challenging at times. “Our product is people, and people are very unpredictable,” Weickgenannt says.

That’s when the whole leadership thing comes into play. Gifted leaders are inherently more capable of driving people toward a common goal.

Think of it this way. If your candidate or your client can’t get behind your plan, then you’re not effectively doing your job. But if you’re someone people turn to for advice, then you’re probably the kind of person they would trust to get them the right job.

Money Motivation

What’s the most rewarding part about recruiting (beyond the satisfaction of helping people better their lives and advance their careers)?

“Compensation,” says Weickgenannt. “It’s a very lucrative career.”

Recruiters are incentivized based on job performance. That means the more successful you are, the more money you can make—and the higher you can climb up the corporate ladder.

If this kind of success lights a fire under you, then you’re sure to be excited by a competitive recruiting career.

Flexible Backgrounds

If you’ve made it this far and you’re thinking, “Well, I’ve got these other skills, but I’m not a business major,” then you’re in luck.

The range of successful recruiters includes people with a ton of different educational backgrounds. “There’s not one major that we look for,” Weickgenannt says. She adds that some of the more common ones include communications, advertising, marketing, public relations, and psychology.

So, long story short: If you’re an entrepreneurial, charismatic leader, there’s a great chance that you can find your place in recruiting.

Interested in a career in recruiting? Apex is hiring on WayUp now, so check out their open roles and apply!

The post 5 Signs You’re Perfect For A Job In Recruiting appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

First, let’s talk about recruiting.

So, you want to know what a Staffing Recruiter is? Well, before we dive in, let’s make sure we’re covering our bases and addressing what a Recruiter does.

There are many different types of Recruiters, but they all perform essentially the same function: They help companies find and hire qualified candidates for open positions.

Recruiters typically work either in-house for specific companies or at staffing firms like Apex, which recruits for a range of businesses and clients.

What unites all Recruiters? They have to be willing to work hard, learn a lot, and project a confident, level-headed image to both clients (businesses) and candidates.

To dive into the topic, we talked to Casey Weickgenannt, a Corporate Recruiter at Apex, one of the country’s premier recruiting firms. She sat down with WayUp to nail down what it means to be a Staffing Recruiter.

What do Staffing Recruiters do?

Staffing Recruiters work at staffing agencies. They match qualified candidates with the right position that aligns with their background. They work across multiple verticals and are great problem solvers. The ideal Staffing Recruiter is able to assess a situation and make a decisive decision.

What are the challenges?

As a Staffing Recruiter, you need to be able to build relationships with candidates in order to best understand where they’ll make the biggest impact.

This can be incredibly rewarding—you’re helping people start or further their careers—but it’s not just the candidates you’re trying to assist. At the end of the day, you need to make sure your firm’s clients—the businesses who have hired you to fill positions—are getting the types and quality of candidates they’re looking for.

According to Weickgenannt, that means on any given day you can be “at meetings keeping each other accountable, generating leads, cold calling, following up with candidates, checking references, and seeing who’s the best match.”

What are the rewards?

Apart from the satisfaction of helping people advance their careers and better their lives, Staffing Recruiters enjoy many other perks. Chief among them, Weickgenannt says, is competitive compensation. “It’s a very lucrative career,” she stresses.

Additionally, being part of a team that comprises charismatic salespeople has its social rewards. “It’s a work hard, play hard environment,” Weickgenannt adds.

There’s also the satisfaction that comes from a job well-done. Recruiters often get to extend employment offers themselves. That means you’re going to have a lot of people who are very grateful and excited to be speaking with you.

Interested in a career in recruiting? Apex is hiring on WayUp now, so check out their open roles and apply!

The post What Does A Staffing Recruiter Do? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Wondering what the day-to-day work of a Staffing Recruiter looks like? The truth is, no two days are exactly the same.

Staffing Recruiters have the challenging and rewarding job of recruiting amazing candidates to work for their clients. They’re involved in the entire candidate recruitment process from start to finish. They make sure everyone they work with has a great experience—whether or not they get the job.

To get a better sense of what a Staffing Recruiter does throughout the day, we talked to top staffing services firm Apex.

Morning Team Meeting

Staffing Recruiters at Apex kick off each day with a team meeting where everyone shares their daily goals. The purpose? To hold everyone accountable for their work (and provide support if needed).

Time For Calls and Emails

After their morning meeting, Staffing Recruiters at Apex get to work. This includes cold-calling potential candidates and following up with existing candidates by email or phone. They’ll also check professional references for candidates in the final stages of interviewing.

Meeting With Account Managers

Account Managers learn their clients inside and out and work together for a team with Recruiters, though they have individual goals. The more Account Managers know, the more effective they are at exceeding their customers’ business needs. That, in turn, enables them to better inform their Recruiters on what kinds of candidates would be the ideal fit for those businesses.

Onboarding Activities

Discovering that a candidate you’re working with got the job is one of the most exciting parts of being a Staffing Recruiter. When that does happen, you’ll get to help prepare the offer letter and oversee any additional paperwork—and of course celebrate your success!

Connecting with Past Placements

Relationship-building is at the heart of being a Staffing Recruiter. Because of this, your job doesn’t end once you place someone in a role. To make sure their clients are happy and thriving, Staffing Recruiters might check in via phone or schedule lunches and/or coffee dates to stay in touch.

This is just a sample of the day-to-day experiences you’ll have as a Staffing Recruiter. Depending on where you work, you might also spend some time in trainings to improve your soft skills and learn more about the industries you’re recruiting for. Recruiting may be a competitive field, but it also offers room for personal and professional development.

Does this sound like a job you’d be excited to do every day? Well, you’re in luck: Apex is hiring on WayUp now!

The post What’s A Day In The Life Of A Recruiter Like? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

So, here’s the deal: Recruiting is a great field that offers awesome pay and advancement opportunities. But it’s not exactly the best-known industry among college students and recent grads.

The great news? There are many majors that prep you for this type of work. These include communications, business administration, public relations, advertising, marketing, psychology, and finance.

And that’s just the start of it.

If you’re interested in recruiting, you’re in luck. We talked to top staffing services firm Apex to get their insider knowledge on some of the important terms and job titles you need to know.

Staffing Recruiter

Let’s tackle this one first. You might hear the word “recruiter” and think that this role falls within Human Resources. But it’s more related to sales than HR.

That’s because Staffing Recruiters “sell” amazing candidates on a specific company and role. To help their clients fill specific high-priority positions, staffing recruiters post job listings, find and reach out to qualified candidates, and manage the candidate experience throughout the recruitment process.

That’s why thriving in this role requires, among other qualities, strong relationship-building skills.

Account Manager

While Staffing Recruiters focus on building relationships with candidates, Account Managers build relationships with clients. These clients turn to companies like Apex to help fill open roles. It’s the Account Manager’s job to ensure all clients are getting the candidate results they’re looking for.

Delivery Manager

One thing Account Managers do not do is manage and support Staffing Recruiters. That is the responsibility of the Delivery Manager. This role is tasked with equipping Staffing Recruiters with the tools they need to be successful with clients. That can include things like training, helping allocate which positions they work on each day, and facilitating team and one-on-one meetings.

Corporate Recruiter

At Apex, Corporate Recruiters connect with hiring managers across the country to hire Staffing Recruiters—for Apex’s own team.

So, remember this: Staffing Recruiter = recruiting talent for Apex clients. Corporate Recruiter = recruiting team members for roles at Apex.

Headhunter vs. Staffing Recruiter

In the past, the term “headhunter” had a far more negative connotation. Today, you’ll hear these two terms used interchangeably in many places. That said, they’re aren’t necessarily the same thing. A headhunter could refer to someone who identifies candidates before finding positions that perfectly match them. That distinguishes them from Recruiters, who know the position before they find the ideal candidate.

Employment Agency vs. Staffing Agency

Many people think these are the same thing, but they’re actually pretty different.

Employment agencies typically focus on temporary employee placements with faster turnaround times. For example, if a company needs someone to fill in for six months while the full-time employee is on leave, it would likely use an employment agency.

Staffing agencies, on the other hand, place employees in long-term, (often) full-time assignments. Because of this, the process is a bit more consultative and strategic.

Feeling better equipped to navigate the world of staffing and recruiting? Great! Apex is hiring on WayUp now.

The post Here Are All The Recruiting Terms And Titles You Need To Know appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

If you’ve ever heard of supply chain management, you might be wondering exactly what it is and how it fits into other areas of business. To find out the answer, we recently sat down with Dr. Cynthia Kalina-Kaminsky. She’s the president of Process & Strategy Solutions, and she gave us some great insights into supply chains and how they impact the economy.

Here’s what she had to say about working in supply chain management.

What exactly is supply chain management?

Supply chain management is not a new concept. But it’s definitely a concept that has changed in recent years. At its core, it boils down to satisfying customer demands and finding the most efficient ways to get a product from the manufacturer to the consumer. For example, when you buy a phone, a supply chain is responsible for manufacturing that phone and for all of the steps involved in getting it delivered to you.

In recent years, supply chains have become more complex, and this has led to new challenges. “Companies used to think they had basically one supply chain,” Dr. Kalina-Kaminsky explains. “Now, because there is such an abundance of supply, we create supply chains to satisfy what customers value.”

What this means is that companies require more processes in order to serve their customers better. The good news? With increased demands come increased opportunities for employment and career development.

What types of jobs are involved in supply chain management?

Supply chain management includes everything from data analysis to transportation management. The key to finding a role that’s a good fit is knowing where your interests lie. You then have to develop skill sets to match them.

Dr. Kalina-Kaminsky recommends doing this by identifying what you’re passionate about. “What do you find yourself coming back to?” she asks. Whether that’s working with data, developing processes, or working closely with other people, supply chain management involves all sorts of career options that could work for you.

Is supply chain management a cross-functional industry?

Because a supply chain has so many moving pieces, working in supply chain management absolutely involves some degree of cross-functionality. Although there is some variation depending on the role you pick — for example, a data analyst will likely have a less cross-functional position than a transportation manager — most roles in the industry do rely on team-oriented processes to deliver results.

Is supply chain management a good field for recent grads?

“Globalization has opened up more competition, leading to increased supply chain requirements,” Dr. Kalina-Kaminsky explains. As a result, there are now increased demands that can’t be met by the existing older workforce. “Baby boomers are leaving the workforce and few are being trained to take their places. On top of that, many were or are in legacy jobs that need to be updated for today’s realities,” she emphasizes. Because of these gaps, there is an immediate need for fresh talent to enter the field, not only to fill existing positions but also to help create new ones.

Working in supply chain management is an exciting chance to learn about the processes that power a consumer-driven economy. It’s also a great opportunity to participate in a field that is rapidly changing and evolving to serve a new generation of consumers. If turning that opportunity into action sounds like an exciting prospect, then supply chain management might just be for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look for In a Company and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

The post What Is Supply Chain Management? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Working in public sector consulting presents an opportunity to help citizens stay safe and ensure they have access to the government services they need. Your work may impact organizations ranging from defense to intelligence to civilian and military health. If you have a passion for technology, business, and doing good, odds are there’s a way to channel it into a career in public sector consulting.

The challenge is deciding what career path is right for you. To help, here are some common jobs within the public sector consulting space.

Technology Consulting Analyst
Technology Consulting Analysts work alongside clients to help identify challenges they’re facing and create strategic solutions that fit within that client’s existing business strategy and goals. You will also be focused on optimizing the systems development lifecycle by educating your client’s’ IT team on the improvements and best practices your team puts in place. The most rewarding part? Since you’re working within the public sector, many of your technology solutions will have a direct impact on citizens.

Financial Management Analyst
In this role, your work will touch the entire lifecycle of a client relationship. You’ll help with the financial management of contracts for your company’s clients and make sure the needs of both your clients and your company’s finance team are met. Responsibilities of a Financial Management Analyst include: ensuring teams are in compliance with contract terms, making sure contracts are paid in full, and forecasting revenue based on your company’s sales pipeline.

Intelligence Analyst
In this role, you will likely have four core responsibilities: First, identifying opportunities for a client to improve their business by researching, interviewing, conducting workshops, and using analytics tools. Second, identifying changes a client must make to take advantage of these opportunities. Third, working alongside your clients to design and plan how to implement new business processes and tech requirements. And finally, providing guidance so company leaders, employees, and customers adapt to the new way of doing things.

Software Engineer Analyst
As a Software Engineer Analyst, your job will largely consist of designing, coding, and testing business applications. You will use cutting-edge technologies and processes to help solve some of the most complex technology challenges facing your clients. Your work will have a wide-reaching impact on client success, from initial analysis through implementation of solutions.

Security Analyst
In this role, you will be responsible for using innovative approaches like AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to stop potential cyber attacks before they happen. Your work will help clients adapt to the constantly changing threat landscape and may span a range of services, including security and risk, cyber defense, digital identity, application security, and managed security. Many entry-level Security Analysts get exposure to each of these areas with the opportunity for future specialization.

If you’re interested in a consulting job within the public sector, you have a wide range of career paths to choose from. Whether you’re looking to work in finance, software engineering, or something else, there may be a position that’s right for you.

The post Types of Public Sector Consulting Jobs appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Consulting generally refers to the practice of helping companies increase their efficiency and profits. Consultants do this by identifying and addressing major operational or strategic challenges those companies are facing. Public sector consulting specifically refers to achieving these goals for government agencies at the local, state, or federal level and other non-profit entities.

What jobs are available in public sector consulting?
There are a wide range of opportunities available within public sector consulting, depending on your background and interests. You’ll find that many of these job titles are similar to those at a private-sector consulting firm (with a few big differences, which we’ll get to in a bit).

For example, you may work as an Intelligence Analyst, researching and designing plans for implementing new business processes and technology requirements for clients. Or, you could work as a Financial Management Analyst, forecasting revenue and helping manage contracts to ensure the needs of your clients and your company’s finance team are both met. You might also work as a Security Analyst, using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and predictive analytics to stop potential cyber attacks before they happen.

How is public sector consulting different from private sector consulting?
While there are certainly similarities, public sector consulting work isn’t just about doing private sector work for government entities. One of the most rewarding aspects of a public sector consulting job is the wide-reaching impact your work will have. Public sector consulting work helps keep citizens safe and ensures they have access to the government services they need. Your work could impact organizations ranging from defense to intelligence to civilian and military health.

The other major difference between the work of a private sector and public sector consultant is the scale of your work. For example, in the public sector, you might be consulting for the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which reaches far more people than a single healthcare provider. Imagine working with the VA to improve their IT system. That’s an enormous (and enormously impactful) undertaking that has the potential to improve medical services for American citizens around the world.

What are some projects I might work on as a public sector consultant?
You’re likely already familiar with many of the clients that public sector consulting firms work with. For example, Accenture Federal Services worked with the National Park Foundation to develop immersive digital tools aimed at attracting younger visitors to the parks. They’re also working with the US Department of Education to improve the experience of taking out and paying back student loans. Public sector consultants might also work to improve daily life in cities across the country, or even work with the United States Department of Defense or Transportation Safety Administration.

Public sector consulting—and consulting as a whole—is a field that will keep you challenged and present endless opportunities to learn and grow. If you have a passion for technology, business, and contributing to society, odds are there’s a way to channel it into a career in public sector consulting.

The post What is Public Sector Consulting? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Being a consultant is an exciting opportunity to learn the ins and outs of running a business in an effective and profitable way. Regardless of your major, if you’re a creative problem-solver who is interested in different types of business models, then being a consultant might just be for you.

Here are some of the key things you need to know about working in consulting.

What is consulting?

Consulting is a fairly broad term that can have a variety of meanings depending on the industry it refers to. For example, you can work as a marketing consultant helping companies create and optimize their marketing campaigns or as a software consultant, designing software systems for an organization. However, although the term has many applications, it’s generally used to refer to management or strategy consulting, the practice of helping companies increase their efficiency and profits by addressing the major operational or strategic challenges they’re facing.

What do consultants do?

Consulting roles can vary greatly depending on the type of consulting firm you work for and the companies you work with. For example, if you work for one of the large management consulting companies (such as McKinsey, Bain or Boston Consulting Group) you’ll be following a fairly structured career path, starting off as a junior consultant and moving up to a senior consultant role within two to three years. Working at one of the larger consulting firms also means that you’re more likely to be a generalist in your early years since you typically only become specialized in a particular vertical, industry or type of work after working in consulting for several years. At smaller consultancies or boutique firms, you’ll generally focus on a particular industry from the beginning (such as healthcare or technology) and work exclusively within that industry.

What are the challenges of working in consulting?

Being a consultant is an exciting career path but it does have its share of challenges. One of the main ones is traveling. Although many other careers require travel (e.g. sales), few are as travel-intensive as consulting. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear of consultants who travel four out of five days of each work week, meaning that your non-travel time will usually be limited to weekends. Additional challenges include long hours (12-hour days are standard) and working closely with a new team every few months. Although these factors might take a little getting used to, most consultants adapt to them fairly quickly and are able to thrive in their roles.

What are some of the benefits of working in consulting?

One of the main benefits of being a consultant is having the opportunity to learn about multiple industries and business models. In fact, this knowledge will serve you well throughout your consulting career (and beyond), allowing you to quickly spot operational and managerial problems and come up with creative solutions to solve them. And although travel can be a challenging part of the job, it can also be an exciting one, giving you the opportunity to see new parts of the country (and helping you build up some frequent flyer miles in the process!). Consulting will also improve your presentation skills, teaching you how to build impressive presentation decks and communicate your point effectively to any type of audience.

What is a typical consultant salary?

One of the other benefits of being a consultant is the high earning potential. In fact, consulting is one of the most lucrative professions around and it offers great salaries for recent graduates. Entry-level salaries for management consultants typically start at $63,000 (including bonuses), though this can vary depending on the size of the firm you work for. Consulting salaries increase significantly with each year of additional experience and can go up to $250,000 for a project leader or even $500,000 and above for a partner.

Although consulting is certainly a challenging field, it’s also an exciting one that presents many opportunities for recent grads. The best way to find out if being a consultant is a good fit for you is to intern at a consulting firm and get a hands-on feel for the role and the culture of the industry.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Handle Back-to-Back Interviews and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

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If you’re interested in consulting, then you probably already know that it’s an exciting and challenging field with a lot of opportunities to learn about different industries and business processes. But you might be wondering about the best way to get started. Should you submit applications to all the major consulting firms and hope for the best? Or is there something else you can do to increase your chances of landing a job in this industry?

