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We had the privilege of hosting a dynamic career insights panel featuring four accomplished year 4 seniors: Zewei Yap, Peiyu Xu, Sherline Ong, and Monica Lim. Each of these exceptional speakers shared their unique career journeys, key skills for success, and valuable advice for breaking into the competitive fields of finance.
Zewei Yap: “In Finance, Technical Expertise and Networking are Key to Success”
Zewei Yap, with extensive experience in investment banking, began his talk by stressing the importance of building technical skills to thrive in the competitive finance industry. He explained that a structured career path—starting with investment-related internships, moving through boutique investment banks, and progressing to mid-market and bulge bracket banks—helps ensure steady career growth. Zewei also highlighted the fast-paced nature of the finance world, where professionals are constantly learning from senior management and tackling complex challenges. To stand out, Zewei emphasized the importance of participating in case competitions, as they provide an excellent platform to showcase technical abilities.
Peiyu Xu: “Maximize Opportunities and Start Early in Finance”
Our next speaker, Peiyu Xu, shared invaluable advice on how to maximise opportunities in finance, starting from year 1. Peiyu emphasized the importance of joining the right clubs like Investment Banking, Pathfinders, and NUS Fintech to create a strong network. He also recommended securing internships early, with family offices, financial planning firms, and multinational corporations being great starting points. Peiyu further highlighted the importance of certifications like the CFA to build a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and stand out in a competitive job market.
Sherline Ong: “Exploring Different Roles Helps You Find Your Niche”
Sherline Ong, a professional with experience in Consulting and Asset Management, shared how she leveraged early internships to figure out which area of finance suited her best. Sherline highlighted the importance of gaining exposure to both boutique and mid-market firms before targeting bulge bracket companies. Her advice to the audience was to explore different roles and gain hands-on experience to discover what truly resonates with you.
Monica Lim: “Diversify Your Skills to Excel”
Monica Lim, who has experience in Private Banking, shared her experience navigating different sectors of finance and accounting. She discussed the distinction between sales-side roles and investment roles, with sales-side professionals focusing on managing client relationships and investment roles involving direct deals and specialized products. Monica recommended stock pitching as an excellent way to develop critical thinking skills and build knowledge of financial products. She also encouraged interns to apply broadly, highlighting that likability and relationship-building can be just as important as technical expertise when securing opportunities.
Essential Takeaways for breaking into Finance
Across the panel, all speakers agreed on several key points that are essential for success in the finance industry
Start Early and Gain Experience
Securing internships and gaining practical experience from Year 1 is critical. Engaging in relevant clubs and starting early in internships helps build a solid foundation for technical skills and networking.
Participate in Case Competitions
Case competitions are valuable platforms for showcasing problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills. They help you develop a structured approach to solving complex issues, which is essential in finance.
Build a Strong Network
Networking is crucial in opening doors to opportunities. Join finance-related clubs, attend industry events, and seek informational interviews to connect with professionals and learn about industry trends.
Diversify Your Experiences
Gain exposure to different roles and firms. Try working in boutique or mid-market firms before targeting larger, bulge-bracket firms. This variety of experiences helps you understand where your strengths and interests lie.
Continuous Learning and Certifications
Consider certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) to build industry credibility. Keep learning and stay updated with the latest industry tools, trends, and technical skills.
Embrace Adaptability
The ability to switch between different roles, industries, and workstreams is essential. In Finance, you must be adaptable to changing client needs and fast-paced environments.
Develop Strong Soft Skills
While technical expertise is vital, soft skills like communication, storytelling, collaboration, and client relationship management are equally important for success. Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for client interactions in finance.
Perseverance and Proactivity
Breakthroughs often require persistence and a proactive approach. Mass apply, take every opportunity to learn, and don't hesitate to ask for help or advice from seniors or peers in the industry.
Q&A Segment with the Audience
After the panel, the speakers engaged in a Q&A session with the audience, offering further insights into the world of finance. Some of these insights included securing internships, networking strategies, and balancing work with academic life. The speakers provided practical tips, such as joining relevant finance clubs early, focusing on building a portfolio of experiences, and networking with industry professionals. They also discussed the importance of performing well in case competitions and gaining hands-on experience to demonstrate technical proficiency.
Final Advice for Aspiring Finance Students
Our speakers concluded with some key advice for students looking to break into finance. They emphasised the importance of starting early—securing internships and getting involved in finance-related clubs as soon as possible. This early engagement helps build a solid foundation and opens up valuable opportunities. Additionally, developing technical skills through case competitions and relevant coursework is essential to stand out in a competitive industry.
While the road to finance may be demanding, this field offers tremendous opportunities for growth and success. All speakers agreed that embracing challenges, constantly learning, and developing a diverse skill set are key to navigating this exciting career path. We thank all our speakers for sharing their experiences and wisdom with us and for providing such valuable insights to aspiring professionals!
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