2024 Finance Trek to New York City, January 15-20, 2024

Sponsored by Traub Careers in Business & Finance Program
 

The 2024 NYC Finance trek is an opportunity for Amherst College Sophomores to explore career opportunities in the financial services industry in New York City during inter-term (January 15-20, 2024). 

This small, selective group of students will spend 4+ days during interterm discovering the nuances and various career paths available in the financial services industry including Bulge Bracket, Middle Market, and boutique investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, private investing firms, and institutional investors. This is an experiential learning opportunity that replicates life in the financial services industry in NYC. Students will visit approximately 20 employers and network with 100+ alumni and be expected to maintain a fast-paced agenda filled with informational discussions, employer site visits, networking dinners and receptions. Each morning will begin with a 7am de-briefing and preparation session and some evenings will not finish until 10pm or later.

Selected students for this trek will:

• Clarify career focus through greater understanding of the financial services industry and the myriad of opportunities and career paths available
• Increase marketability to employers through acquisition of industry knowledge including a holistic view of the industry and its components
• Make connections with employers, alumni and friends of the college
• Learn about the wide variety of internships, jobs, and careers in the finance industry
• Hone effective internship and job search skills, including networking and interviewing
• Gain exposure to the key trends, issues, challenges, and opportunities in the industry
   

Because of the generosity of our alumni, there is no cost to students other than personal incidentals. The college will cover transportation to/from campus, housing, and meals.

Required qualifications:

• Applicants must have standing as a sophomore (class of 2026)
• Demonstrated interest in exploring a career in finance
   

Program expectations:

• Mandatory participation in pre-departure orientation (December 2023)
• Completion of pre-departure research assignments
• Full engagement in all facilitated group discussions, conversations with alumni, and visits to sites
• Participation in a post-trip debrief session (February 2024)
• Those accepted into the program will need to sign a contract committing to the program

Application process:
This is a competitive application process that has 3 steps.
Step 1:  Apply online via Handshake by October 26, 2023. Your application must include:
a. Resume
b. Word/PDF document responding to the questions below (Upload as “Other Document”
in Handshake)

Step 2: All applications are screened and will participate in a group discussion during the week of October 30 – November 10 ,2023. 
 

Participants will be notified by November 16, 2023, if they are selected to participate in the Trek. For questions, contact Stephanie Hockman (SHockman@amherst.edu.)

Application Questions:
Please answer the following questions in a Word document and attach to your application in Handshake.
1. Name
2. Class year
3. Major (if known)
4. Hometown
5. List any activities or clubs you participate in at Amherst College
6. Why are you applying to participate in the NYC Finance Trek? Include what you hope to gain from attending this Trek and what you hope to learn that you do not already know.
7. If you could meet one senior leader at a financial services company, who would it be and why?
8. In 100 words or less, pitch me your favorite company. Convince me why someone should invest in this company.