Here are some of the key things you need to know about becoming a consultant.

1. Understand the different types of consulting jobs and identify your area of interest

Consulting is a broad term that can have many different applications. In order to get started in the field, it’s important to first identify what type of consultant you want to be by learning about the different types of consulting and the roles associated with them. For example, if you’re interested in a specific industry such as marketing, technology or healthcare, you might want to work for a boutique firm that specializes in that particular industry. On the other hand, if you’re interested in business operations and management at a more general level, you might want to go into management consulting, working for a larger firm such as McKinsey, Bain or Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure what type of consulting would be a good fit for you, spend some time doing research on the various types and getting a sense of which one most closely aligns with your interests.

2. Know what recruiters look for

Regardless of what type of consulting you choose to pursue, it’s important to know what recruiters look for when assessing candidates. For example, since consulting requires the ability to address problems effectively (and often creatively), recruiters look for candidates with strong problem-solving abilities and also those with a basic level of business knowledge. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to be a business or finance major to succeed in the recruitment process. It just means that you need to be able to demonstrate an understanding of how businesses operate and an interest in the technical and operational problems that you’ll encounter in the position.

Pro Tip: Building up your business knowledge and technical skills can be done in a number of ways. While taking a business management or accounting class is a great idea, you can also supplement this knowledge with reading materials specific to the industry itself. For example, magazines like The Economist can give you a general sense of business and finance trends impacting relevant industries.

3. Understand what a case interview is and how to prepare for one

Case interviews are designed to test your ability to understand and solve problems effectively and they are a big part of the recruitment process for management consulting jobs. During a case interview, you’ll be presented with a series of business or logic problems and asked to come up with solutions. Common questions you’ll encounter can include things such as “How many wheelchair users are there in the U.S. this year?” or “How do we increase the revenue for Company X by 15% in this calendar year?” In order to succeed in a case interview, it’s important to ask relevant questions and to show the thought process behind your proposed solution. This is because hiring managers are primarily interested in how you approach problems and being able to demonstrate a cohesive problem-solving process will go a long way towards impressing them.

Pro Tip: Acing your case interview is all about practice so make sure to spend some time learning about common case interview questions and thinking through your answers. A number of resources can come in handy here including books such as Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation and sites like Case Interview.

4. Take an internship at a consulting firm

Few things are as effective at building relevant skills as internships. In fact, having internship experience will not only give you hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in consulting, but it will also help you decide whether a consulting role is right for you. The best way to find a consulting internship that fits your interests is by researching opportunities at several firms and then either applying on WayUp or reaching out to their recruitment team to find out more about the roles and the requirements.

5. Build your network

Having a strong professional network is important in every industry but it’s especially important in a field like consulting, which relies heavily on teamwork and collaboration. Luckily, networking is essentially built into the consulting industry with firms sponsoring social events to help consultants get to know one another and build relationships both within and outside of their firms.

Pro Tip: One of the most effective ways to build your network is by reaching out to alumni from your school. You can do this by attending career fairs that your school offers or even by looking through your school’s alumni network on LinkedIn to identify those who are working in the industry. Added bonus: Many alumni are actively involved in recruitment efforts at their alma maters so connecting with them before the recruitment process starts will put your on their radar at the right time.

Working as a consultant can be both challenging and exciting, giving you the opportunity to learn a lot about how businesses function and how you can help them succeed. The best way to find out if being a consultant is right for you is by interning at a consulting firm and getting a feel for what the industry is all about.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Write a Thank You Note After an Interview and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Strengths?

The post How to Become a Consultant appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Being a financial analyst is one of the most popular career paths in finance. This is largely because analysts can work in a range of industries and also because the field has some great benefits, including a high earning potential. If you’re a business or finance major, a financial analyst role is definitely worth considering. Even if you’re not currently majoring in a related discipline, you might be interested in finding out more about this role and deciding whether it could be a good fit for you.

Here are some of the key things you need to know about being a financial analyst.

What is a financial analyst?

A financial analyst is someone who makes business recommendations for an organization based on analyses they carry out on factors like market trends, the financial status of a company (or companies) and the predicted outcomes of a certain type of deal. Analysts typically have academic backgrounds as business, finance or accounting majors and are numbers-driven individuals who are comfortable interpreting data and making recommendations based on that data.

What do financial analysts do?

Financial analysts are primarily responsible for creating financial models that can predict the outcome of certain business decisions. In order to do this properly, they need to aggregate a large amount of financial data while also taking in account factors like financial market trends and past transactions of a similar nature. Because the role can be quite different depending on where an analyst works — for example an analyst at an investment bank will be much more focused on assisting with deals and mergers that one working for an insurance company — the industry an analyst chooses to go into defines their day-to-day responsibilities. Overall however, analysts play a significant part in providing decision-makers with the information they need to increase revenue and manage assets successfully.

What are the challenges of being a financial analyst?

Finance is a very data-driven industry and one of the challenges of working as an analyst in being able to analyze and interpret financial statements, market trends and microeconomic conditions in order to offer recommendations on potential business deals and decisions. In addition to the technical challenges involved in aggregating and interpreting this complex data, one of the other challenges analysts face is the fast pace of the finance industry. Fortunately, by knowing what to expect and getting the right training, these challenges can be overcome.

What are the benefits of being a financial analyst?

Although working as a financial analyst does present some challenges, it’s also a career path filled with opportunities, particularly when it comes to having your pick of industries. This is because financial analysts play a necessary part in almost every area of business so whether you’re passionate about music or interested in technology, you’re likely to find an opportunity that’s right for you. In addition to having flexibility when it comes to industries, you’ll be playing a crucial role in pulling together the information required to make these decisions and to develop new strategies. In addition to learning new skills like how to create models in Excel and participating in exciting business processes, being an analyst will also offer you the opportunity to develop a strong professional network, an asset which you can continue to nurture throughout your career.

What is a typical financial analyst salary?

Entry-level financial analyst salaries start at $55,500 (including bonuses and commission). For analysts working in investment banking and asset management, starting salaries can be much higher, typically between $100-$125,000. Irrespective of what field you choose to go into, being a financial analyst is a lucrative career with more senior analysts earning anywhere from $90,000 to $150,000.

Although being a financial analyst comes with certain challenges, it’s also a great opportunity to work in an exciting field and play a key role in the decision-making processes of an organization. If being a financial analyst sounds like it might be for you, consider taking on a summer internship and getting a hands-on feel for the position.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as the Top 10 Things You Should Look For in a Company and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

The post What Is a Financial Analyst? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

From writing press releases to organizing events, communications specialists enjoy a lot of excitement in their day-to-day work. If you’re thinking of working in communications, you might be wondering what a day in the life of a communications specialist looks like: Is it mostly responding to media enquiries or are you more likely to attend a lot of meetings? The answer depends on your specific role. However, although the tasks might vary from one day to the next, most communications specialists do a combination of the following things:

Responding to media enquiries

One of the key aspects of a communications specialist’s job is to respond to incoming media enquiries. This can include setting up interviews or handling questions about a potential company problem. Whatever the case, communications specialists are responsible for always putting their best foot forward. They also must always act with the company’s best interest in mind.

Crafting press releases and other types of content

Communications specialists are in charge of creating various types of content. That said, they must also ensure that messaging is consistent and in line with company policies. As such, communications specialists often spend time writing, editing, and sharing content with different audiences. This can include the media or the company’s clients

Meeting with teams within the company to provide communications training

For communications specialists who focus on internal communication, providing communications training is an important part of the role. This includes ensuring that employees are aware of key phrases the organization uses when referring to itself. It also means educating employees on the importance of an integrated communications strategy. This ensures they best represent the company when talking to customers or the public.

Organizing events

Another important part of a communication specialist’s day is organizing events. These events can range from fundraisers hosted by the company on behalf of a charity and public events designed to build relationships between the company and their customers. Above all, communications specialists are responsible for ensuring that these events are covered by media outlets and that the generate positive buzz around the company.

A diverse and exciting career, communications offers a lot of opportunities for growth while giving you the skills you need to succeed in your role.

The post What Does A Day In The Life Of A Communications Specialist Look Like? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

If you’re thinking about getting your MBA, you might be wondering about the best way to set yourself up for success during the program. Is there something you can do to maximize your experience and ensure that you’re learning as much as possible while in business school? The answer is yes. In addition to traditional internships and externships, a great way to get some hands-on experience in a variety of different roles is through a rotational program. A type of internship designed to give you a feel for several areas of a business, including marketing, finance and sales, rotational programs can last anywhere from six months to two years, with rotations typically lasting between three to six months.

Interested in adding a rotational internship program to your MBA degree? Here’s how to combine an MBA program with a rotational one.

Research rotational programs related to your MBA program

With many large companies recruiting MBA candidates directly from business schools, the best way to find a rotational program is by researching the programs that are affiliated with your school. Set up some time to speak to a program adviser and ask them about the various aspects of each program including the duration, management structure and the exact roles to which you’ll be exposed. With this knowledge under your belt, you’ll be able to narrow down your options to the ones that are most relevant to you.

Select a program that matches your desired industry and position

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to create a shortlist of the programs that closely match your career goals. This means selecting programs that are within your chosen industry — for example, technology or finance — and also programs that fit your desired duration. The best way to do this is by making a list of eight to 10 programs that interest you and ranking them in order of preference. While we recommend applying to as many of these as possible, you should aim to apply to at least five in order to give yourself the best chance of success.

Work with program administrators to create an optimal schedule

The final step in seamlessly combining your MBA program with a rotational program is to discuss your course load and responsibilities with program administrators on both sides of the equation. This is a great way to ensure that everyone is aware of your full workload and that they can accommodate any issues that may come up.

Combining an MBA program with a rotational program is a wonderful way to gain hands-on experience in a number of different roles. By following these tips, you’ll be able to expand your skill set and maximize your time in business school.

Next, learn more about grad school such as What Are the Different Types of Graduate Degrees? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 3 Common Internship Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

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Did you love art class as a kid? Do you use every inch of paper to doodle? Do you love visiting interesting museums and exhibits? Do you look at the design of a website or graphic and wonder how it was made? If so, becoming an arts major in college may be right up your alley.

What is an arts major?

An arts major in an interdisciplinary major, weaving together multiple academic subjects like art history, painting, sculpture and photography. Additional areas of study include subjects like the business of visual arts and art therapy.

Is it right for me?

Before you start majoring in the visual arts, there are several important considerations to think about. Arts major don’t necessarily create art all the time, and there could be financial ramifications as well.

Here are several key questions to ask yourself before you officially declare yourself an arts major:

• Am I prepared for the financial costs of being an arts major, including paying for art supplies or traveling to museums or exhibits and paying fees for those?
• Am I okay with taking academic classes as well as art classes?
• Do I have a thick skin? Am I able to take and incorporate constructive criticism I receive from professors and peers?
• Am I prepared to spend much of my course of academic study alone working on my art?
• Do I enjoy spending a great deal of time visiting museums and exhibits and looking for inspiration elsewhere?

What can I do with an arts degree?

Just because you major in visual arts doesn’t necessarily mean you have to become a “starving artist,” creating your own exhibits and selling pieces. While that’s definitely a valid career option, there are other ways to make your arts degree applicable.

Some potential career paths include:

• art professor
• art therapist
• graphic designer
• advertising executive
• art critic
• fashion designer
• textile designer
• museum, gallery or exhibit curator
• art educator
• gallery owner
• filmmaker
• photographer
• photojournalist

What do artists earn?

Pursuing a career in visual arts isn’t necessarily known to be lucrative, and salaries vary wildly depending on where you live, what you do and how much work you take on at any given time.

“Fine artists” like painters, sculptors and illustrators usually make starting salaries around $40,000-$60,000 if they have steady work, whereas people in other art-related careers may make more or less depending on the type of work and how consistent it is (for example, the average annual salary for a graphic designer is $41,000 a year while the average salary for a museum curator is $53,000).

Next, learn more about this college major such as Computer Science and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get a Letter of Recommendation.

The post What is an Arts Major and is it Right for Me? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

With its high rate of growth and reputation for innovation, the technology field has a lot to offer recent grads who are passionate about working with emerging technologies. One of these opportunities is technology sales, an area of the industry focused on connecting customers with great tech solutions. To learn more about technology sales and get some tips on how recent grads can get their foot in the door, we asked the team at Dell to tell us what they look for in an employee and what you can do to stand out from the crowd.

Here are the steps you need to take if you want to get a job in technology sales.

1. Learn as much as you can about the technology industry

The first step to landing a job in any industry is to be knowledgeable about that industry. If you want to work in the tech field, this means knowing what technologies are most relevant and what companies are key players in the space you want to work in. The best way to develop this knowledge is by reading as much as possible about the tech industry and getting a sense of current trends. Sites like TechCrunch and Forbes Tech offer a lot of great insights into all aspects of the field and can help you get informed about new and emerging technologies and market trends. Taking relevant classes during your time in college, particularly business and marketing classes, is another way to gain this knowledge since it will give you an understanding of how products are marketed and sold.

2. Develop your sales and communication skills

In addition to learning about the tech industry, another key step to getting hired is to develop your sales and communication skills. You can do this by becoming a campus rep or brand ambassador during your time in college. This will give you a chance to connect with other students on your campus, helping you grow your professional network, and it will also give you a sense of the best way to market products directly to consumers. An integral part of a technology sales job, these skills will come in handy as you’re establishing connections with new clients and helping them find the solutions that are right for them.

3. Intern with a technology company

Once you’ve learned all you can about the tech field and developed your core skills, it’s time to gain hands-on experience by interning with a tech company. Companies like Dell are a great place to work because they have a range of different internship and co-op opportunities that are designed to help you get on-the-job training while also preparing you for the next step in your career. The Dell University Relations program focuses on connecting undergrads with those opportunities and giving them the training they need to succeed. “There’s a big focus on development,” explains Marie Moynihan, Dell’s Vice President of Talent. “We place a lot of emphasis on feedback, coaching and individual development plans which create an environment of continuous learning.” With these initiatives in place, interns are able to make the most of the experience and often transition to full-time roles after graduation.

4. Know what recruiters look for

The final piece of the puzzle is knowing what recruiters look for. This is usually a mix of skills and industry knowledge along with a passion for the field. Being able to demonstrate that passion and being enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn more about the industry will go a long way toward impressing recruiters. Beyond that, it’s about demonstrating what you can bring to the table and how your unique skills and personality will make you an asset to the team.

By following these tips and developing your skills and experience, you’ll have no problem finding a technology sales opportunity that’s right for you.  

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With the increased popularity of MBA programs in recent years, you might be wondering whether or not an MBA is right for you. Is an MBA likely to increase your career prospects and your earning potential? The answer is usually yes, although it does also depend on your industry.

Before you decide whether to apply, here are some of the key things you need to know about an MBA program.

What is an MBA program?

Also known as a Master’s of Business Administration Program, an MBA is a two-year graduate program designed to help professionals develop business management skills. Covering subjects such as finance, accounting, management and marketing, an MBA program gives you an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills for future professional growth.

What are the different types of MBA programs?

MBA programs typically have a lot of things in common. Focusing on the same subjects, they’re structured to provide a business management education while helping students develop their analytical and problem-solving skills. That said, not all programs are the same and picking a program often comes down to a student’s individual needs and goals. For example, for young professionals who already have a full-time job in addition to studying for their MBA, a part-time program might be a better fit. For those who want to focus on a specific industry, specialized MBA programs are also available in subjects such as marketing, healthcare or human resources. Many programs also help students find relevant internships or rotational programs, giving them the added on-the-job training they need to advance to the top of their industries.

How much does an MBA program cost?

The cost of an MBA program varies depending on the school and the type of program. For example, online MBA programs are typically less expensive than traditional programs, ranging between $10,000-$90,000. Traditional MBA programs often cost upwards of $100,000 with most ranging between $120,000-170,000. So what’s the upside of a traditional MBA? Recognition. Traditional MBA programs are more highly regarded by employers and can make it easier to get to the next step in your career.

How can an MBA program help you succeed in your career?

Due to the high level of skill and knowledge MBA graduates develop during their programs, they are often among the most sought after candidates in any field. These skills allow them to take leadership roles in almost any organization, successfully leading teams and creating processes that help organizations run smoothly. These position also come along with another bonus — a much higher salary. In fact, MBA graduates typically earn $45,000 more per year than their colleagues without MBAs.

A great way to develop new skills and expand your career options, an MBA program can help you make big leaps in your career. By knowing what to expect and what factors to consider, you’ll be able to decide if an MBA program is right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Set Career Goals (and Meet Them) and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post How an MBA Program Works appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

When it comes to digital marketing, few things are as important as the tools digital marketers rely on to get their jobs done. These include everything from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to analytics tools like Google Analytics. Allowing marketers to create, test and measure the performance of their campaigns, digital marketing tools ensure that marketers can launch and test campaigns quickly and effectively.

Here are the five common digital marketing tools.

1. Social media platforms

A common part of any integrated marketing strategy, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are a great way for marketers to engage with their audiences and generate buzz around their brand. In addition to the standard features these platforms offer, there are also some features that are designed specifically for marketing. These include Facebook Ads Manager, which allows marketers to run ads and track ad performance. As an added bonus, social media management tools like Buffer and Hootsuite also integrate well with these platforms, making it easy to schedule social posts and measure engagement.

2. Design tools

Another key part of digital marketing is design and this is especially common when it comes to creating ads and content like social media posts and blog posts. Because digital marketing is such a design heavy field, doing it effectively wouldn’t be possible without design tools like Canva and Photoshop, programs that allow those without extensive graphic design skills to add dynamic images to their content.

3. Analytics tools

Another set of helpful tools for digital marketers are analytics tools. These include everything from Google Analytics (designed to track stats for web traffic to a particular site) to social media analytics tools like Facebook Insights and Twitter Analytics which provide metrics related to engagement and help marketers optimize their campaigns. For measuring stats on the backend of a site (particularly related to conversions, sales and user demographics), there are also tools like Periscope that track user data, site searches and conversion metrics.

4. Content marketing tools

For marketers who are more focused on content marketing, tools like CoSchedule and Hubspot are a big help when it comes to content creation and curation. They can help marketers identify content opportunities and craft engaging blog and social media posts that will resonate with their audience. And since Buffer also offers the ability to see what fans are talking about on social media, that content is almost guaranteed to be impactful and to generate attention for a specific event or news story.

