Introduction

​​Hello, my name is Cynthia. Recently, I achieved the academic milestone of completing my undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo (UW) and Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), where I completed the Honours Business Administration and Mathematics Double Degree Program. Alongside my studies, I pursued a computing minor through UW Mathematics and a concentration in accounting with WLU Business Administration.

Over my five years in university, I've taken a wide range of courses and completed four co-op placements primarily oriented around finance and accounting. These co-op experiences have been varied and rewarding, including a role in Capital Markets as a Sales and Trading Analyst and roles as a Financial Analyst on FP&A and Controllers teams.

Currently, I am preparing to begin my full-time career in the financial sector as a Business Analyst at Capital One. This opportunity follows two prior co-op terms with the company, during which I served as a Financial Analyst.

Please introduce your industry and explain what led you to pursue it.

Last day of co-op as a Financial Analyst, FP&A

​In my prior co-op roles, I served as an analyst in both the capital markets and banking/credit sectors within the broader financial sector. What drew me to these positions, particularly my role as a financial analyst, was the opportunity to integrate my interdisciplinary academic background in mathematics and business into a cohesive role. Analyzing financial data to identify patterns, extract insights, and contribute to strategic decision-making processes for a company blends the qualitative and quantitative responsibilities I aspire to pursue. These co-op experiences have refined many of my skills, including both technical competencies I developed the foundation for in the classroom and soft skills such as attention to detail and the ability to convey complex insights in a clear and concise manner.

How did you prepare for the application process?

In my experience, networking events and coffee chats have proven to be invaluable aspects of the recruiting process. Connecting with individuals on talent acquisition teams through these events offers the opportunity to establish meaningful connections that can set you apart from the numerous other applicants. While it's essential to highlight your professional and academic achievements during networking events, showcasing your unique qualities is even more impactful. Show your personality. Sharing your passions not only allows recruiters to get to know you on a personal level, but they also highlight soft skills such as communication, commitment, dedication and many others that may be transferable to the role.
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LinkedIn is another amazing tool for the recruiting process. I have often leveraged it to reach out to professionals in the roles I was pursuing. You will find that many individuals are open to connecting for a virtual coffee chat to discuss their experiences, share insights on required skill sets, and provide advice regarding interview preparation, or guidance for your career at large. Through this approach, I’ve built an amazing network, including some mentors that I have consulted with for career guidance throughout my co-op journey. 

 What was your application process like?

​Each role I've pursued in the financial sector has involved a unique application process, encompassing tasks such as submitting resumes and cover letters, completing online assessments, and engaging in multiple rounds of behavioral and technical interviews. However, I've encountered some financial interviews that were more conversational than technical. Whenever possible, knowing the type of interview you're about to participate in is the best way to guide your preparation. Connecting with past interns and attending networking events or Employer Info Sessions (which you can sign up for in Waterloo Works) can provide such guidance and prove invaluable in preparing for these interviews. In terms of preparation, simple actions like researching the firm you're interviewing with, either online or through coffee chats, can greatly aid in your preparation.

​Additionally, having examples ready of situations you've encountered in school or previous roles can greatly assist in answering behavioral questions. Refreshing your memory on academic terms and concepts related to the role is excellent preparation for technical interviews. When it comes to technical interviews, practice makes perfect. There are countless resources online with sample questions that can be used to study. While the recruiting processes may seem daunting as you begin your co-op career, they offer incredible opportunities to learn about firms while showcasing the knowledge and skills you've been developing in the classroom. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the role and the company you are applying to. As important as it is for a company to determine if you are a good fit for the role, it is equally as important for you to decide if this role is a good fit for you. Asking questions shows your interest in the position while helping you understand the company culture, expectations, and opportunities.

​What are your top tips for effective networking?

Something I have learned through my co-op journey is that networking does not end once you have accepted a job offer. Within your co-op roles, you'll have the opportunity to connect with professionals who share similar aspirations and have already navigated the early stages of their careers. These individuals serve as invaluable resources for career guidance. I have often been encouraged to set up one-on-one conversations with each member of my team in my co-op roles. These have allowed me to learn about higher-level roles in the companies I have worked for, discover growth potential, and gain a better understanding of the skills I will need to develop as I progress in my career. Likewise, connecting with individuals on other teams can provide a greater perspective of how different components of the firm interact to serve the company at large. This can help you to understand the impact of your team or projects on others, helping to build a holistic view of the organization’s operations.

In your opinion, what are some emerging trends in finance that new graduates should be aware of?

I strongly believe that having a foundation in coding is a valuable skill that can significantly benefit individuals working in finance, helping them to stand out and adapt throughout their careers. While many roles I encountered during my co-op journey didn't explicitly require coding experience, I found that my coding skills proved to be an asset. Pursuing a computing minor enabled me to distinguish myself in interviews and provided opportunities to undertake additional projects during my co-op roles, for example, through automating processes to add value to daily operations. This is a skillset that many areas of finance already appreciate. In fact, many accounting courses have increasingly incorporated content related to data analytics and visualizations, leveraging various languages and software like SQL, PowerBI and Tableau. I believe coding and related technical competencies will only become more predominant in the sector. Developing a foundation in coding now will serve you well in your career. ​