Parents & Family

Job & Internship Search

When it comes to the hunt, steady progress beats waiting for the perfect opportunity. With over 55,000 active opportunities on Handshake, there are many options available. Here is a simple, manageable strategy to help them succeed without the overwhelm:

The “Steady Progress” Plan

• The Weekly Goal: Update their resume and aim for five applications per week.
• Focus on Skills: Consider roles that align with their skills and interests, rather than specific job titles or recognized company names.
• Practice Early: Start interview prep now so they’re ready when the call comes.

5 Ways to Stand Out

1. Customize Matches: Have them set career and location preferences in Handshake (and LinkedIn and other job sites) to filter for high-interest opportunities.
2. Follow Favorites: Follow target companies to ensure they get instant alerts for new postings.
3. Apply Early: Many roles close once the organization’s applicant threshold is met, sometimes well before the official deadline.
4. Cast a Wide Net: Great experiences exist across all types of organizations, especially those that are less well-known.
5. Be Bold: Encourage them to apply even if they don’t meet all qualifications, as organizations prioritize the best overall candidate from the applicant pool.

Navigating Accelerated Recruiting in Financial Services and Accounting

In today’s accounting and financial services recruiting landscape, firms aim to lock in their top talent nearly two years before graduation. This “race” means that for first-year students who have just begun their second semester at Wake Forest, the future is already here.

The Two Pathways

• Interested in Accounting? Two options: In addition to the traditional 150-credit hour program (B.S./M.S. in Accounting), a streamlined 120-credit hour alternative (B.S. in Accounting) is now available. This alternative allows students to enter the workforce a year early, replacing a fifth year of study with high-value, supervised work experience at a firm. Applications for the junior-year internships will begin in August of the sophomore year for students on the 120-path.
• Interested in Finance? Driven by global demand, many top investment banks, wealth and asset management firms, and private equity firms open applications between the freshman and sophomore years. Being an outstanding student, networking with the firms, and mastery of essential technical skills are now baseline requirements for securing an interview.

February Accounting and Financial Services “Must-Attend” Events for First Year Students

Parents of Seniors

It’s not too late for Seniors to sign up for Out of the Forest’s “Post Forest Finances,” “Life as an Alumnus,” and “Talking About Transition” workshops! Register here https://seniors.wfu.edu/get-started/year-one-101-workshop-series/

What can you do as a parent?

Parents play a critical role in their child’s college experience and their decisions for the future. However, the world of work is quite different than 30, 20 or even 10 years ago. In order to give your student sound advice, it is essential for you to understand the environment, resources and opportunities available for your student. You can play an integral role as your student navigates through their time at Wake Forest and makes plans for their future.