5. Email marketing tools

The final set of tools in a digital marketer’s toolbox are email marketing marketing tools. These help marketers create email campaigns that amplify their content and encourage their users to become more engaged with their brand — taking additional steps like signing up for events and buying products. Common email marketing tools include email marketing platforms like MailChimp and Iterable which allow marketers to build email lists and automate their email campaigns. These platforms also provide analytics for every email campaign, making testing and optimization quick and easy.

Working in digital marketing involves a unique blend of passion, strategy and media savvy. In order to maximize the impact of your various campaigns, it helps to have the best tools at your disposal.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Career Opportunities for Marketing Majors and find answers to common interview questions such as What Other Companies Are You Interviewing With?

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Getting into an MBA program might seem challenging at first. After all, how can you ensure that you have a strong application and that you’re setting yourself up for success? Fortunately, there are some concrete steps you can take to make yourself stand out as an applicant and to get into the MBA program of your choice.

Here are the top 3 tips for getting into an MBA program.

1. Research all types of MBA programs

When it comes to finding a great MBA program, the importance of doing your research can’t be overstated. From knowing what kind of program you want to pursue (for example a general program vs. a specialized one) to deciding whether you’d rather take on a part-time or full-time course-load, doing your research will help you clarify your options and narrow down your decision.

Pro Tip: Once you’ve identified the programs that are a good match for you, it’s time to go a bit more in-depth with your research by attending open house sessions on campus and speaking to current students and alumni. The best way to go about this is by contacting the program directors and asking to be put in touch with a current student who can answer your questions. Then, use your campus visit to learn more about the faculty and the program structure.

2. Consider taking both the GMAT and the GRE exams

With many business schools increasingly accepting GRE scores along with the more traditional GMAT ones, a good way to broaden your options is by taking both exams. Although this will mean additional exam prep and added costs, the time and money investment will pay off when it comes to finding the right program.

Pro Tip: Before taking your exams, find out the specific requirements for each program you’re applying to and, whenever possible, submit your highest score. This is a great way to strengthen your application and make yourself stand out from the crowd.

3. Choose references who can speak your personality and experience

Picking the right references might seem like a no-brainer — after all, you want someone who knows your work and can speak to your best qualities — but the truth is that many MBA candidates don’t pick the right right people when asking for references. Instead of focusing on finding a person with an impressive resume or job title who might not know you very well, it’s important to pick someone who knows you well and can give the admissions board a clear sense of who you are and what you can bring to the table.

Pro Tip: When picking your references, make a list of 3-5 people who have impacted your academic and professional careers. Write down a few notes about your relationship with each one and figure out what parts of your work and personality they can speak to. This is a great way to ensure that your references will create an accurate and balanced view of who you are while positioning you in the best light.

Although getting accepted into an MBA program might seem a bit intimidating at first, by following these tips and knowing what to expect you’ll be sure to get accepted into a program that’s right for you.

Next, learn more about grad school such as How to Pick an MBA Program and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as The Art of Networking Offline.

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If you’re a business or accounting major, or just someone who’s interested in the world of finance, you might be considering a career as an auditor. And with its reputation for stability and high projected growth rates, the field of auditing has a lot to offer students and recent grads. To get the inside scoop on auditing, we sat down with the team at the CAQ (Center for Audit Quality) to find out what it takes to get started in the field.

Here are the steps you need to take if you want to become an auditor.

1. Earn an undergraduate degree

The first step toward becoming an auditor is to earn a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, economics, data analytics or other related subjects. Since auditing is a technical field that requires a solid understanding of accounting principles, taking on a major that will help you develop this knowledge is a great way to set yourself up for success.

Pro Tip: If you’re passionate about more than one academic subject, a double major or minor is a great way to explore different areas of academia, while still building the skills you’ll need to be an auditor. You should especially consider computer science and data analytics if you want to get an edge on the auditing profession.

2. Develop your knowledge of accounting and auditing

In addition to taking relevant classes during your time in college, it’s important to develop your business and industry knowledge by staying on top of the latest financial and business news. A good way to do this is by reading major news publications like the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, and keeping track of new and ongoing financial trends. If you want to get even more specialized in your knowledge, you can check out publications targeted specifically to those who want to learn more about auditing such as the CAQ’s Discover Audit initiative.

3. Intern at a public accounting firm during your college years

Although college classes and individual research are a great way to learn about the field of auditing, there’s really nothing better than an internship when it comes to getting hands-on experience in the profession. By interning with a public accounting firm during your college years, you’ll be able to get a sense of everything involved in the audit process (from researching the financial history of a particular company to evaluating financial reporting risks) and to find out whether the role is a good fit for you.

Pro Tip: Since many accounting firms hire full-time auditors directly from their intern pool, an internship is also the perfect way to get noticed by potential employers and see if that firm is a good fit for you.

4. Be CPA ready

Although a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) license is not required in order to start your career as an auditor, many firms — especially large public accounting firms — require their employees to obtain their CPA license early in their career, especially for individuals who want to continue to working on public company audits. Developed by the American Institute of CPAs, the exam consists of four parts and covers topics such as financial accounting, regulation, and business concepts. According to the CAQ, even if your particular firm doesn’t require a CPA license, passing the exam is a way to expand your career options and to get recognized in the field. It will also increase your earning potential throughout your career.

Pro Tip: Licensure requirements vary by state and understanding the requirements for your state should be the first step you take when preparing for the CPA exam. Also, many accounting firms provide training and assistance to employees when they are preparing for the exam.

By following these steps and developing your knowledge and skill set, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an auditor.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Be a Team Player and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

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From learning about new industries to traveling around the country, auditors enjoy a lot of variety in their day-to-day work. If you’re thinking of becoming an auditor, you might be wondering what a day in the life looks like: Is it mostly travel and meetings with financial executives, or do auditors mainly spend their time assessing a company’s financial reporting risks? To find out the answer, we asked the team at the CAQ (Center for Audit Quality) to share some insights into the key parts of the job.

What we discovered is that the tasks may vary from one day to the next. In fact, no two days are quite alike in the auditing field. Most auditors do a combination of the following things:

1. Team with peers to establish a game plan

While audit testing can be done autonomously, many auditors tend to work closely in teams so that they can cover as much ground as possible and check each other’s work. This work requires professional skepticism, objectivity, and good communication. Many auditors say this is the reason they enjoy their work so much. Rather than sitting behind a desk all day, they are working with their peers as a team to provide accurate financial information to investors and build trust in capital markets.

2. Meet with financial executives

Meeting with financial executives and assessing their needs is often the next step toward establishing a relationship. Once that relationship has been established, ongoing meetings allow auditors to understand how the companies they audit operate and get updates on important financial developments. In return, auditors assess financial reporting risks and develop audit strategies to mitigate those risks. The work of the auditors helps to build confidence in the financial information presented by companies.

3. Research a company’s financial history

In addition to meetings with financial executives, auditors spend a significant amount of time researching companies’ industries and learning about their prior audit history. For example, when working with a company in the tech industry, auditors are responsible for understanding current financial trends and knowing how the company they are auditing fits into the broader landscape of the industry. Prior to starting the audit process, auditors must also get a sense of how the company has performed in previous years to understand the financial challenges it has faced. In order to gain this knowledge, auditors will typically review public audit records from previous years (how many depends on how long the company has been in business) and make note of any red flags that come up.

4. Conduct site visits

Visiting the physical location of the company is another key part of an auditor’s job and usually one of the reasons why auditors travel so frequently. These site visits can be carried out for general meetings or as part of inventory observations required during the audit process. According to the CAQ, the visits can vary widely depending on the company that you are auditing. For example, they can include touring lab facilities for pharmaceutical companies or visiting warehouses owned by retailers.

5. Assess financial reporting risk

The final and most important part of an auditor’s job is assessing the risk of misstatement in the company’s financial statements. This includes evaluating and documenting their risk assessment of the company based upon meetings, research, and site visits. Auditors will then develop audit procedures to address those risks.

According to auditors interviewed by the CAQ, the profession offers two important things: variety and work-life balance. “One thing I love about public accounting is that each week is different,” explains Ben, an auditor from Chicago, who spoke to the CAQ about why he chose to become an auditor.

A diverse but stable career path, auditing offers a lot of opportunities for continued learning and growth with enough flexibility to develop a schedule that works for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post What Does a Day in the Life of an Auditor Look Like? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

An exciting and growth-oriented career, auditing offers recent grads an opportunity to learn about new industries like media and tech while also developing their knowledge of accounting and business operations. Despite the fact that it’s a stable career with high earning potential, there are some common misconceptions about auditing that seem to keep popping up. To set the record straight, we sat down with the team at the CAQ (Center for Audit Quality) to find out what it’s really like to be an auditor.

Here are the top five misconceptions about being an auditor.

1. Auditing isn’t a very exciting career path

If you’ve ever heard a joke about accounting or auditing, you know that the punchline is almost always about it being a boring profession. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, being an auditor gives you exposure to a diverse range of industries and companies, meaning you’ll always be learning about new business trends and meeting with leaders in almost every industry – all while working in a collaborative team environment made up mostly of your peers who often become your friends and colleagues for life.

Added bonus: According to the CAQ, auditors who work for public accounting firms get to work on a variety of cool projects including counting votes for popular award shows like the Oscars and the Grammys.

2. Auditors spend most of their time crunching numbers

Another common misconception about auditing is that it’s mostly about analyzing financial statements. Although this is definitely a part of an auditor’s job, it’s not the only part. Auditors also spend time meeting with company executives, conducting site visits, and learning about the company’s particular industries. This background knowledge helps auditors understand how the company they are auditing carries out their day-to-day business activities and makes auditing a well-rounded profession that is about much more than number crunching. Auditing also requires a questioning-mindset, objectivity, and judgment skills.

3. Auditing is mostly a desk job

The idea that auditing is mostly a desk job goes hand-in-hand with the notion that auditors spend most of their time working alone analyzing financial statements. In reality, the opposite is true. Because auditors attend frequent client meetings, they often travel to company sites all over the country (and sometimes the world). And because some auditing work can be done autonomously, auditors are also able to work remotely. “One great thing about this job is that my desk is in my backpack. I can basically set up wherever I want,” explains Jesse, an auditor from Atlanta who spoke with the CAQ about his decision to go into auditing.

4. You need a CPA license to be an auditor

One of the biggest misconceptions about being an auditor is that you need to pass the CPA exam before you can get started. In fact, many auditors are not CPAs, and having your CPA license is not a requirement for the first several years at the job. However, the experts at the CAQ recommend taking the exam for two reasons: 1) It will increase your earning potential, and 2) It will help you stand out from the crowd when it comes to finding new opportunities.

5. Auditors do not have a lot of work-life flexibility

The final misconception about auditing is that employees do not have work-life flexibility. While there may be less flexibility for some auditors during busy season (when companies are filing their annual financial statements or 10Ks), for the most part, auditing offers a lot of flexibility and a well-balanced schedule. “Auditors work hard but we also have a pretty good work-life balance,” says Ashley, an auditor from Miami who refers to that balance as one of the key benefits of the job.

Although auditing is sometimes jokingly described as a not-so-exciting career involving a lot of long hours, the truth is that it offers both variety and opportunities for continued development. By knowing what to expect, you’ll have a clear understanding of your potential career path and you’ll be able to decide whether auditing is right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Be a Team Player and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post Top 5 Misconceptions About Being an Auditor appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

If you’re interested in auditing and considering becoming an auditor, you might be wondering what you can do to land a great auditing job. Should you intern at a big accounting firm? Take classes on financial regulation? Or is it more about knowing what to expect and being able to plan your career path accordingly? To find out the answer, we recently spoke with the team at the CAQ (Center for Audit Quality) to find out what steps you can take to find a job that fits your skills and lifestyle.

Here are the top four tips for landing an auditing job.

1. Take relevant classes during your time in college

Since auditing requires an understanding of financial regulations and accounting principles, developing this knowledge as an undergraduate will get you one step closer to finding the right job. The best way to do this is by taking business and accounting classes as part of your major and using these classes to establish a solid knowledge base. At the same time, you can develop your skills by taking specialized electives such as data analytics, business ethics and accounting information systems.

Pro Tip: If you want to really stand out from the crowd, supplementing your knowledge by learning about auditing through sources such as the CAQ’s Discover Audit initiative is a great way to do so.

2. Intern with an accounting firm while in college

If you’re not sure about what auditing career path to choose (or even if you are but want to build your skills and experience), a great way to gain exposure to the profession is by doing an internship with an accounting firm during your sophomore of junior year of college. This will give you hands-on experience while teaching you the type of skills you’ll need to succeed in the profession. As an added bonus, you’ll expand your professional network and will likely open yourself up to new job opportunities after the internship is over. Plus, many public accounting firms hire directly from their intern pools.

3. Start networking

It’s never to early to start networking and the best place to do so is right on your campus. This is because audit professionals from large accounting firms often spend time on college campuses networking with current students. In order to make the most of these opportunities, take advantage of the chance to meet these professionals and hear from them about their experiences. As an added bonus, these might be the same professionals you’ll get to work with someday if you decide that a career in auditing is for you.

4. Study for the CPA exam

Although a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) license is not required in order to start your career as an auditor, many firms — especially large public accounting firms — require their employees to obtain their CPA license early in their career. According to the CAQ, even if your particular firm doesn’t require a CPA license, passing the exam is a way to expand your career options and to get recognized in the field. It will also increase your earning potential throughout your career.

By following these tips and knowing how to position yourself as a competitive candidate, you’ll be setting yourself up for success and getting one step closer to landing a great auditing job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post Top 4 Tips for Landing an Auditing Job appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Whether you’re searching for an internship or an entry-level position, the first step to finding a great job is having a strong resume. How can you ensure that your resume is both effective and professional? By highlighting relevant skills and experience while also showing that you’re a well-rounded individual who can bring something unique to the role.

We recently sat down with an expert on the recruiting team at a major accounting firm to get their advice on resume best practices.

Here are three quick tips to help you create the perfect resume.

1. Map it out. It should always be just a single page. 

Before you start writing your resume, map out key points such as your work experience, skills and academic background. This is a great exercise for two reasons: 1) It will help you take stock of the information that’s most relevant to the roles you’re applying for and 2) It will give you a sense of how to structure your resume without going over a single page (the commonsense limit for any resume).

The best way to map out your resume is by creating separate sections for education, skills and experience and then noting down 3-5 bullet points under each one. Once you have your bullet points, take a few minutes to assess which ones are most impactful and be sure to include these in the final version.

2. Create a structure for your resume and fill in the categories.

Next, it’s time to create a structure for your resume and to flesh out each section. For most college students and recent grads, a chronological resume is the best way to go since this is the most common type of resume used by professionals.

Here’s what it looks like:

Contact information

This should be the first section of your resume and it should feature your name, address, email and phone number, as well as links to a personal website or an online portfolio if you have them.

Education

This section should have the name and location of your college or university, as well as your major and the anticipated date of your graduation. You may also choose to include your GPA (if it’s above 3.0) and to highlight relevant classes or extracurricular activities.

Experience

The third section of your resume should be dedicated to your previous work experience including part-time jobs, internships and volunteer work. Although you should include work experience that relates to the role you’re applying for, don’t feel compelled to write down every single job you’ve had in the past. Instead, focus on the ones where you developed your core set of skills and highlight your experience by adding 3-5 bullet points detailing your responsibilities in each position.

This order isn’t the only way to do it. Here’s another example of a great resume with a slightly different ordering of sections. can also see another example of a great resume with a slightly different order.

Pro Tip: Whenever possible, use action verbs and numbers to illustrate the impact you had in each role. For example, if you helped a company grow its social media presence during a marketing internship, be sure to mention this and to note the growth rate as a percentage.

Skills and Interests

Since employers are interested in hiring well-rounded candidates, one of the other key areas they look for is a section on skills and interests. This should include a range of skills such as proficiency with computer programs like Microsoft Word and Excel and language skills (if relevant to the position you’re applying for). When outlining your interests, be sure to focus on those that relate to your chosen career path such as an interest in travel if you’re applying for a role where travel is required.

3. Highlight your accomplishments.

If you don’t have a lot of professional experience, that’s okay too. You can still demonstrate the value you’ll bring to a position by highlighting your academic and personal accomplishments. A few key areas to focus on are class projects you’ve worked on, volunteer work you’ve done and any awards you’ve won (such as making the Dean’s List or receiving a scholarship). Pepper these accomplishments throughout your resume and use them to fill any gaps in your experience or education.

By following these tips and crafting a resume designed to show off your personal and professional accomplishments, you’ll be sure to impress potential employers and to get one step closer to landing your dream job.

The post How to Write a Resume: The Basics appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

With a projected growth rate of nine percent by 2024, human resources management is a rapidly growing field that offers candidates a variety of career opportunities from recruiting to people operations. If you’re considering becoming a human resources professional, you might be wondering about the various day-to-day tasks associated with this career path.

Here are some of the key things you need to know about working in human resources management.

What is human resources management?

Human resources management (often abbreviated as HR management or HR) is a broad term that covers a range of functions associated with hiring, training and managing employees. Focusing on everything from recruitment to payroll, HR departments ensure that companies follow federal laws and best practices when managing their employees, a practice that not only benefits the employees but also the company’s ability to operate efficiently.

What do human resources professionals do?

Because human resources management is a broad field, the day-to-day tasks of HR professionals can vary greatly depending on their roles. For example, while recruiters focus mostly on identifying talent and interviewing candidates, HR generalists are responsible for creating and streamlining processes to handle things like payroll, benefits and training. Despite the different responsibilities of these roles, one thing remains constant: a strong focus on effective employer-employee relations.

What are the challenges of a human resources management career?

A fast-paced field, HR management definitely has its share of challenges. These include contending with unpredictable schedules when organizing interviews and handling sensitive issues such as layoffs and problems between managers and employees. The key to overcoming these challenges is understanding that HR management is a service-oriented role and keeping the company’s best interests in mind while being sensitive to the needs of employees.

What are the benefits of a human resources management career?

Although there are definitely some challenges involved in being an HR professional, there are a lot of benefits too. These include working with managers to build a strong workforce, fostering a great team culture and developing programs designed to ensure that employees are satisfied and supported in their roles.

What is a typical salary for a human resources professional?

