26 Jul From Numbers to Knowledge: A Peek into Corporate Finance Internships
Corporate finance – if you want to be at the center of how a business operates (and why), then this is the career path for you.
As a corporate finance professional, you’ll find yourself working on something different every day,from capital raising to mergers and acquisition, and even brainstorming new ways to improve a business.
This isn’t a career for the faint of heart, and it’s something in which you’ll need a fair bit of experience.
So how do you get that experience?
It’s simple – a corporate finance internship.
What Exactly Is Corporate Finance?
Corporate finance is like the money boss of a company, making sure there’s enough cash flow keeps the business running seamlessly now and expanding down the line.
Imagine you have a lemonade stand – corporate finance would help figure out how much money you need to buy lemons, sugar, and cups to keep your stand going strong.
It’s all about working quietly but effectively behind closed doors so companies have every resource necessary to thrive.
Excelling in business means constantly evolving strategies based on market insights and technological advancements to stay ahead of competitors. Think of corporate finance as the strategic game plan behind a company’s monetary decisions.
From setting up budgets to identifying lucrative investments and securing funds for ongoing expenses – it keeps the financial gears turning.
Handling corporate finances also means crunching numbers to check the business’s health, figuring out how to secure extra cash if required, and picking profitable ventures worth pursuing.
How Do I Get Corporate Finance Experience?
Getting corporate finance experience means leveling up your money skills in the real world! Here are some ways you can dive into the world of corporate finance:
- Internships: Snagging an internship at a finance firm or a company’s finance department is a great way to get hands-on experience – the best way, in fact, which is why it’s the focus of this post! Really,
- Volunteer: You can volunteer to help out with financial tasks for non-profits or community organizations.
- Courses and Workshops: Taking classes or workshops related to finance can boost your knowledge and skills.
- Networking: Chatting with professionals in the finance field can open doors to opportunities. You’ll be building a money-minded community that can guide you on your finance journey.
- Side Projects: Managing your own finances or starting a small business can give you a taste of corporate finance. You’ll be the boss of your own financial world and learn as you go.
What Do Corporate Finance Interns Do?
Each corporate finance internship will vary from the next, so it’s tough to say exactly what you’ll do – and chances are, no two days will be exactly alike!
In general, here are a few tasks you might see in an intern’s job description:
Crunching Numbers
Imagine being a number wizard, analyzing financial data, and creating reports to help the team make informed decisions.
Assisting with Budgeting
Ever tried to plan your expenses for the month? As a finance intern, you’ll assist in crafting budget plans, tracking expenses, and ensuring the company stays on financial track.
Conducting Financial Analysis
You’ll explore the world of financial analysis by examining trends, evaluating performance metrics, and identifying opportunities for growth. It’s like being a financial detective, uncovering clues within the numbers to drive strategic decisions.
Collaborating on Projects
Teamwork makes the dream work! You’ll collaborate with colleagues on financial projects, share ideas, and work towards common goals.
Presenting Findings
Communication is key in finance. You’ll hone your presentation skills by sharing your financial insights with team members or presenting findings to senior leaders.
The Lasting Benefits of a Corporate Finance Internship
Being a finance intern isn’t just about the tasks – it’s also about the skills you’ll gain along the way. These are some to pay attention to, though certainly not the only skills you’ll gain:
Analytical Skills
Analyzing financial data and drawing meaningful conclusions will enhance your analytical abilities. You’ll learn to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions based on data. You’ll be fine-tuning your analytical toolkit to tackle financial challenges with confidence.
Communication Skills
Presenting findings, collaborating with team members, and explaining complex financial concepts will boost your communication skills. You’ll learn to convey information clearly, tailor your message to different audiences, and build strong relationships.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Working on financial projects with a team will hone your teamwork and collaboration skills. You’ll learn to leverage diverse perspectives, delegate tasks effectively, and contribute to shared goals.
Time Management
Balancing multiple tasks. Meeting deadlines. Prioritizing activities. All of these internship tasks will undoubtedly improve your time management skills. You’ll learn to juggle responsibilities, stay organized, and deliver results efficiently.
How Do You Break Into Corporate Finance?
As a corporate finance intern, there are a few core qualifications you’ll need. For starters, you’ll need to have studied something like economics, finance, or accounting. You’ll need a strong passion for mathematics and logistics, and you may need to take specialized financial modeling courses. Many people break into this field after a career in accounting, though that’s certainly not necessary.
You’ll also need a strong technical ability and the willingness to learn and figure out how to solve complex problems. Of course, you should have a natural talent in business and the ability to keep up to date with industry trends and evolutions.
Most importantly, though, you need some good old fashioned boots on the ground experience.
One of the best ways to get this kind of experience is through an internship. Here at Absolute Internship, we specialize in placing students in high-quality, immersive internships all over the world (and even remotely!). If you think this career path is one that might interest you, reach out to Absolute Internship.
We’ll not only help you find the perfect gig to grow your experience, but we’ll make sure you’re able to do it in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, too. We have interns working everywhere from Stockholm to Shanghai.
So what are you waiting for? Your dream corporate finance internship is waiting.
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