For an ordinary high school student, the idea of working with a Wall Street professional might sound unbelievable. Gaining exposure to finance this early seems unreal, especially given how notoriously competitive Wall Street is. For a long time, these opportunities were limited primarily to university students. However, the rapid growth of the internet has revolutionized how people access information and connect with professional communities. This unprecedented access allows high school students from virtually anywhere to learn the fundamentals of high finance. Today, they can master financial modeling, company analysis, and accounting while competing in global investment challenges.
Beyond independent study, many ambitious students are actively networking with industry experts, participating in mentorship initiatives, and contributing to academic research. These early hands-on experiences bridge the gap between classroom theory and actual application, providing invaluable insight into how capital allocation, investment strategy, and corporate decision-making function, while thoroughly preparing students for college and future careers.
6 Ways High School Students Can Build Relationships with Finance Professionals
1. Conducting Independent Finance Research
Conducting independent research can distinguish students from their peers by demonstrating intellectual curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in finance. Exploring emerging financial topics such as market volatility, corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks, algorithmic trading, and financial technology (fintech) trends can give high school students a valuable advantage.
Signaling theory in economics suggests that observable achievements can communicate an individual's abilities and potential to others, potentially increasing a finance professional's willingness to mentor a student. Students can publish research papers or summaries through appropriate platforms or participate in selective research programs, such as the Global Research Fellowship, to showcase their work and connect with like-minded individuals and mentors.
2. Starting or Leading a Finance Club
Starting or leading a finance or economics club in high school allows students to develop leadership, collaboration, and financial literacy skills while creating opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Students can organize discussions on engaging financial topics.
Leading a club also provides a legitimate reason to approach Wall Street professionals and invite them to speak at meetings, participate in panel discussions, or share insights about their careers. These interactions can help students establish professional connections while providing club members with valuable exposure to the financial industry.
3. LinkedIn Outreach and Informational Interviews
High school students can build a professional LinkedIn profile highlighting their academic achievements, participation in finance clubs, research projects, and independent investment simulations. They can then identify analysts, associates, investment bankers, and other finance professionals whose careers align with their interests.
Rather than immediately asking for internships or job opportunities, students can send concise, personalized messages requesting a 10- to 15-minute informational interview to learn about a professional's career journey, daily responsibilities, and advice for aspiring finance students. Demonstrating genuine curiosity, preparing thoughtful questions, and respecting professionals' time can help students establish meaningful connections and lay the foundation for potential mentorship.
4. Attending Finance Conferences, Seminars, and Networking Events
Public events provide opportunities to meet finance professionals in environments where financial markets, business developments, and career paths are actively discussed. Students can explore university finance seminars, public investment conferences, economics lectures, entrepreneurship events, and career panels.
Before attending, students should research the speakers and prepare relevant questions about their areas of expertise. Engaging in thoughtful conversations after presentations and following up with a brief thank-you message can help turn a brief introduction into a lasting professional connection.
5. Following Finance Professionals and Engaging with Their Content
Many finance professionals publish articles, market commentary, interviews, and educational posts on platforms such as LinkedIn. Engaging thoughtfully with this content allows students to deepen their understanding of financial markets while becoming familiar with professionals whose work interests them.
Students can contribute meaningful comments, ask relevant questions, and share informed observations based on their own research. This can create opportunities to exchange ideas and seek guidance in their careers.
6. Participating in Investment Competitions and Finance Challenges
Investment competitions and finance challenges allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and enthusiasm through practical work rather than relying solely on networking messages. Students can participate in stock market simulations, economics competitions, business case challenges, and student investment programs, such as the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, to develop analytical thinking, teamwork, and financial decision-making skills.
For example, students could prepare a mock investment portfolio, analyze a company's financial performance, or present an investment thesis supported by research. These projects give finance professionals something concrete to evaluate and discuss, creating opportunities for constructive feedback and mentorship. They also demonstrate initiative and a willingness to apply classroom knowledge to real-world financial questions.
Want to work with a finance professional on your own research? GRF's Research Desk is a six-week, finance-only cohort where each Fellow writes an individually authored research report with written mentor feedback on every draft. Apply to the Research Desk
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