Salaries for human resources professionals vary slightly depending on the specific role but entry-level HR coordinators and recruiters typically earn around $42,000 while HR managers can earn upwards of $90,000.

An important field with plenty of growth and stability, human resources management offers many opportunities for recent grads. The best way to find out if being an HR professional is right for you is to get a hands-on feel for the role by doing an internship.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For In a Company and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post What Is Human Resources Management? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Are you intrigued by the mathematics or statistics courses that you’ve taken in the past? Do you feel like you solve problems in creative ways, with a numbers-driven approach? Would you be interested in helping companies plan for how to grow their revenue or maintain profitability in both the short and long term? If so, a finance major might just be for you.

What is a finance major?

Financial planning, investment decisions and analyzing/limiting expenses are all various aspects of what you can and will learn as a finance major. As a finance major, you will study how companies have performed in the past to predict how they will perform in the future, and learn how to communicate information that will drive strategic changes. Many of your assignments will be project driven, whether they be individual case studies to enhance your problem-solving ability, or group presentations to practice the way you interact with others. Typical classes in this major include accounting, economics, math and psychology.

Is it right for me?

Finance is an exciting major with plenty of career opportunities. Contrary to popular belief, it’s also a major that requires both analytical skills and a healthy dose of creativity. Above all, it will help you develop multiple skill sets at once, offering you a great chance of success in several industries after graduation.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding if a finance major is right for you:

• Am I interested in math and statistics?
• Am I a creative problem-solver who is able to overcome challenges by coming up with innovative solutions?
• Am I interested in figuring out how to help companies increase their revenue?
• Am I a good communicator who is able to express my ideas clearly and effectively?

If you responded “Yes” to all of the above, then being a finance major might just be for you.

What can I do with a finance degree?

Finance as an area of study is fairly broad and offers plenty of career options. These include:

• Investment banking
• Management consulting
• Investment management
• Corporate Finance
• Accounting
• Risk management
• And more…

If you’re interested in how companies should allocate financial resources, corporate finance may be your calling. If you’re more fascinated by financial markets, how people construct investment portfolios, wealth creation and preservation, investment management could be the route for you. And if you want to learn about probability and statistics and how they correlate to business decisions, then risk management might be the right path to pursue.

What do finance majors earn?

The salaries of finance majors vary widely depending on the careers they choose to pursue. While accountants earn an average salary of $63,000 per year, management consultants earn an average of $86,000 and investment bankers can earn upwards of $250,000.

Next, learn more about this college major such as Accounting and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Answer: What Motivates You?.

The post What is a Finance Major and is it Right for Me? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

If you’re a business or finance major, chances are you’ve considered a career in investment banking. Even if you’re not currently majoring in a related discipline, you might be interested in finding out more about investment banking and the types of career options available for recent grads.

Here are some of the key things you need to know about working in investment banking.

What is investment banking?

Investment banking is an area of the financial services industry that focuses on managing and increasing the financial assets of clients. What does this really mean? It means that investment bankers help companies invest their assets with a view towards increasing the value of their portfolios. Investment bankers essentially act as advisors and brokers, helping their clients identify and capitalize on great opportunities.

What do investment bankers do?

The primary responsibility of investment bankers is to advise their clients on investments and help facilitate those investments. This means that investment bankers essentially act as advisors and brokers, assessing the needs of their clients and then finding the right solutions to meet those needs. Once the client has decided how they would like to proceed, it’s up to the bankers to negotiate deals and mergers, ensuring that they are keeping their client’s best interests in mind.

What are the challenges of working in investment banking?

Investment banking is constantly in flux and deeply impacted by changes in financial markets. This can be quite challenging for those who work in the field because it requires them to be quick on their feet and adapt as needed. In addition to fluctuations in the markets, investment banking also presents other challenges such as the ability to manage client assets effectively and to ensure that the worth of those assets increases over time. As a result of the many demands of the industry, investment banking often requires long hours, particularly for those who are just starting out as financial analysts. However, by knowing what to expect and learning how to handle the challenges that arise, this field can be a very exciting one to work in.

What are some of the benefits of working in investment banking?

Although working in investment banking presents many challenges, it also presents many opportunities, particularly for recent grads. For example, because of the fast pace of the industry, employees can build their knowledge bases and skill sets quickly. This will help them advance quickly in their careers and develop transferrable skills. Another great benefit of working in investment banking is being able to build a solid and long-lasting professional network, an invaluable asset which will be useful throughout one’s career.

What is a typical investment banking salary?

Investment banking salaries are some of the highest in the world and this holds true even for entry-level positions. For example, entry-level financial analyst roles typically start at $100,000-$125,000 (including bonuses), while associates with two to three years of experience can earn anywhere from $150,000 to $250,000. Investment banking salaries increase significantly with each year of additional experience, with more senior bankers such as vice presidents and managing directors earning upwards of $650,000 and above.

Although investment banking is certainly a challenging field, it’s also an exciting one that presents many opportunities for recent graduates. The best way to find out if working in investment banking is a good fit for you is to intern at a bank and get a hands-on feel for the role and the culture of the industry.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as If You Could Invest in One Stock, Which Stock Would it Be?

The post What is Investment Banking? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

What is a fashion buyer? We recently sat down with MILLY Buyer Chrissy Allen to find out.

What is a buyer?

A fashion buyer is someone who makes purchasing decisions for a clothing retailer. And according to Chrissy, it’s a role that requires both an analytical mind and a keen eye for style. Describing her role, Chrissy explains that she “picks pieces for the season based on past sales history and upcoming trends,” always making sure that she’s aware of what has sold well in the past and is likely to do well in the future. In order to do this, she attends fashion shows every season and meets with designers to find out more about the exact styles they’re working on. This helps her get a sense of the market and make informed purchasing decisions that will appeal to MILLY’s customers.

Do all clothing retailers have buyers?

“Big retailers like Saks and Bloomingdale’s have buyers and planners because they’re working with third-party vendors,” Chrissy explains. For smaller companies like MILLY (which is itself a third-party vendor), in-house buyers are usually only hired if the company has its own stores. And, as Chrissy explains, the challenge of working for a small retailer is different from that of working for a larger one. “I have to understand why we are different and make sure that we are catering to our specific customer,” Chrissy says.

Is being a buyer a cross-functional role?

From researching fashion trends to attending fashion shows and meeting with designers, being a buyer can sound like a one-person show. However, it’s actually a much more cross-functional role than it might appear to be. For big retailers like Saks or Bloomingdale’s, buyers are usually part of the merchandising team but for smaller companies like MILLY, they fall under marketing. “I work super closely with our marketing team, constantly collaborating on email blasts and social media content to make sure that we are pushing what isn’t selling so well but also highlighting some of our bestsellers,” Chrissy explains.

The best part of working in a cross-functional position? For Chrissy, it’s figuring out the unique selling point of the brand and helping to communicate that message directly to customers. “What can we offer the customer that nobody else can offer them?” That’s the question she always has in her mind as she makes purchasing decisions and the one she helps the marketing team communicate on a daily basis.

What are some of the perks of working in fashion?

If you think that working in fashion means having access to lots of free clothes, it turns out that you’re partly right. “The discounts are pretty good,” Chrissy says, joking that it’s very tempting to take advantage of them. In addition to discounts, buyers can also borrow clothes from the company’s closet, testing out new styles before they officially go on sale.

Being a fashion buyer is one of several great career paths in the fashion industry. In addition to offering you the opportunity to stay on top of the latest trends and meet some of the hottest designers around, this role also offers you the opportunity to understand the business side of fashion and to play a part in bringing looks from the runway to the consumer. If that sounds like an exciting opportunity, then becoming a fashion buyer might just be right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as  Top 5 Interview Questions for Fashion Buyers and find answers to common interview questions such as Why Do You Want to Work Here?

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What exactly is a fashion buyer?

According to Chrissy, a fashion buyer is a person who makes purchasing decisions for a clothing retailer. “A buyer is someone who goes to market,” she explains. What does that actually mean? In short, it means that buyers handpick the styles that end up in clothing stores. “I go through and pick the pieces for the season based on past sales history and upcoming trends,” she says. The best part of the role: being able to showcase the unique aspects of the brand you work for and demonstrate how you’re making a difference to consumers.

What kind of skills do you need in order to be a fashion buyer?

Although many people think that being a buyer means spending time in the company’s fashion closet, the position actually requires a lot of analytical skills and business savvy. “I am in Excel a lot which isn’t always what people think about when they think of a buyer,” Chrissy explains. “It’s about looking at our sales, looking at what worked in past seasons, what didn’t work and also taking into consideration designers’ vision for how they see the upcoming season.” In order to analyze sales numbers and quantify trends, buyers need to be analytical and able to think on their feet. For example, if they a specific trend that they select is not selling well, they have to be able to adjust their strategy mid-season while also trying to find ways to boost sales.

How can college students and recent grads break into the fashion industry?

“Internships are the most important thing,” Chrissy says. In fact, they’re far more important than your college major. “I was a political science major so I had absolutely no fashion education, but I knew that I wanted to be in fashion from a young age,” she explains. The key was finding an internship that would get her there. And that’s exactly what she did. After her freshman year of college, Chrissy found an internship on the men’s wholesale team at Theory and it was exactly the foot in the door she needed. “I was like a sponge, soaking up everything everybody said in a meeting, and that’s how I knew that this was what I wanted to do.” In addition to taking on one multiple internships, Chrissy also emphasizes that it’s important to maintain the contacts you make. “Maintaining those contacts is so important because the fashion world is tiny and everybody knows each other and can connect you in some way,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of building your professional network while you’re still in school.

What should you wear to an interview for a fashion buyer position?

When interviewing for a position in the fashion industry, “you really want to cater to that audience,” Chrissy explains. For a brand like MILLY, which is contemporary and fun, it’s important to wear something that shows your personality.“We’re not a finance company so we want to see you shine through but you want to make sure that it’s work appropriate.” For both women and men, this means potentially wearing something from the retailer’s current collection and ensuring that your outfit matches the look and feel of the brand you’re interviewing for.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure of what to wear to an interview at a fashion brand, be sure to check out the company’s website and social channels, focusing on photos that show the team at work. This will give you a great sense of the company culture and help you pick an appropriate outfit.

Chrissy’s final piece of advice for getting into the fashion industry (or any industry) is this: “Be passionate. Be out there searching for an internship,” she says, emphasizing that your drive and passion will help you stand out from the pack and potentially land a great job at a brand like MILLY.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Write a Resume That Stands Out and find answers to common interview questions such as What Gets You Up in the Morning?

The post How to Become a Fashion Buyer appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

If you’ve always been good at math and seeing trends and patterns in numbers, and you consider yourself a skilled communicator who can relay complex data analysis to others, then an accounting major (and career path) may be for you.

Accountants look at financial trends to consult nonprofits, governments and businesses on how to best do their jobs and run their organizations. These analyses must be detailed, complex and data-heavy, allowing people to gain valuable insights from them.

What is an accounting major?

Accounting majors learn how to maintain financial accounts. It prepares students to be accountants by teaching them about accounting principles like auditing, reporting, budgeting and tax regulations.

Is it right for me?

Because accountants could be responsible for an organization’s financial well-being, accountants need to be able to pay close attention to detail and handle large amounts of data at a time. One wrong error or misfiled document could lead to big problems for a company or organization.

To figure out if an accounting career could be in your future, here are several key questions to consider:

• Am I detail-oriented? Do I pay attention to detail without anyone asking me to?
• Am I good with numbers? Does working with large sets of data excite or intimidate me?
• Do I like working with things like balance sheets, profitability forms and tax filings? Do I have confidence in filling out forms like these and presenting them on behalf of a company, nonprofit or government entity?
• Am I able to see and analyze patterns in large amounts of data and relay that information to people who may not be as well-acquainted with the data as I am?

What can I do with an accounting degree?

Just because you start off crunching numbers doesn’t mean you have to spend your entire job or career doing just that. Accountants have the ability to choose whether or not to work in the public or private sector as well as if they want to work on the more business-oriented side of any company. If you’re looking to go into business and want an analytical edge on the competition, an accounting degree could be perfect for you.

What do accountants make?

The amount you’ll make with an accounting degree depends on the type of company you pursue as well as how far you decide to continue your education. College students who graduate with a degree in accounting make a median salary of $50,500. For people who choose to continue their education and become Certified Public Accountants (CPA), the median salary is $73,800, and it can climb to well over $124,000 per year. Additionally, those with a CPA certification make 5% to 15% more than their non-CPA counterparts.

Next, learn more about this college major such as the Types of Internships for Accounting Majors and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as When to Start Applying for a Summer Internship.

The post What is an Accounting Major and is it Right for Me? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

The first week of any new job can seem a little overwhelming. It’s probably the one week where you’ll have the most “ramping up” to do throughout your time at a company. Here are a few tips to make sure you nail that week, no matter what the job entails.

1. Ask lots of questions

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. This isn’t the only week you’re allowed to ask questions, but it’s the week when everyone will want to help. Don’t worry about being annoying; you’re expected to have a lot of questions, and asking them shows that you’re eager to learn. Just make sure you ask things that will help you learn and keep track of people’s answers so you won’t be asking the same questions over and over again. Most importantly, if you have a question that isn’t specific to the company, be sure to Google it first so that you’re not asking obvious questions.

2. Don’t be the last one in, or the first one out

The first week is all about first impressions, so it’s important to demonstrate your commitment by being in the office as much as possible. Being one of the first people in and one of the last to leave is a great way to show everyone that you’re a hard worker. It also shows that you are eager to learn and participate. You’re not just there to clock in and clock out, you want to show you’re dedicated and willing to go the extra mile to be a valuable team member.

3. Learn the office

Figure out where everything in the office is. Where’s the bathroom, printer, kitchen and coffee machine? You should definitely try to figure things out on your own before tapping someone on the shoulder, but don’t be afraid to ask about how the bathroom situation works or which snacks are on- and off-limits.

4. Pay attention to people’s routines

Pay close attention to your co-workers’ daily routines. This applies especially to your boss or supervisor and other people in your position who have been there for a while. Learn what the high performers in your role are doing well and incorporate that into your new routine. Don’t be afraid to ask what makes people successful at the company. This is the best way to get a sense of what you can do to succeed in your own position.

5. Get to know everyone

Most importantly, make an effort to get to know all your co-workers. If you work for a big company or have a huge office, focus on the people you actually work with. Set up a meeting outside the office, like a coffee or a lunch, and do a little research on what that person’s role is and what he or she does on a daily basis. Use these meetings as a chance to ask questions, and more importantly, build relationships.

Not only will your days be more enjoyable if you have good relationships with the people you work with, but your co-workers will be more open to helping you if you’re on good terms with them. You will be spending a lot of time with these people, so it’s best to build those strong bonds from the beginning.

6. Send a status update at the end of the week

Sending an end of week update to your manager is a great way to wrap up your first week. Be sure to include everything you’ve accomplished during the week, any questions you may have and a plan of what you intend to do the following week. This will show your manager that you’re organized and proactive about succeeding in your new role.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Be a Team Player, and find answers to common interview questions such as, What Gets You Up in The Morning?

The post 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Being a marketing major is a great way to develop your knowledge of the marketing industry and to discover what’s involved in promoting brands and products. As a marketing major, you’ll be doing things like understanding the psychology behind consumer behavior, designing marketing campaigns and learning about social media trends. To accomplish these things successfully, you’ll need to develop a strong and diverse skill set.

Here are the five skills you’ll need to succeed as a marketing major:

Creativity

Since marketing campaigns often require unique approaches, creativity is a prerequisite for anyone thinking of taking on a marketing major. During your time in college, you’ll be able to put your creativity to use by coming up with ideas for marketing campaigns in your classes and then determining the best ways to test them out.

Communications skills

Being able to communicate effectively is a crucial part of any job and this is especially true when it comes to marketing since this field is all about making a particular message or idea engaging to an audience. Having strong verbal and written communication skills is extremely important for those who are thinking of taking on this major.

Analytical skills

Since marketing is heavily driven by data and metrics, having an analytical mindset is a key component of succeeding in this major. From understanding the science behind a particular marketing strategy to being able to quantify results and demonstrate the value of a particular campaign, putting your analytical skills to use will help you understand the true power of marketing and give you insights into how you can improve on each campaign.

Organization skills

Whether you end up working for a marketing agency or as part of an in-house marketing team, once you leave college you’ll likely be in a role that requires you to do several things at once such as managing social media accounts, coming up with new campaigns and creating reports to track the performance of those campaigns. To do these things effectively, you’ll need to be able to organize your time effectively and to prioritize new tasks as they come up.

Knowledge of media trends

Since marketing requires you to capitalize on media trends in order to develop successful campaigns, having a solid understanding of those trends (and why they matter) is an important aspect of being a marketing major. In addition to being interested in media trends and marketing campaigns, marketing majors will also benefit from having a sense of why certain strategies work when others don’t.

By knowing what to expect from a marketing major and developing the right skill set, you’ll be able to maximize the impact of your studies and to set yourself up for success after graduation.

Next, learn more about this college major such as the Career Opportunities for Marketing Majors and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as the Top 10 Things You Should Look For In an Internship.

The post What Types of Skills Are Best for a Marketing Major? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Studying finance is both challenging and rewarding and when preparing to do so, it’s important to assess your skill set and understand whether the major is a good fit for you. You should also ask yourself these important questions: What types of abilities will I need to possess to be successful if I pursue a finance degree? Are they inherited or acquired? Can I get better at these skills through time?

Here are some of the most common skills you’ll need as a finance major:

Problem-Solving Skills

As a finance major, you’ll constantly be asked to change the status quo of a situation given a set number of variables. Companies often ask, “How do we enhance performance and minimize resources within this period of time?” To answer these questions, you’ll need to assess what can be done differently, spot trends within industries and evaluate potential opportunities.

Quantitative and Statistical Analysis Skills

Finance is driven heavily by numbers. If math and statistics have been areas of strength for you in the past, you’re likely to thrive as a finance major. In order to understand and analyze data, link concepts and derive conclusions based on these findings, you will need a strong mathematical foundation.

Microsoft Excel Skills

Having strong Microsoft Excel skills goes hand in hand with analyzing data. This is because working in finance involves putting together financial models that can be used to test out an investment strategy or financial decision. To build up your Excel skills, you’ll need to spend time learning the various features and functions of the program and then practice creating models, charts and pivot tables.

