Baruch students make financial internships happen

Baruch is filled with Finance majors who know that an important aspect of obtaining a desired finance career is to acquire good financial internships.

Three students heading down the financial path, Bryan Adler, Minhaj Choudhury and Sikandar Hashmi spoke on their individual experiences with financial internships, giving tips on how they went about getting them.

Finance students are often misunderstood and cast in a role they do not necessarily desire: "the money hungry kids" with their suits, mathematical thinking and incessant drive. But there is more to finance students than that.

With the downturn of the economy there has been an aversion of finance students. The road to finance is not paved in gold as one may believe. However, if you had to select a common thread it would inevitably be hard work.

The trio boasts a litany of impressive jobs on their resume despite their relative youth: Apollo Global Management, JP Morgan Chase and Investor Capital holdings, names that could color any business resume.

However, the initial spark that lead the three down the finance path varies.

An incoming junior, Adler commented on the totality of the financial path. Unlike certain other paths, Adler claimed that "its the demand for one to have an in depth background of business as a whole" that drew him into the financial world.

Choudhury spoke of early exposure to the industry, in his post high school days.

Enamored with financial markets in his youth it was only when he became involved in career development programs and was subsequently introduced to people in the financial world that he solidified his career path, and he has not looked back since.

Hashmi, however, initially flirted with a career in engineering but his persistent and unique interest in the fashion industry spurred his interest in finance. "I wanted to do something unique like start a line for men's shoes and hand bags," said Hashmi. He believes that in the future he will still pursue that career goal.

"I got to know about financial careers through watching a lot of documentaries, reading biographies it opened up a new world of finance that required the same cut thought instinct where only the fittest survive," said Hashmi.

All three were greatly appreciative of the assistance provided to them in Baruch College, known already for its strong background in finance, for these students it lived up to the lofty hype.

Choudhury summed it up well. "I give Baruch all the credit for the progress that I've made so far. Not only did Baruch help me discover that I wanted to be in finance but the services and people who were available to me at the school, aided in my personal growth, which in turn helped me get the internship I have today."

Hashmi was also very appreciative of Baruch, after only migrating to the United States a mere two years ago, the corporate nature of the school drew him in and he very much feels apart of the community.

"After spending a year here I see why employers are very happy to have Baruch graduates on their teams as Baruch students know the fact that they are not coming from ivy league schools put an extra mile in everything, from interview research, networking, academia and have a general perspective about the ever changing markets," Hashmi said of the inherent work ethic displayed at Baruch which in turn is seen by potential employers.

Adler also praised Baruch. Like Hashmi, Adler cited the culture and the programs as the major benefits.

"The STARR Career center is a huge resource that I feel has really made my internship search experience a breeze. They offer interview and resume training, guides on all careers and industries, not to mention an extensive list of internship and job opportunities at many of the financial firms in NY," said Adler.

The group had much to say about their professors at Baruch. Often responsible for molding lives and providing guidance, the trio was extremely grateful for the professors who did just that.

Hashmi spoke of Professor N.P. Loomba's teaching style. He enjoyed the interactive method of teaching which he was not only able to apply to business but also to life.

"The class was very interesting as professor spoke and connected many years of his expertise in many positions he has held over the years and how academia can relate to professional work," said Hashmi.

Adler mentioned psychology Professor Elcock. "[Professor Elcock's] positive attitude, constant motivation and his ability to make his students believe in themselves," is something Adler will never forget.

Choudhury spoke not only of professors but also of the Starr Center Development Center. He attributes his successes to the program, mentioning how it opened doors and connections for him, which may not have been available otherwise.