Creativity

Creativity is often an underrated skill when it comes to finance. This skill is often thought of as something that’s prominent in the arts, but it’s also a common trait of those who succeed as finance majors. In your classes, you’ll be asked to come up with unique solutions to problems or even implement proven solutions in unique ways. You’ll showcase your creativity through how you report the data you study and how you answer any pushback you might receive on concepts your present.

Communication Skills

The ability to communicate your analysis, findings and conclusions is really important as you head toward a career in finance. This is because in any finance-related position, you will need to effectively talk through complex data to show how various aspects of the business may be impacted. As a finance major, you’ll be put through a series of different projects, both individually and in group presentations, to hone your communication skills and prepare you for a potential career path within the industry.

While there are other traits to being a successful finance major, these are a few that you will need regardless of what specialization or industry you end up pursuing.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is a Finance Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For In An Internship.

The post What Types of Skills Are Best for a Finance Major? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Few college majors are as in demand as a business major. This is because the skills you develop through this major are applicable pretty much everywhere, from a small tech startup to a Fortune 500 giant. While studying to become a business major, you’ll learn all sorts of things including how to manage operations, assess risks and transform work environments. It’s a career that can be as laid back, as fast-paced and as financially rewarding as you’d like it to be, depending on what type of environment you choose to work in. Career opportunities for business majors include business management, operations, e-commerce, finance and hospitality.

Here are some of the many fields where you can use your business degree:

Business management

Business management is a broad field that involves various managerial responsibilities and can apply to any number of industries including technology, retail and the nonprofit sector. Business management roles usually involve the day-to-day management of a company and the implementation of processes designed to improve how a company operates. They can also include human resources management, where you manage employer-employee relations and take a hands-on approach to recruiting and training. This is a great career for anyone who is interested in all the elements involved in running a business and helping it succeed.

Operations

Similar to business management, a role in operations involves handling the logistics involved with running a business. This can be anything from handling financial assets to developing and streamlining processes designed to keep the business functioning optimally. This career path is best suited to business majors who are interested in coordinating various departments and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

E-commerce

Another popular career for business majors, especially in today’s tech-heavy globalized society, is e-commerce. This career path puts your creative and analytical skills to use by tasking you with creating and implementing strategies designed to increase a company’s revenue and customer base. It’s a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in developing strategies designed to drive sales.

Finance

Your business skills are just as useful in the world of finance where you can be a financial analyst, account executive or accountant. Working in finance will give you hands-on experience of working with clients and coming up with financial solutions designed to meet their needs. This is a great career path for those interested in investing and asset management.

Hospitality

Business majors can also be found in the hospitality industry where they are often responsible for the day-to-day management of both boutique hotels and major hotel chains. As hotel managers, they are responsible for everything from hiring hotel staff to ensuring customer satisfaction. Similar to business management and operations, this career path is best suited to those who are interested in coordinating different departments and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

One of the best things about a business major is that it can take you anywhere, allowing you to contribute to the productivity and efficiency of all sorts of businesses. The best way to find out which type of business is right for you is to take on an internship in a field that interests you. This will give you the hands-on experience you need to find the perfect job.

Next, learn more about this college major such as the Types of Internships for Business Majors and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Ways to Impress Your New Boss.

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If you’re interested in the innovation going on in the tech world — like big data and the Internet of Things — you may wondering what career opportunities are available in the industry and whether they might be a good fit for you. One of the rapidly growing areas of technology is sales and it’s a great chance for recent grads to get their foot in the door while learning all about the industry. To find out more about it, we asked the team at Dell to tell us what you can expect from working as part of a technology sales team.

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the field.

What is technology sales?

Focused on connecting consumers with innovative tech products, technology sales is all about identifying the customers who can benefit from a particular solution and showing them how that solution can meet their needs. Encompassing hardware (computers, servers, networking devices), software (operating systems) and services (applications, big data and cloud computing) technology sales can vary greatly depending on the particular company you work for and the type of sales you do. At a company like Dell, which offers solutions across all three of these areas, there is also a lot of potential to learn about different types of technology sales and broaden your understanding of the field as a whole.

What do technology salespeople do?

From learning the ins and outs of the particular technology they work with to researching potential clients and putting together packages to meet their needs, technology salespeople have two main goals: 1) Promoting the products of the company they work for and 2) Making sure that their customers are getting as much value as possible from the technology solution they are buying. And while you might think that you need to major in a technology-focused subject to work in tech sales, that’s not always the case. At Dell, many employees in tech sales started with a strong interest in tech and learned the rest on the job.

What are the challenges of working in technology sales?

A fast-paced field, technology sales does have a few challenges. These include staying on top of ongoing product updates, sourcing and connecting with potential customers, ensuring that customers are satisfied with their purchases and problem-solving the issue when they’re not. Although these challenges are part of the day-to-day life of almost everyone working in technology sales, they’re also fairly straightforward to overcome, particularly when you work for a company that offers great customer support and a whole range of resources for their sales team. At Dell, this means being part of a team that sees problem-solving as one of the key components of their work and aims to provide the best experience for both their customers and their employees.

What are the benefits of working in technology sales?

While there are certainly a few challenges to overcome in technology sales, there are even more benefits. These include working with cutting edge technology, meeting talented and innovative people across a broad range of industries and having the opportunity to learn and grow with others on your team. In fact, working in sales is a wonderful way to expand your professional network both within the industry and beyond, which can help you grow your sales business or move into other sectors of the tech world.

What is a typical salary for a technology salesperson?

Another benefit of working in tech-focused sales is the high earning potential. With a base salary between $40,000 and $92,000, and bonuses and commissions that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, technology salespeople are often high earners, with many earning upwards of $100,000 per year.

An exciting field with uncapped potential, technology sales has a lot to offer recent grads. By knowing what to expect and what skills you need to succeed, you’ll be able to decide if this career is right for you.

The post What is Technology Sales? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Being a business major opens up doors to all sorts of professional opportunities. In fact, business majors are among the most employable groups of recent grads. But with so many opportunities, picking a career path might seem a bit overwhelming. One way to narrow your focus is by taking on a paid or unpaid internship during your time in college. This will help you build some great skills while also helping you identify the type of career that’s right for you. In the process, it will give you a better idea of what type of entry-level job to apply for.

Here are some of the most common entry-level jobs for business majors:

Financial analyst

If you’re a business major with an interest in finance, a job as a financial analyst could be a great fit for you. This position is one of the most popular entry-level roles in the financial services industry and one that exists at any number of organizations including banks, security firms and even insurance companies. By becoming a financial analyst, you’ll get a chance to look into the performance of stocks, bonds and other relevant investments.

Sales representative

If you’re a pro at understanding the needs of a customer and turning that into a sale, a career as a sales representative might be right up your alley. Depending on the type of company you work for, you’ll be responsible for selling products to individuals, other companies or government organizations. From seeking out potential customers to closing sales and fostering long-term relationships, you’ll be making the most of your people skills while helping the company to increase its revenue.

Human resources assistant

As a human resource assistant, you’ll assist with hiring and onboarding employees as well as troubleshooting issues between managers and employees. In this role, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that employers and employees have a good working relationship and that the company is operating smoothly. You’ll also help out with preparing and conducting training programs.

Marketing coordinator

As a marketing coordinator, you’ll be making a product or company more marketable by highlighting its value to potential customers and to the media. In this role, you’ll be preparing marketing materials, assisting with marketing campaigns and helping to coordinate publicity events. This is a great opportunity to learn all about how marketing works and to develop strategies to market a company or product effectively.

Assistant buyer

As an assistant buyer, you’ll be evaluating suppliers, purchasing supplies, obtaining price proposals and ensuring that products arrive on time. You’ll also be expected to balance product quality with company budgets and to have a clear sense of how purchasing decisions fit into the company’s overall operations.

Brand marketing assistant

As a brand marketing assistant, you’ll learn to be savvy about current market conditions by reviewing reports and studying market trends. You’ll also prepare presentations and reports detailing the performance of a brand as well as its design and marketing strategy.

Operations research analyst

As an operations research analyst, you’ll be involved in various parts of the organization and will be using statistics, mathematical modeling and other analytical techniques to solve emerging problems and help senior management gather the information they need to make operational decisions.

As a business major, your career options are both extensive and exciting. In order to ensure that you pick a position that’s right for you, it’s important to figure out where your interests lie and to pursue a role that you’re passionate about. Whether that ends up a financial analyst or a marketing coordinator, the skills you’ve developed as a business major will definitely help you shine.

Next, learn more about this college major such as the Types of Internships for a Business Major and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For in a Company.

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If you’re a business or finance major who is interested in investment banking, then you probably already know what investment banking is and are curious to find out how you can get your foot in the door of this exciting industry. Although investment banking is certainly competitive, it’s also filled with rewarding opportunities, especially for those who are curious about market trends and passionate about helping clients meet their financial goals.

Here are the steps you need to follow in order to become an investment banker.

1. Know the investment banking career track

One of the keys to developing a successful career in investment banking is knowing the path to follow and making the most of each step along the way. Although most entry-level investment bankers start as financial analysts, the investment banking career track really begins with an internship. In fact, both large banks and smaller boutique banks recruit entry-level employees from their yearly crop of interns, so securing an internship during college is key to setting yourself up for success. This will typically be a summer internship during your junior or senior year and (if successful) will lead to an offer for a full-time financial analyst role. Financial analyst roles are typically two-year positions that provide you the with the bulk of your investment banking training. During this time, you’ll learn about financial markets and the factors involved with advising clients about potential investments. After this two-year period is up, you will likely move on to an associate role for another two to three years before becoming a VP and eventually a managing director.

Pro Tip: In addition to knowing the career track you’ll be following, it’s also important to know the timeframe for hiring in this industry. For those not going directly from an internship into a full-time position, the application process for a full-time role typically starts in early September of your senior year and takes anywhere from six weeks to two months. Throughout this time, you’ll be invited for a few different rounds of interviews (between two and three) and, if successful, you’ll receive your offer by the end of October.

2. Develop your knowledge of the financial services industry

Having a solid understanding of the financial services industry will benefit you not only at the start of your career but also as you move up the ladder into your next role. This means knowing all about past and present market trends and also having more specialized knowledge such as understanding how new generations of investors differ from previous ones. For example, having some great insights into investment trends for millennials is likely to impress potential employers and show that you’re well-informed about changes in the industry. The best way to develop this knowledge is by reading trade publications like DealBook and MarketWatch and keeping up-to-date on emerging trends.

3. Take relevant classes

Taking a broad range of business, finance and even math classes during college can be a practical way to build your knowledge base. This is especially true if you’re coming to investment banking from a non-traditional major like English or history. To find out which classes would be most helpful for you, talk to your academic advisor and ask for recommendations based on your interests and your goals.

Pro Tip: Although doing a double major or minor in one of these subjects isn’t necessary, being able to show recruiters that you’re a well-rounded candidate is a great way to get noticed.

4. Know what recruiters look for

Although traditional recruiting for investment banking typically focused on business and finance majors from top-tier schools, in more recent years the recruitment process has become increasingly focused on diversity and on finding talented candidates from a broad range of schools and majors. That said, candidates still need to be able to demonstrate both a solid interest in financial services and a thorough understanding of the field, so your resume will need to reflect classes or projects you’ve worked on that would be relevant to an investment banking career.

Pro Tip: When talking to recruiters, don’t be afraid to highlight areas of your background that are unique and show that you have a well-rounded background. For example, if you don’t have internship experience in the financial services industry but you interned in the finance department of a startup, you can mention what you learned from the experience and how your skills could transfer to investment banking.

5. Take on an investment banking internship

Although knowledge and direction are both key parts of starting a career in investment banking, having experience on your resume is even better. This is where an internship comes in. An internship is a fantastic opportunity to build your skill set and get on-the-job training. This is especially important in a field like investment banking which is both technical and specific. By taking on one or more internships during your time in college, you’ll gain exposure to many facets of the industry and be able to find an entry-level investment banking job that’s right for you.

6. Build your network

Investment banking is as much about who you know as about what you know so building your professional network is crucial to landing a great job after graduation. An effective way to do this is through internships and networking events, particularly those aimed at college students and recent graduates. Attending recruiting events can also be particularly helpful since you’ll be able to meet with recruiters in person.

Pro Tip: Reaching out to members of your school’s alumni network is another effective way to build your network and this is an especially common networking strategy in the financial services industry. As an added bonus, you might come across a professional opportunity you weren’t even aware of or get a personal recommendation from someone already in the field.

Becoming an investment banker might seem a bit intimidating at first since the field is notoriously competitive and fast-paced. However, by following these tips and building up your experience and your network, you’ll be sure to find an opportunity that’s right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 7 Phone Interview Tips That Will Land You a Second Interview and find answers to common interview questions such as Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

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If you’re interested in a career in investment banking, then you know that it’s a competitive field with plenty of challenges and opportunities. In order to prepare yourself to become an investment banker, it’s important to know not only what your career path will look like but also how to prepare for the interview process. The hiring process for investment banking typically consists of two to three rounds of interviews, with each round focusing on both technical questions and cultural fit questions.

Here are the top questions you’re likely to encounter during an entry-level investment banking interview.

1) Tell me about yourself.

This is often the first question in any interview and one you should always be prepared to answer. When interviewers ask this question during an investment banking interview, it’s because they want to know that you’re passionate about the field and that you can bring something unique to the table. The key to answering it well is to talk about your academic and personal background in a way that shows that you’d be a good fit for the position. For example, if you’ve been interested in finance for a long time and have been reading The Economist since middle school, you should mention that. Or, if you’re an English major with a newfound passion for financial markets and a minor in business, you should talk about how your diverse skill set can help you succeed in the industry. No matter what your background, being able to present yourself as a well-rounded individual with a genuine interest in finance will go a long way towards impressing the interviewer and helping you stand out from the crowd.

Pro Tip: Since banks are increasingly interested in hiring candidates with diverse backgrounds, don’t be intimidated if your background doesn’t include a business or finance major. Instead, focus on the skills and experience you can bring to the position and demonstrate how these will make you stand out.

2) Why do you want to work in investment banking?

When an interviewer asks this question it’s because they want to find out how passionate you are about becoming a banker. Since investment banking is a notoriously fast-paced and challenging industry, showing that you’ve done your homework and are truly interested in the field is a crucial part of convincing the interviewer that you’re aware of the challenges and willing to meet them. One of the keys to answering this question well is to show that you have a working knowledge of financial markets and a genuine interest in how deals get done. For example, if you recently read about an interesting technology merger in DealBook, be sure to mention why the merger piqued your interest and how that specific deal fits in with your more general interest in finance.

Pro Tip: Knowledge of financial markets and trends is particularly important when answering this question so being up-to-date on industry news and having two to three examples of relevant deals will show that you’re genuinely curious about the industry and well-prepared for the interview.

3) Why do you want to work for our bank in particular?

This question is designed to test your knowledge of the company you’re interviewing with and its position within the industry. The key to answering it well is to show that you know general financial information about the firm such as where their stock price is trading and what industries they focus on. The best way to find out this information is by reading through marketing and press materials on the company’s website and then doing additional research in trade publications such as American Banker and MarketWatch. If you’re interviewing for a position within a specific division, such as the natural resources group, it’s also important to talk about past deals that the firm has done and to mention how these deals have impacted the industry as a whole. Trade publications like the ones mentioned above will also come in handy here, helping to spotlight relevant deals that you can use as examples.

4) Where do you see yourself in five years?

Another question you’re likely to encounter in almost any interview, this question aims to find out more about your career plans and to determine how committed you are to a long-term career in banking. When preparing to answer this question, focus on how the role you’re applying for aligns with your future goals and explain why becoming a banker is a crucial part of your career path. For example, if you want to continue on the investment banking track and become a VP or managing director, talk about how the entry-level role you’re applying for will offer you the opportunity to advance in your career and achieve your goal within five years.

5) What are the ways of valuing a company?

This is one of the most challenging questions you’re likely to encounter during the interview process because it’s designed to test your technical knowledge of the field. In order to answer this question successfully, it’s important that you have a working knowledge of banking and understand valuation methodologies. The best way to develop this knowledge is by taking a business or finance class during your time in college and doing additional reading on sites such as Investopedia. By showing the interviewer that you understand the technical side of the position, you’ll also be demonstrating a willingness to learn and to become an integral part of the industry.

6) How many golf balls can fit in a Boeing 747 jet?

Another type of question you’ll encounter during the interview process is a brain teaser.
These questions are designed to test your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and are often unrelated to the actual field of banking. In order to ensure that you’re not stumped by any of the brain teasers a hiring manager might throw your way, it’s important to practice several of these as you prepare for the interview. Luckily, sites such as Investment Banking Brain Teasers offer sample brain teasers and tips for coming up with solutions.

Pro Tip: Hiring managers are less interested in the answer itself than they are in seeing how you think through a problem. To demonstrate that you approach problems thoughtfully, be sure to ask follow-up questions and to “show your work” as you come up with your answer. For example, when answering the golf ball question, you could ask the interviewer whether the 747 is empty or full, or whether the cabin is pressurized. By showing that you’re able to come up with thoughtful solutions to problems, you’ll also be demonstrating your ability to understand complex ideas and business models, a crucial skill in any investment banking position.

Although the interview process for investment banking can be a challenging one, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to show potential employers that you’re enthusiastic, curious and knowledgeable about the field. By knowing what questions to anticipate and preparing your answers, you’ll be sure to impress the hiring manager and get one step closer to landing the job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Ways to Impress Your New Boss and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

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Being a finance major presents you with plenty of interesting opportunities to learn about business models and financial markets while also building new skills. But with so many opportunities, you may be wondering what kind of job you can get with a finance degree. With finance being such a broad category, there are many career paths you can choose.

Here are some of the most common career opportunities for finance majors:

Investment Banking

Investment banking is often regarded as one of the more prestigious jobs you can get with a finance degree, especially from a compensation standpoint. In this role, you’ll be working on financial modeling and valuation analysis, helping companies decide on business opportunities that are right for them. These decisions can range from whether a company should merge with one company, acquire another or raise additional funding for a strategic initiative. This is a great role for someone who is interested in helping companies make strategic decisions about their assets and someone who is comfortable working long hours. This is because investment banking analyst hours are known to be quite grueling, especially for entry-level roles.

Management Consulting

Management consulting is also highly regarded as one of the more prestigious careers to embark on after pursuing a finance degree. Management consultants usually have project-based work where they analyze certain situations their clients are facing and advise those clients on what business decisions they should make. Most of this advice comes from extensive financial analysis based on the client’s current situation, similar situations previous clients have faced and current market opportunities. This is a great career path for someone who is interested in making recommendations on business decisions but not necessarily being a part of the implementation of those decisions.

Investment Management

Investment management analysts often deal with the markets and managing their client’s assets. These opportunities could range from managing the assets of wealthy individuals (through private wealth management) to managing a company’s retirement plans, pension plans or even foundation plans (which is known as asset management). Analysts in these roles often act as the support role for more senior advisors, where their tasks could be researching different investment decisions, preparing pitch decks or formalizing performance reviews. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is very numbers-drive and passionate about helping clients reach their financial goals.

Corporate Finance

Corporate finance roles vary widely depending on the company and division you’re in. Frequently, corporate finance jobs deal with analyzing financial decisions that affect the company internally. For example, offering advice on whether the number of employees in a company should be increased or decreased, strategizing how to decrease a company’s operational costs or determining the return on investment (ROI) of certain proposed initiatives. This is a great role for someone interested in helping with the inner working of a company and contributing to the decision-making process.

Risk Management

When firms think about maximizing return (or increasing investment), they must do so while minimizing risk (or loss). This is where risk management teams come into play. They offer advice on maximizing returns by forecasting market risks, assessing probability of bad investment outcomes and using statistical analysis to ensure that the business side of the company is acting and implementing their strategy within reason. This role is a perfect fit for someone interested in statistics and analysis.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is a Finance Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get a Mentor at Work.

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The financial services industry is a broad field with lots of career opportunities. If you’re a business or finance major, or just interested in exploring this field, you might be thinking about becoming a financial analyst. What is a financial analyst? It’s someone who carries out financial analyses and makes business recommendations based on these analyses. Although analysts typically work for banks or insurance companies, this role can be found in almost every industry so it’s a great way of combining a numbers-driven skill set with some of your other passions.

Here are the steps you need to take to become a financial analyst.

1. Know the different types of financial analyst positions

Your day-to-day activities as an analyst will vary greatly depending on what industry you choose to work in. For example, analysts working in investment banking will largely be reviewing financial statements and creating financial models while analysts working for an insurance company might be more focused on creating and analyzing budgets. By knowing what industry you want to work in, you’ll be able to get a better sense of what the position will look like and the unique challenges and benefits associated with that particular kind of role.

Pro Tip: Even within a particular industry, there are different kinds of analyst roles. For example, if you’re working as an analyst in investment banking, you could be working for a buy-side firm (where you’ll be doing research on stocks owned by the company) or for a sell-side firm (where you’ll be evaluating securities for a particular industry). In order to find a role that fits you, it’s important to know not only the specifics of the industry but also those of the firm you’ll be working for so be sure to do some extra research on any company you’re applying to.

2. Take relevant classes and read as much as you can about the financial services industry

Building your knowledge of the financial services industry is not necessarily difficult, but it will take some time. If you’re a business, finance or accounting major, you’re likely already taking classes that will be directly relevant to this industry but it’s important to supplement this knowledge with additional reading on sites like DealBook and Investopedia. This is especially important if you’re not currently majoring in a related discipline since it will give you a good overview of the industry and help you decide whether it’s something you want to pursue.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a business or finance major, don’t worry. You can still build up your knowledge base by taking some accounting or economics classes to supplement your education. This is a great way of learning more about the field while still primarily focusing on classes related to your major.

3. Develop your skills by taking on an internship

Doing an internship is important for several reasons such as building relevant skills and gaining professional experience. It’s also a great way to learn more about a particular industry and to get a sense of whether you want to continue working in that industry after graduation. Since analyst roles vary depending on the field you choose to work in, having hands-on experience of a particular role will go a long way towards helping you pick an industry that’s right for you.

4. Build your professional network

Having a strong professional network is important in any field but it’s especially important in the financial services industry which relies heavily on networking throughout the recruitment process. To build a solid network that will serve you well throughout your career, it’s important to attend networking events, stay in touch with managers from your internships and to develop strong bonds with peers in your intern class.

Pro Tip: Another great way to build your professional network is by reaching out to alumni working in your field and setting up an informational interview. Most alumni are very happy to set time aside to have these meetings with students and recent grads from their schools and as an added bonus, you’re likely to find out about additional job opportunities.

Being a financial analyst can be as wonderful as it is challenging, giving you the opportunity to learn a lot very quickly and to gain a big-picture understanding of how businesses function. The best way to find out if being an analyst is right for you is by doing an internship and testing out the role first hand. And if you want to build some skills and confidence before applying for that internship, we recommend diving right in by looking at the quarterly earnings of several public companies and seeing how they’re performing. Even better? If you’re able to do so, we recommend putting aside a small amount of money and investing in some stocks. This will help you get your feet wet in the world of finance and it will also help you talk about investing like a pro.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as If You Could Invest in One Stock, Which Stock Would it Be?

The post How to Become a Financial Analyst appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Management consulting is an exciting field with plenty of opportunities for consultants to develop effective business strategies and help clients thrive in their respective industries. If you’re interested in becoming a consultant, you may be wondering about the best way to approach the interview process. For example, what should you expect and how can you prepare?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the consulting interview process typically consists of two types of interviews: (1) Fit interviews (also called experience interviews), which focus on your skills, background and professional aspirations, and (2) case interviews, which focus on your ability to analyze and solve problems.

Here are the types of questions you can expect in each part of the interview and what you need to know to answer them successfully.

Fit Interview Questions

The fit interview focuses on your background, skill set and your interest in the role. A typical fit interview includes questions like, “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths?” but also focuses on your leadership style and your interest in consulting. Some key questions you’re likely to encounter include:

Why are you interested in consulting?

This question is designed to test your knowledge of the industry and your interest in becoming a consultant. When an interviewer asks this, it’s because they want to know that you’re genuinely interested in consulting as a career path and that you’re committed to bringing value to the firm and to your clients. To answer this question effectively, focus on one or two aspects of consulting that appeal to you (for example, the opportunity to learn about various business models or to develop new marketing strategies) and explain why you find them appealing. In addition to talking about your interest in the industry, you should also talk about your skill set and why it makes you a good fit for the role. Since interviewers look for candidates who are able to solve challenging problems with creative solutions, being able to demonstrate your interest and your potential impact will go a long way towards impressing the interviewer.

Tell me about a time you displayed leadership.

One of the major skills required in consulting is leadership. This is because a large part of consulting involves working with a team to strategize, develop and implement solutions related to the problems businesses face. When preparing your answer to this question, it’s important to focus on a time when you demonstrated leadership and to highlight the outcome of that situation. For example, if you were responsible for managing a charity fundraising event for your sorority, you should outline the steps you took to organize the event and explain how those steps led to a successful outcome.

Why do you want to work for this firm?

This question is designed to test your knowledge of the consulting industry and your motivation for picking a specific firm. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight some of the key reasons for your interest in the firm you’re interviewing with. For example, if the firm is credited with pioneering a specific approach to marketing or revolutionizing a specific industry, mention this. You should also talk about the company’s values and how they align with your own. For example, if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and you want to work alongside others with the same drive, it’s important to highlight this in your answer. By demonstrating how your skills, interests and values align with the company you want to work for, you’re likely to impress the interviewer and get one step closer to landing the job.

Pro Tip: Doing your research on the firm you’re interviewing with is extremely important. You can do this by attending company info sessions on campus (if they’re offered) and by visiting the company’s website to learn more about their work and what they value. When preparing for your interview, focus on the aspects that really resonate with you and refer to those in your answers.

Case Interview Questions

The case interview is the counterpart to the fit interview and it’s designed to test your problem-solving ability. During this part of the interview, you’re likely to encounter questions that focus on your ability to assess a situation and provide a structured, solution-focused answer. The types of case interview questions you’re likely to encounter include:

Market-sizing questions

Market-sizing questions (also known as guesstimate questions) are designed to challenge your ability to come up with reasonable assumptions and estimations in situations where you have limited information. Questions can include things like, “How many wheelchairs are purchased annually in the U.S.?” or “How many people wear green on any given day in New York City?” To answer market-sizing questions, it’s important to ask relevant follow-up questions to gather additional information. Once you have all of the facts related to the case, you should come up with an answer that shows that you’ve considered the different factors at play in determining the size of the market (e.g. groups of people who are likely to be wheelchair users, age demographics, etc.) and then deliver the answer in a structured way, explaining your thought process along the way.

Pro Tip: Treating each case as a presentation is a great way to ensure that you’re structuring your answer in a clear and engaging way. In order to do this, you should sketch out your approach on a sheet of paper, explaining the different factors, the assumptions your draw from them and your answer.

Segmentation questions

Segmentation questions typically follow on from market-sizing questions and are focused on testing your understanding of more detailed market segments. Going back to the wheelchair example in the previous case, a segmentation follow-up question could be, “What are the different segments of the wheelchair market in the U.S.?” To answer this question effectively, it’s important to once again ask the interviewer questions designed to further your understanding of the case. For example, you can ask whether you should consider manual and electric wheelchairs separately or whether different types of healthcare facilities would constitute different segments. Once you’ve gathered the data, come up with a structured answer focused on three different segments of the market (in this case, those segments could be hospitals, healthcare facilities and personal users). When explaining your answer, be sure to touch on each of these segments and to explain the thought process behind each one.

Data analysis questions

Analyzing and summarizing data is a big part of a consultant’s day-to-day tasks, and data analysis questions are designed to test your ability to do this effectively. These questions typically involve being presented with data and asked to identify key insights related to business growth or market size. In order come up with a great answer, it’s important to analyze the various aspects of the data you’re presented with and to identify unusual or unexpected trends such price changes or sharp increases or decreases in sales. Once you’ve identified these insights, lay them out for the interviewer as you would in a presentation, referring to the original data for emphasis.

Value proposition questions

Being able to determine the value of a business is an extremely important part of being a consultant and value proposition questions are designed to test your understanding of this concept. An example of a value proposition question might be: “The client is a restaurant in San Francisco. Their main customers are locals from the Bay area. What are some factors that those customers look for in a restaurant?” To answer this question effectively, it’s important to first identify the different factors at play (type of food, location, price, etc.) and then come up with an answer based on how each of those factors would affect what customers look for in a restaurant. When presenting your answer, be sure to lay out the different factors you’ve outlined in a structured way, while explaining how each one impacts the overall value proposition of the restaurant.

Although consulting interviews often involve several different types of questions, the key to doing well is always the same: practice. Work with classmates and friends to run through fit and case interview questions and come prepared with relevant answers to questions you’re likely to encounter. Most of all, try to relax and enjoy the interview process.

Working in management consulting is a wonderful opportunity to learn about various types of businesses and to help companies reach their goals. And although interviewing for a management consulting role might seem a bit intimidating at first, by knowing what to expect and practicing for each part of the interview, you’ll be able to prove that you’re a great fit for the role and that you would be an asset to the company.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For in a Company and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

The post Top Consulting Interview Questions and How to Answer Them appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

One of the keys to becoming a management consultant is successfully navigating the interview process. This involves being able to talk about yourself and your experience during the fit (or experience) interview and also demonstrating your problem-solving abilities and analytical skills during the case interview. Although the case interview might seem a bit intimidating at first, with a good amount of practice and a structured approach, you can ace the questions and get one step closer to landing the job.

Here are some case study interview tips to help you prepare.

1. Know what to expect from a case interview

Case interviews consist of several questions designed to test your problem-solving abilities and your analytical skills. These questions come in three formats: 1) Creative questions such as, “What are the different segments of the wheelchair market in the United States?” 2) Market-sizing questions such as, “How big is the market for eyeglasses in the U.S. this year?” and 3) Analytical questions such as, “Given this data, synthesize and determine the best approach for entering the Indian market and doubling revenue of Company X.”

While there may be some people who have a natural ability to answer these types of questions, most people need to establish a framework for solving these sorts of problems. This is where having a structured approach comes in.

Here’s how to come up with your answer:

Frameworking: Lay out a logical path to the answer by analyzing each part of the question in turn and then looking at the question as a whole. You can use specific frameworks to do this (which you can find in prep books like Case in Point), but you should keep in mind that you need to be able to adapt these frameworks to the particular question you’re answering.

Data gathering: Ask questions that will give you a better understanding of the problem and use the answers to reframe your thinking. Once you’ve obtained some additional information, repeat it back to the interviewer to make sure that you didn’t miss anything. After all of the information has been presented and you’ve asked your follow-up questions, you can ask the interviewer a final catch-all question like, “Is there anything else I should know about?” This will give the interviewer a chance to offer you any remaining information before you begin your analysis.

Pro Tip: If you’re going to make an assumption during the data gathering process, you should be explicit and tell the interviewer the exact assumption you’re making. This will show them that you’re approaching the problem thoughtfully and filling in the gaps in a strategic way.

Analysis: Once you have your framework in place and you’ve gathered the necessary data, ask the interviewer for 30 seconds to analyze the information. Then, combine this information with your own assumptions about the problem to come up with your answer. Having sheets of paper in front of you and actually drawing out slides in front of the interviewer can be especially effective here since consulting relies heavily on presentations to deliver solutions to clients. Be sure to explain every step of your analysis as you go through it since this will give the interviewer a chance to step in if you make a mistake or go the wrong way.

Recommendation: Now take the output and turn it into something actionable that the client can use, ensuring that your insights are data-driven and your assumptions are explicitly stated. For example, if you’ve discovered that a client’s product does best with a millennial consumer base and millennials are much more likely to buy these sorts of products online, your recommendation could be that the client increase their eCommerce efforts, focusing specifically on promoting their products through Amazon and Facebook.

Delivery: The way you deliver the solution is as important as the solution itself. Combining an articulate, structured, confident approach with humility is key here since you need to be able to convince the client that your solution is both solid and data-driven, while also leaving room to make adjustments as needed.

2. Practice interviewing with other people

Being able to solve problems quickly and consistently is all about practice. This is especially true because case interviews don’t test what you know, they test how you think. The most important skills to develop are mental agility and consistency, and practicing with others is the only want to ensure that you can develop these skills effectively. This is for two reasons: The first is that you’ll get feedback on different aspects of your problem-solving and communication skills and the second is that you’ll learn how to communicate your answers clearly to a broad range of people.

3. Look at everyday problems as case studies

Analyzing case studies from a book will certainly go a long way towards preparing you for the interview process but to really train your brain to think analytically and creatively all the time, it’s important to start thinking about everyday issues in the same way you would a case study. To do this, it’s not necessarily important to create real-life scenarios that relate to specific types of questions (creative, analytical or otherwise) but to practice shaping your thoughts and decisions in a very structured way. It’s important to remember that practicing for the case interview is about training your brain to think of the world at large as a problem waiting to be solved.

By knowing what to expect from the interview process and coming up with a structured approach for analyzing case studies, you’ll be sure to navigate your case interview successfully and make a great impression on the interviewer.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

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Interviewing for a management consulting role can be a challenging and exciting process. If you’ve already read up on consulting interviews, then you know that they involve a two-part process consisting of a “fit” interview (also known as an experience interview) which focuses on your background and experience, and a case interview which focuses on your ability to solve problems creatively and effectively. And if you’re preparing for the interview process, you might be wondering not only about what you should be doing but also about what NOT to do.

Here are some of the most common case interview mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Not having pens, pencils or paper

In our technology-driven world, we usually rely on our laptops and phones to help us take notes and transmit information, but in a case interview it’s important to have pens, pencils and at least three blank sheets of paper available since you’ll be using these to map out your answers and present your solution to the interviewer. When preparing for the interview, be sure to pack a portfolio folder with spare copies of your resume (enough for each person you’ll be meeting with) a stack of blank white paper and several pens and pencils. This will help ensure that you’re able to map out your answers in a clear and impactful way.

2. Not having a structured answer

Few things are as important in consulting as having a structured answer. This is because cases are essentially problems that need to be solved. To structure your answer effectively, it’s important to understand how to create a framework and then use that framework to develop a clear and direct solution to the problem. By thinking through the problem in a focused way, you’ll be able to deliver an answer that is much more likely to resonate with the interviewer and to help you land the job.

3. Not taking time to think

Although consulting is considered an industry where you always have to think on your feet, taking the time to analyze and solve a problem carefully is incredibly important during the case interview since it will increase your chances of delivering a great solution. How much time? We recommend 30 seconds. This will give you enough time to assess the case and start formulating a solution without making you seem unprepared or unable to think on your feet.

Pro Tip: Always ask the interviewer if it’s okay to take time to think and, if you’re going to do so, be specific about how much time you need. So if you ask for 30 seconds, be sure you only take 30 seconds though it’s okay to take less time than you asked for.

4. Not preparing for the fit portion of the interview

Although the case interview might seem like the more challenging part of the interview process, it’s important to remember that both parts are equally important and that preparing for each one is key to a successful outcome. The best way to do this is by researching some of the most commonly asked fit interview questions and practicing your responses with the same structured approach you use to practice case interviews.

5. Not talking through your process

Since interviewers use case studies to understand how you think, walking the interviewer through your thought process is incredibly important. In fact, even if you deliver a solid answer during the interview you’re unlikely to be successful unless the interviewer has a sense of exactly how you arrived at that answer.

Pro Tip: Talk through each point of your answer in a detailed way, offering the interviewer an overview of the solution before breaking it down into segments and explaining how each segment contributes to the whole. This process will not only make your delivery more effective, it will also help you slow down and think about the viability of the solution as you discuss it.

Although it’s not always possible to avoid mistakes during the consulting interview process, by knowing what to watch out for, you’ll be more likely to avoid common mistakes and to ensure a successful outcome.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 10 Tips for the Perfect Cover Letter and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

The post 5 Common Case Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

When you’re looking at what to study in school, it’s extremely important to look at the larger skill sets you’ll need to not only complete a college major but thrive within that area of study.

If you’re looking at a degree in accounting, there are three main skills you’ll need, and some may not be what you thought.

Analytical and Quantitative Skills

Accounting is a number-heavy major that requires strength in areas like math and statistics. Being able to see and understand patterns in data and then find solutions is rooted in strong quantitative skills, so if these are areas you enjoy and are strong in, an accounting major may be up your alley. Many accounting programs require several years of different math and statistics classes, so be prepared to spend a lot of time learning those subjects.

Problem-Solving Skills

Rarely do accountants deal with numbers in a vacuum, so the most successful accounting majors will be able to apply their math and statistics skills to solving complex problems that affect organizations on a high level.

Problem-solving doesn’t just happen in your math and statistics courses, either. Many accounting programs require students to take classes in economics, business and marketing, so you’ll have to be effective at taking the numbers and using them to your advantage across different academic disciplines.

Communication Skills

There’s often a misconception that accounting majors spend all day crunching numbers, when in reality, they must also be able to communicate their findings to people from all different fields.

To be a successful accounting major, you must be able to communicate your process and findings through oral and written communication as effectively and efficiently as possible. You’ll often be asked to present projects and other findings to your professors and in front of groups of all sizes. The best accounting majors will graduate with the ability to communicate effectively to any audience.

Next, learn more about this college major such as Natural Sciences and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 20 Entry-Level Job Questions and Answers.

The post What Types of Skills are Best for an Accounting Major? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

For ambitious college students who are interested in a challenging and exciting career, the choice often comes down to two industries: investment banking and management consulting. Why these industries? Beyond their high earning potential and their reputation as intriguing fields, the two share a number of traits such as the fact that they offer excellent exposure to different business models and a chance to learn about what makes companies profitable.

Here are some things to consider if you’re deciding between these two fields.

How do the investment banking and management consulting career paths compare?

Investment banking generally begins with a summer internship followed by a two-year entry-level role as a financial analyst. For those who stay in banking, this is typically followed by another two to three years as an associate before moving up the ladder to VP and managing director. Similarly, most consultants start out in a business analyst role for their first two to three years before moving on to an associate or senior consultant role.

Although the career tracks for banking and consulting follow a similar path, it’s important to note that investment bankers are much more likely to do an internship before applying for an entry-level role. This is because banks do the bulk of their recruiting during internships. Consulting firms, on the other hand, don’t put quite as much emphasis on internships, though an internship is definitely recommended for anyone interested in pursuing a consulting career.

What are the different skills you need in each industry?

The skills needed for these industries are also quite similar though there are some notable differences. For example, although both industries rely on analytical, numbers-driven approaches to problem-solving, investment banking focuses on the financial side of business and therefore requires strong Excel skills and a solid understanding of financial modeling. Consulting, on the other hand, focuses on the operational aspects of business and requires strong PowerPoint skills as well as the ability to communicate effectively.

Pro Tip: Because of the huge overlap in skillsets, we recommend focusing less on your specific skills and more on your interests. For example, if you’re interested in the financial aspects of business, then banking is probably the industry for you. On the other hand, if you’re interested in the operational side of business, then consulting is most likely a better fit.

What does work-life balance look like in these industries?

If there’s one thing consulting and banking have in common, it’s their reputation for long hours. In fact, both industries are known for having some of the hardest-working people around. So what do those hours really look like and which industry offers more of a work-life balance? It depends. Although investment banking is generally considered to have longer hours (with 75+ hour weeks being common), it typically involves very little travel. Consulting, on the other hand, generally has more reasonable hours (typically around 60 hours a week) but can involve as much as four days of weekly travel. When deciding between these industries, it’s important to determine your comfort level with traveling and also your willingness to trade shorter hours for less time at home.

How do investment banking salaries compare to consulting salaries?

Investment banking and consulting are both lucrative fields, but when it comes to earning potential (at least in the first decade), banking comes out on top. This is because entry-level salaries for management consultants typically start at $63,000 (including bonuses), whereas entry-level roles for bankers typically start at $100,000-$125,000 (including bonuses). Although significant salary increases are standard in both fields with each year of additional experience, it’s not until consultants and bankers reach partner/managing director levels that their salaries start to even out at the $500,000 and above mark.

With exciting opportunities for learning and advancement, investment banking and management consulting are both great career paths. The only way to know which one is right for you is by taking on an internship and experiencing these fields firsthand.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Write a Resume That Stands Out and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

The post Investment Banking vs. Management Consulting: How to Decide appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Investment banking is a popular field for recent graduates, particularly among business and finance majors. Although it’s definitely a competitive field, a lot of its appeal comes from the fact that it’s also a field with a lot of opportunities and a high earning potential. If you’ve already gotten a general idea of what investment banking is and how you can become an investment banker, then you’re probably interested in what you can get out of it and how this can shape your career path in the long term.

Here are some of the reasons why investment banking is a great field for recent graduates.

You’ll learn a lot very quickly

Due to its fast-paced nature, investment banking offers a lot of opportunities for learning and skill building, particularly in the areas of business and finance. From the moment you start your first entry-level job (or internship) you’ll be exposed to a lot of information about financial trends and markets, as well as information about what makes businesses sustainable. Beyond that, you’ll also be able to learn soft skills like communication, self-confidence and the ability to handle critical feedback. These are skills that can take years to develop in other professional industries and learning them quickly means that you’re likely to advance much faster in your career as a result of having these experiences.

Your earning potential will be among the highest of any recent graduate

If you’ve done your research on investment banking, then you know that it’s a field with a very high earning potential. In fact, as an entry-level financial analyst, you’ll start off earning anywhere from $100,000-$125,000 (including bonuses) in your first year. After two years in a financial analyst role, your earning potential will go up to $150,000 to $250,000 and will increase significantly with each year of additional experience. By the time you become a vice president or managing director, you’ll be earning upwards of $650,000.

You’ll develop transferrable skills that you can use in any profession

Although many investment bankers choose to stay in the industry and progress through the career track from financial analyst to managing director, other bankers decide to move into related areas of finance like private hedge funds or they choose to leave finance entirely to run or advise startups. Regardless of what you decide to do later on in your career, the skills and business savvy you develop as an investment banker will help you transition into almost any other professional industry. This is great news for entrepreneurs who are interested in running their own businesses but want to build up their knowledge and skill set first.

You’ll develop a strong professional network

Having a strong professional network is incredibly important as you move through your career, and being able to build that network early on will serve you well for years to come. As an added bonus, because investment bankers often move into other fields as they advance in their careers, you’re likely to come across former colleagues no matter where you end up.

Starting an investment banking career as a recent graduate is a great way to develop general business knowledge and skills that can transfer to any other professional industry. So whether you’re a business major or a history major, there’s likely to be an entry-level opportunity that’s right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get a Mentor at Work and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Strengths?

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One of the best things about being a business major is that makes you a competitive candidate in almost any professional field. But with some many fields to choose from, how do you decide what career path to take? An internship is a great way to figure this out, while also gaining significant hands-on experience.

Here are some of the most common internships for business majors:

Product marketing internship

If you’re interested in marketing and want to learn more about this field, a product marketing internship can offer you the chance to learn a lot about the field while also picking up some new skills. During this internship you’ll be learning the basics of marketing by gathering data on market trends, analyzing and interpreting product feedback and studying the marketing strategies of competitors. This is a great chance to learn how to market a product and to understand the challenges of selling a product in a competitive marketplace.

Sales and marketing internship

A sales and marketing internship is usually a role that you’ll encounter at smaller companies and startups where these roles are sometimes combined. This type of internship gives you experience with marketing but also focuses on selling a product directly to a consumer. From observing sales calls made by managers to preparing presentations for clients and assisting with new and ongoing campaigns, this internship will give you with insights on the ups and downs of a career in sales and marketing.

Business management internship

From project management to analysis of sales, there’s a lot to learn in a business management internship. Among other things, you’ll assist with developing tools, conducting analyses and discussing business strategy with the team. But your role doesn’t end there. In fact, because this type of internship relates to the broader needs of a business in general, you’ll be getting an overview of what’s involved in running a business and getting a real hands-on field for everything from finance to operations.

Business consulting internship

Whether as part of a marketing, human resources, management or accounting team, business consulting interns assist business consultants in gathering data or materials for analysis and recommendations. As a business consulting intern, you’ll be sharpening your problem-solving skills and knowledge of business models, while also making an impact to the organization.

Management consulting internship

Whether you’re a management consulting intern for a consulting firm or for a financial services organization, during this internship you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to research, compile and present information. You’ll also assist in implementing changes to the project or team structure. This is a great internship for someone who is interested in going into management consulting after graduation.

Business development internship

As a business development intern, you’ll assist in market research and partnership development. You’ll also help to build business relationships with clients and partners and contribute to the overall growth of the organization. During this internship, you’ll learn about all the factors involved in building a successful business and get a feeling for how to run a business of your own.

Business majors are among the most sought-after candidates in any professional field. But with so many options to choose from, picking a career might seem a bit overwhelming. By taking on one or more of these internships during your time in college, you’ll be able to pick up some great skills and find a career path that’s just right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Multiple Internship Offers and find answers to common interview questions such as How to Answer: What Type of Environment Do You Prefer?.

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If you’re interested in supply chain management, then you know that it’s an exciting field with plenty of career opportunities. In fact, from manufacturing to data analysis, there are very few areas of business that supply chain management doesn’t touch upon. With so many roles and career paths, finding a position that matches your interests and experience might seem a bit overwhelming. But with a little bit of research and a clear understanding of the field, it’s possible to find a role that will be a great fit for you.

Here are the top five careers in supply chain management.

1. Manufacturing

Since supply chains begin with the process of manufacturing and end with getting the product into the hands of the consumer, manufacturing jobs are among the most important in the field. One of the most popular roles within manufacturing is a production manager, a position that oversees the manufacture of products in a plant. Among other duties, production managers are responsible for coordinating production schedules, determining how long the manufacturing process of a product will take and keeping track of the inventory of finished products. In addition to more senior roles like this one, manufacturing also has great entry-level opportunities such as that of a materials analyst who keeps track of inventory or a materials scheduler who coordinating materials with productions schedules.

2. Data analysis

Data management is another key component in supply chains and being able to analyze and understand this data helps supply chains work efficiently. “If you like playing with data, you could be a data analyst, data acquisition engineer, data manager, data administrator or statistician,” explains Dr. Cynthia Kalina-Kaminsky, the president of Process & Strategy Solutions and an expert on supply chains. In fact, according to Dr. Kalina-Kaminsky, data analysis and management is one of the most popular career options within supply chain management since all of the processes involved in serving consumers have to be data-driven to be effective.

3. Procurement

Another supply chain career path with a lot of opportunities is procurement. Focusing primarily on identifying and purchasing the raw materials needed to create products, procurement is a key part of what keeps supply chains going. Among the entry-level opportunities in procurement are positions like procurement analyst and procurement officer, roles that focus on one specific aspect of purchasing. At the more senior level, there are purchasing managers who oversee the purchasing decisions for an entire organization.

4. Transportation

Getting products into the hands of consumers is the main goal of a supply chain. And meeting that goal would not be possible without transportation. As a result, there are many exciting career opportunities related to transportation including entry-level roles like a transportation analyst or logistics analyst and more senior roles like being a transportation manager. Although there is certainly some variation in the responsibilities of these positions, they all have one primary focus: getting products from the factory to the consumer.

5. Customer service

Last but not least is customer service. Always a crucial part of any interaction between a business and a consumer, customer service positions ensure that customers are satisfied with the products they receive. Like with other supply chain fields, there are many career opportunities within customer service including entry-level roles like being an account specialist at a logistics firm, working to coordinate product shipments and resolve customer issues. At the more senior level, customer service career opportunities include being a customer service manager and overseeing the satisfaction of a company’s entire client base.

Supply chains are an integral part the American economy and new supply chains and processes are being created every day. As a result, there are a lot of job opportunities available in each of the five major fields (and beyond). Not sure how to determine which opportunity is right for you? “Pick an area of supply chain that interests you and read up on it,” Dr. Kalina-Kaminsky advises. And once you’ve done that, consider taking on an internship to get a hands-on feel for what supply chain management really looks like.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 7 Phone Interview Tips That Will Land You a Second Interview and find answers to common interview questions such as Why Do You Want to Work Here?

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If you’re interested in logistics and operations, chances are you’ve come across the concept of a supply chain. What is a supply chain? It’s a series of processes that takes a product from the manufacturing plant to the consumer. This can apply to anything from clothing to electronics. In order for supply chains to function properly, they require management and operational support. To find out more about supply chain management and how to start a supply chain management career, we sat down with Dr. Cynthia Kalina-Kaminsky, the president of Process & Strategy Solutions.

Here’s what you need to know to start a career in supply chain management.

Pick an area of supply chain management that interests you.

Because supply chains involve so many moving pieces, being able to focus in on one specific element of the supply chain is key to finding a position that will be a good fit for you. “Pick an area of supply chain that interests you and begin to read up on it,” Dr. Kalina-Kaminsky suggests. This will give a feel for that particular area, while also helping you to determine whether it’s something that you want to pursue.

Do your research.

Once you’ve narrowed down your focus, do some research on your chosen area. “Read blogs, take classes and engage in discussions in person as well as online,” Dr. Kalina-Kaminsky says. Getting a full picture of the work involved while also building your communication skills will go a long way towards making you a competitive candidate in the field.

Find your niche.

Although knowing the ins and outs of the field you want to enter is a crucial part of starting a career in supply chain management, it’s also important to figure out your niche and work on carving out a position for yourself. “Dig to figure out what is valued,” Dr. Kalina-Kaminsky explains. “Figure out how you can fill a niche, and go for it.” By determining what gaps you can fill, you’ll be more likely to show potential employers that you’ve thought carefully about your chosen career and that you’re looking to add value to an organization.

Demonstrate your value.

Once you’ve figured out your niche, the next step is to demonstrate your value. This is one of the keys to getting hired in any industry but it’s especially important in an industry like supply chain which relies heavily on strategy. What’s the best way to demonstrate value? By showing that you have what it takes to get the job done. “Managers often hope to find those who can a) communicate with other professionals effectively, b) make decisions using data analysis, and c) understand the ‘big’ picture,” Dr. Kalina-Kaminsky explains. In fact, by being able to show that you have a clear understanding of the processes required to keep the supply chain functioning and suggesting ways that those processes can be tweaked to improve operations, you’ll be able to convince potential hiring managers that you can face challenges head-on and be a valuable asset to an organization.

Supply chain management is an exciting field with plenty of opportunities for recent grads who are interested in logistics and operations. And because of its broad scope, there are many areas that could fit your interests. In order to figure out if a supply chain management career is right for you, it’s important to find an area that interests you and to find a way to stand out from the crowd. By doing your research and demonstrating your value, you’ll be sure to impress potential employers and find a role that fits you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How Do I Get a Job in Another City or State? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake.

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A degree in marketing opens up a lot of exciting career opportunities in fields like public relations, consulting and sales. In fact, because of the broad range of the skills you’ll develop as a marketing major, you’ll be able to add value to almost any industry, a great position to be in when it comes to finding a career that’s right for you.

Some of the most common career fields for marketing majors include:

Marketing

From designing marketing campaigns focused on boosting the public profile of a certain brand to crafting engaging social media posts that will resonate with an audience, a career in marketing will give you a chance to apply the skills you learned during your major while simultaneously developing your knowledge of media trends and marketing strategies. And because there are many different kinds of marketing—such as brand marketing, content marketing and product marketing—you’ll be able to specialize in an area that really interests you.

Public Relations

Public relations is another popular field for marketing majors. Focused on helping a company or individual develop their brand identity while also generating buzz around that brand, public relations is all about storytelling and it’s a wonderful opportunity to combine your knowledge of marketing with your sense of creativity.

Sales

Working in sales will give you the opportunity to engage with customers directly, offering them the solutions they need to solve a particular problem while also making the most of the skills you developed as part of your major. A great way to apply your marketing knowledge in a hands-on way, sales is a natural fit for marketing majors who enjoy a client-facing role.

Consulting

From identifying a particular business problem to offering a creative solution, consulting offers marketing majors a chance to help companies approach their marketing challenges in an analytical and creative way. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to help clients create robust marketing campaigns that will increase their brand presence and their revenue.

Product Management

Another possible career path for marketing majors is product management. This involves managing the lifecycle of a particular product and being involved in key areas of development and marketing. As a product manager, you’ll be responsible for everything from creating a roadmap for the product to designing a marketing plan and forecasting the outcome of those efforts.

Whether it’s exploring exciting opportunities within the marketing or public relations industries or helping consulting clients design effective marketing campaigns, being a marketing major can open a lot of different doors when it comes to your career. The best way to find your unique career path is to take on an internship and get a hands-on feel for a role that interests you.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is a Marketing Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Ways to Impress Your New Boss.

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Understanding how to dress for a job interview at a large corporation can be intimidating if you’ve never had an internship or entry-level job. After all, corporations are typically conservative so knowing how to navigate the dress code can seem a little challenging at first. However, with a little bit of research it’s possible to pick the perfect outfit and still feel like yourself.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when dressing for an interview at a corporation.

1. Keep it conservative

You’ve probably heard of casual and business casual attire, but what exactly does conservative attire look like? In one word: suits. These should be neutral in color, with a button-down shirt and tie for men and a nice blouse for women. Women can also wear a dress with a blazer on top or a skirt suit if they feel more comfortable.

If you’re worried about not being able to personalize your outfit, don’t be. You can definitely do this with some tasteful accessories. For men, this means a colorful tie or fun socks, and for women, a statement piece of jewelry or a nice scarf. Feel free to mix a brighter color among the more neutral tones but be sure to keep it understated.

2. Wear the right shoes

Wearing appropriate footwear is a must for all interviews and interviews at corporations are no exception. This means wearing comfortable but nice shoes, the ones that are clean and professional but not over the top. Shoes can tell a potential employer lot about a person — whether you’re neat and tidy (clean, polished shoes), or unkempt (dirty, old shoes). Often people see footwear as a small glimpse into who you are as a person so make sure yours are clean, professional and comfortable for you.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask

Even if you feel comfortable with your outfit for the interview, it never hurts to ask just to be sure. Reach out to your contact at the company, whether it be the hiring manager or HR. You can say something like, “Do you have any suggestions for interview attire?” Since they encounter this question on a regular basis, they’ll be able to give you some tips on how to put your best foot forward and ensure that you’re confident and well-dressed on the day of your interview.

Although interviewing at a large corporation can seem intimidating, it doesn’t need to be. By picking an outfit that’s conservative but still fits your style, you’ll be setting the right tone for the interview and feeling great about yourself to boot.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake.

The post How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Traditional Corporation appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Whether you’re interviewing for a paid or unpaid internship or an entry-level job in banking, there are a few things you need to know about the dress code that will help you put your best foot forward.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when deciding what to wear.

1. Know what’s appropriate in the industry.

Many bank positions require you to interact with clients all day long, so you’ll want to make sure you maintain a professional look at all times. In general, the banking industry is known for its upscale, clean look. In the past, a three-piece suit was required. Nowadays, things are a bit more relaxed, so you’ll want to wear something that falls within the realm of business casual.

2. Pick a conservative outfit that fits your style.

Men should wear a dress shirt, slacks, dress shoes and properly matching accessories, such as a tie and belt. If you do decide to wear a suit or blazer, make sure that you choose one with dark, muted colors.

Women should stick with a suit — slacks or a skirt on bottom, a blouse and a blazer on top. A classic black dress will also work, and can, depending on the style, be paired with a colorful blazer. If you’re going to go the dress route, avoid anything without sleeves. Go light on jewelry since subtle details are best for interviews.

As far as colors go, neutrals are best. You can add a pop of color with accessories such as jewelry for women or a vivid tie for men. If you’re traveling far for your job interview, go with lightweight, breathable fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily.

3. When in doubt, ask questions.

Potential employers want you to excel in the interview, so asking the right questions is a great way to set yourself up for success. Don’t be afraid to ask the hiring manager (or the recruiter who set up your interview) what would be most appropriate to wear for your interview. This simple question will ensure that you start off on the right foot.

Pro Tip: Don’t skimp out when it comes to footwear. Believe it or not, people really notice them. Good-looking, polished shoes convey attention to detail, so be sure to wear your best pair.

By picking an outfit that’s appropriate for the interview and fits your style, you’ll be sure to impress the interviewer while being comfortable and confident.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get an Entry-Level Job with No Experience and find answers to common interview questions such as How do I get an Internship?

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While accounting might seem like a straightforward major, there are many different types of accounting you can focus on. Below are four of the most common types of accounting internships, what each one entails and specific skills you might need for that particular internship.

Corporate accounting intern

Corporate interns work within a larger organization to assist on a variety of financial tasks. In your role, you could be performing profit analysis, working on costing and pricing, preparing budget and forecasting documents, creating cash applications and collections, and preparing tax information, certificates and filings.

Tax accounting intern

Like other accounting interns who deal with taxes, tax interns spend a lot of time on a client’s tax preparation and filings. One thing that sets tax interns apart from other accounting-based interns is that they work very independently. Because they spend a lot of time working alone, tax interns must be self-motivated and detail-oriented so that they feel confident when presenting their work to supervisors.

Audit accounting intern

Audit interns work with a team to help with the planning, implementation and reporting of audits. Because these interns work with others within the auditing team and within an organization at large, it’s especially important to have strong interpersonal and connection skills.

Financial accounting intern

Financial accounting interns may be assigned to do a variety of tasks depending on the size and scope of the company they work for. Responsibilities could be helping with creating and fact-checking an organization’s financial statements, working on tax documentation or auditing a company’s various departments and their budgets.

Whether you’re looking for a paid or unpaid internship, getting exposure to as many areas of the accounting field as possible is a great way to set yourself up for success after graduation.

Next, learn more about this college major such as Journalism and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Should I Intern as a Senior?

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If the idea of working on problem sets, finding solutions and solving real-world problems appeals to you, becoming a math major might be right up your alley. But what are the key skills you’ll need to rock the math major and feel confident in your career prospects?

Here are four skills that all of the most successful math majors possess.

Strong quantitative skills

Fact: You can be a math major unless your number-crunching, quantitative and logic skills are extremely strong. Majoring in math is not for those who did “okay” in math classes in high school; you need to be confident in your abilities to solve problems.

Organizational skills

Math majors take a lot of notes in classes, so you’re going to have to think of an efficient system for note-taking on many different subjects and also organizing the notes you take. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get lost if you can’t keep track of the notes you’ve written or the problem sets you’ve finished; successful math majors are able to keep all of their documents straight.

Patience

It may seem like a strange skill for a math major, but think about it: You’re spending hours upon hours every day working on difficult problem sets, and it’s easy to get frustrated and give up.

However, math majors need to be able to stay calm and ask for help when they need it, and the most successful people in this major are those who are able to remain calm when a problem doesn’t make sense, try out different strategies to find a solution and turn to others if the answer isn’t obvious.

Problem-solving skills

Right up there with patience is the importance of having a problem-solving mind, one that desires to find the solution to any problem and will work tirelessly to find it.

The great thing about majoring in math is that your calculations and equations can solve big real-world problems, but you have to be curious, ready and willing to take on new challenges, many of which won’t have obvious solutions right off the bat.

Next, learn more about this college major such as Finance and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look for in a Company

The post What Types of Skills Are Best for a Math Major? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here are some of the things you need to know about working in advertising.

What is an advertising agency?

“All the ads and commercials you see have an advertising agency behind them,” Cristina explains.“The agency basically helps a brand decide how they want to look to consumers out in the world.” From brainstorming ideas to implementing campaigns, ad agencies are responsible for helping brands discover their unique value and put their best foot forward with consumers.

What are all the different roles at an ad agency?

According to Cristina, there are three main client-facing positions: account executives, brand strategists and creatives. Account executives are responsible for managing the day-to-day relationships with clients, including making sure that timelines and budgets are adhered to and that clients are happy with the results of their campaigns. Brand strategists like Cristina also interact with clients and they’re responsible for helping brands determine how they want to represent themselves to customers. “I help determine the strategy for brands to come to life,” Cristina explains, emphasizing that the process is all about taking ideas and executing them in an engaging, effective way. Lastly, there are creatives, the people responsible for writing engaging copy and designing graphics to capture a brand’s look and feel. Although each of these positions plays a unique role in how campaigns come to life, the interaction between them is what allows agencies to consistently deliver effective, creative solutions to their clients.

What is the culture like at an ad agency?

“It’s pretty casual,” Cristina explains, emphasizing that working at an ad agency is definitely not as fast-paced or exciting as a show like “Mad Men” makes it out to be. “There are definitely no suits and ties though a lot of people care about fashion and are trendy.” As far of the atmosphere of the office goes, that’s pretty fun and casual too. “Socializing is definitely big. We have a ping-pong table and a pool table. And it’s definitely very young. Even the older employees have a young spirit,” she says.

How does a recent grad or college student get a job at an ad agency?

According to Cristina, most advertising executives land their jobs by going the internship route. “I would say that 90% of the people who work here got in through an internship,” she says. The key is to find a good internship and then capitalize on the opportunity by working hard and going the extra mile.

Pro Tip: Timing is also important. Ad agencies like McCann recruit full-time employees from their crop of summer interns and they make sure to hire interns who are recent graduates. “It’s kind of a trail run and they’ll be able to determine if they’re going to hire you by the end of the summer,” Cristina explains. Her advice: Take your internship seriously and make the most of every moment you have there.

Working in advertising is an exciting chance to come up with creative ways for companies to connect with consumers. It’s also an opportunity to work as part of a dynamic team like the one at McCann. If you think a job in advertising might be for you, take Cristina’s advice and test it out by applying for relevant internships in the field. And who knows? One of them might just get you your dream job after graduation.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Write a Resume That Stands Out and find answers to common interview questions such as What Gets You Up in the Morning?

The post How to Get Into Advertising appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here’s what it’s really like to work at an ad agency.

Is working at an ad agency a fun and glamorous experience?

According to Cristina, there’s definitely some truth to the “Mad Men” representation of the industry. “I would say the socialization is pretty accurate. Everyone’s hanging out all the time and there’s definitely a creative, fun vibe like there is on the show,” she says. This vibe helps the team come together to brainstorm and develop innovative campaigns for their clients. For a big agency like McCann, this means working on campaigns for clients of all sizes including corporations, startups and everything in between.

How long does it take for a campaign to go from inception to implementation?

Because each campaign is different, it’s important to distinguish the type of campaign you want to create before you can identify the timeline for implementation. Cristina explains that “A brand campaign (which is related to what the brand stands for) can take six months from start to finish.” This includes everything from establishing the look and feel of the brand to creating ads designed to increase the brand’s presence. Product and social campaigns however, are faster to develop. “A product campaign, which is a focus on something specific the brand sells, that can take three to four months to launch, and social campaigns can take anywhere from a week to three weeks,” Cristina says.

How does the team brainstorm new campaigns?

Brainstorming is one of the key parts of advertising and finding ways to do it effectively is really important. According to Cristina, a lot of what makes brainstorming such a fun process at McCann is the layout of the office itself. “We have whiteboards and corkboards across most of the walls and most of the meeting rooms. If inspiration strikes, we just start writing down ideas,” she explains. This makes the process a collaborative one and ensures that brand strategists and account executives are able to work through ideas and presentations as a team, coming up with the best possible solution for each client.

How do you balance working on multiple accounts at once?

One of the challenges of working for an ad agency is balancing multiple accounts at once while ensuring that senior leadership is happy with the results. “Most people work on two to three brands, depending on the size,” Cristina explains. Delivering successful campaigns is all about listening to what the client needs and being able to offer them solutions that will help them put their best foot forward with consumers. Although this may sound challenging, Cristina emphasizes that it’s been a great learning experience and one that has helped her learn the ins and out of the advertising industry very quickly.

Working for an ad agency definitely has some glamorous perks but it’s also a great place to develop new skills and take on interesting challenges. If you think an ad agency job might be right for you, be sure to test it out by applying for paid and unpaid internships in the field. These roles will give you the hands-on experience you need to land your first entry-level job, and will help you determine whether an advertising job is a good fit for you. And who knows? You might just land a job at a great agency like McCann.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is a Chronological Resume? and find answers to common interview questions such as If I Asked Your Friends to Describe You, What Would They Say?

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To find out the ins and outs of advertising sales, we filmed a video interview with Snapchat Creative Strategist Sam Goodman and got some great advice on how recent grads can get started in the industry.

What does it actually mean to be in ad sales?

“There are a lot of different ways that you can be involved in ad sales. You can be involved in advertising on the brand side, at an agency, or for a publisher or platform,” Sam explains. In fact, because ad sales involves selling advertising space on websites and social media platforms, it’s one of the most integral parts of the digital media industry and a key entry point for those interested in working in a dynamic and innovative field.

How do you get into ad sales without any experience?

Getting started in ad sales without experience might seem intimidating at first, but it really doesn’t need to be. According to Sam, the key is being persistent. “If you’re passionate about it, that will show in any interview,” he says, emphasizing that you can learn a lot from reading trade publications like Ad Age and Digiday while you’re still in college.

Pro Tip: Sam also suggests doing internships and taking on brand ambassador roles to advertise local and national businesses on your campus. This will give you a great sense of what it means to represent a brand and help you build your knowledge base so that you can land a full-time position.

What are the main entry-level roles in ad sales?

“Planners tend to be good entry-level points, both on the publishing side and on the agency side,” Sam says. And the great news is that these roles are among the most popular in the field, meaning that there are plenty of opportunities for you to find a position right out of college.

If you really want to learn a lot as quickly as possible, Sam recommends going the agency route. “You’re going to get a good understanding of everything, both working with a brand and working with a publisher. From there you can jump off and figure out what it is that works best for your skill set,” he says.

How can recent grads make themselves stand out to hiring managers?

Although there is a lot of competition in ad sales, Sam emphasizes that it’s definitely possible to stand out from the pack. The key is going the extra mile. “It can be as simple as sending a handwritten thank you note. You’d be amazed how far those go,” he says, explaining that it shows a level of dedication most people don’t have.

The real secret however, is getting creative. “You can find unique ways to use the platform that you’re applying to,” Sam explains. “At Snapchat, we recently had an interviewee drop a thank you geofilter over the office the day after interviewing.” Needless to say, the candidate made a great impression by not only going above and beyond what was expected, but by also showing that she understood the platform and how to use it effectively.

Finally, what’s the one piece of advice all college students and recent grads need?

Although ad sales has its own unique characteristics and challenges, there’s one piece of career advice that definitely applies to all students and recent grads: Don’t waste your time. “College is a unique point in our lives where we have resources available and time available to do a number of things,” Sam explains. “Try to find something you’re passionate about, experiment a little bit and make sure that you take advantage of your time on campus.”

As a rapidly growing part of digital media, ad sales offers fantastic opportunities to build your skill set while also learning more about an innovative industry. The key to landing an ad sales job, especially at a great platform like Snapchat, is to learn as much as possible about advertising while also representing your skills and experience effectively in an interview. And above all, don’t be afraid to get creative. This will help you stand out to employers and be at the top of their minds when they’re ready to make an offer.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as The Ultimate Guide to Interviewing for an Ad Sales Job and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

The post How to Get an Ad Sales Job appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here are his top tips for what to do in an ad sales interview.

1. Dress for the company you’re interviewing for

“In any interview situation and especially in ad sales, it can be nerve-wracking to figure out what to wear,” Sam explains. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. “It’s totally normal to email the recruiter and ask them what the dress code for the office is and then get a feel from there,” he assures us. One key thing to note is that ad sales is a casual environment so wearing a suit will automatically make you stand out (and not in a good way). Instead, focus on wearing something that fits into the business casual category such as slacks and a button-down shirt for men or nice pants and a blouse for women.

2. Keep your resume to one page

The second key thing Sam suggests is keeping your resume to one page. “I recommend optimizing the experience you have towards the interview you’re going in for and keeping it within a page maximum,” he says. This is especially important for recent grads who don’t often have significant professional experience. By keeping your resume short and focused, you’ll be helping hiring managers see both your skills and your potential.

3. Keep your “About Me” to under 60 seconds

Being able to give a concise description of your background is a great way to engage the interviewer and give them a sense of who you are both personally and professionally. In addition to telling the hiring manager where you’re from and what you’re studying in school, be sure to offer solid examples and to focus on facts that relate to the industry or to your previous academic and internship experiences.

4. Relate your experiences back to the role you’re interviewing for

Few things are as important during an interview as being able to relate your experiences back to the position you’re interviewing for. This important for two reasons: 1) It lets hiring managers know that you understand the role and have a good sense of how your skills will match the company’s needs 2) It shows that you’re engaged in the interview process and able to talk about your experience in a relevant, articulate way.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions

Asking clarifying questions is another key factor of a successful interview. These types of questions will help you understand exactly what the interviewer is asking and to give answers that will resonate with them. Although asking clarifying questions might seem a bit intimidating, you shouldn’t be afraid to do it. In fact, hiring managers really appreciate it when you clarify the question because it shows that you care about answering the question well.

6. Give examples of how you can manage big personalities

Whether you’re working for an agency or a publisher, one of the main day-to-day challenges of ad sales is being able to manage lots of competing needs and personalities. This is something that Sam asks about when interviewing candidates at Snapchat and a skill he emphasizes as being key to any ad sales job.

7. Make sure your passion shines through

Passion is important for any position, especially a client-facing one where you’ll be serving as the face of the brand. A great way to show this passion is by giving specific examples of things you’ve done to turn one of your visions into a reality. For example, have you developed a specific program at your school to benefit students or led your sorority in fundraising for a charity? This is the time to mention that.

8. If you need more time, repeat the question before answering

Repeating the question back is a great way to buy yourself some time during an interview, particularly if you encounter a question you weren’t prepared to answer. Added bonus: Framing the question clearly in your mind will help you come up with a more targeted, focused answer.

9. Be honest when talking about your passion and excitement for the company

Showing sincere excitement about a company is a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for a position and to show that you’re a cultural fit for the role. “Whether you’re interviewing at a brand, an agency or at a publisher, make sure you understand how it works so that you can speak confidently,” Sam advises. This will ensure that your passion shines through and that the interviewer knows how excited you are about the role.

10. Do your research and find examples to reference

Doing your research is key when interviewing for any position but it’s especially important for something like ad sales where you’ll likely be asked about specific ads that you think are working well. “If you’re interviewing for an advertising role at any company, you should really be doing a lot of research on the app to take note of advertising,” Sam explains. Another key piece of advice: “You should make note of going into each part of the app and trying to identify advertisements that you can speak to as examples.”

11. Pick a relevant brand and give specific examples of what they do well

If you’re asked to give an example of a company that is doing great things in the digital space, focus on one that is developing innovative campaigns while also building a strong community around their brand.

Pro Tip: Although you may be tempted to offer the brand you’re interviewing with as an example, don’t. This will come across as insincere and also show that you’re not fully up to speed on what’s going on in the digital landscape.

12. Be yourself and show your personality

Being yourself is key in any interaction with a potential co-worker or manager, but it’s especially important during your interview where you’re trying to assess whether the role will be a good fit for you. On the interviewer side, Sam emphasizes that when he interviews candidates for Snapchat, he wants to make sure that he looks for people who will be a good fit for the company culture as well as for the role. “You want to check that this person is going to fit well on your team, that they’re going to meld into the culture nicely,” he explains.

13. Ask questions! Have a few prepared so you don’t get stuck

“Anytime you go into any interview, and especially in advertising, it’s super important to come prepared with a few questions,” Sam says. “Whether it’s about what the daily role will look like or what the interviewer thinks of his or her current role, you need to have a few questions to prompt further conversation and to show that you’re engaged.” When preparing your questions, think about what you’d most like to know about the position or the company and lead with that.

Pro Tip: If you really want to end the interview on a high note, ask the hiring manager about their best moment at the company. This is a great way to get them to reflect on what they love about their job and a perfect way to wrap up the interview.

14. Ask for contact information and send a thank you email

“Thank you notes are probably one of the most key pieces of follow-up to any interview,” Sam says. In fact, thank you notes are a great way to remind hiring managers about your good qualities and to let them know that you appreciate their time. Best of all, thank you notes will make you stand out. “A lot of interviewers and a lot of hiring managers especially focus a lot on the thank you note,” Sam emphasizes. So be sure to send one as soon as possible, preferably the same day.

Interviewing for a position in ad sales is a great way to test out the waters and see whether a career in advertising would be a good fit for you. Although it may seem a bit intimidating at first, by doing your research, knowing what other brands are doing and being confident in your answers, you’ll be sure to nail your interview and maybe even land a job at a great company like Snapchat. One final piece of advice from Sam: Be yourself. “Because that’s who you are and that’s what sets you apart in any interview.”

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as Why Do you Want to Leave Your Current Job Or Internship?

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