Finance Intern Interview

Can you tell us about yourself and what drew you to pursue a career in finance?

So I am Garima, I completed my graduation in BB along with a prepared for UH NAISM certification exam. I passed Anais some certification exams and prepared for CFA level 1 and passed it. Now I am looking for UH job opportunities.My theoretical knowledge which I had for preparing for CFA in practical scenarios and I pursue the career in finance because it always excites me to learn more in this field and.The concepts whenever I study I grab them more easily and it never felt like a burden to me whenever I study related to financial subjects. So I want to grow more in this field and want to pursue my career in.By doing CFA.

Your answer provides a solid foundation, highlighting your educational background, CFA progression, and enthusiasm for finance. However, it can be improved in structure and clarity. Here’s an evaluation of your answer along with suggestions for enhancement:

1. Clarity and Structure: Your response jumps from one point to another. Structuring your answer into clear sections – about your education, your passion for finance, and your career aspirations – will make it easier to follow.

2. Specificity: Instead of mentioning "some certification exams," specify which certifications you've completed and how they relate to the skills required for the finance role. This adds credibility and relevance.

3. Connection to the Role: Make a direct link between what you’ve learned (from your studies and certifications) and how it applies to the internship role. Emphasize specific skills you bring to the table, such as financial modeling or valuation, that are relevant to the position.

4. Conveying Passion: While you indicate your excitement for learning, you could elaborate on specific aspects of finance that fascinate you or a project you've worked on that demonstrates your interest in the field.

5. Conclusion: End with a strong, forward-looking statement. Mention how you aim to make a positive impact in the finance industry through the internship or any specific goals you have in mind.

Here’s a revised version:

“I’m Garima, a recent graduate where I completed my BB. I’ve earned certifications in [specific certifications] and successfully passed Level 1 of the CFA. My academic journey has fueled my enthusiasm for finance, particularly in areas like financial modeling and valuation, where I find a real sense of satisfaction in solving complex problems. I enjoy identifying patterns and trends in financial data, and this motivates me to pursue a career in finance. I believe the analytical skills I've developed through my studies will allow me to contribute effectively to your team. I'm eager to apply my theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios and grow further in this vibrant field.”

Rating: 3.5/5. With improvements in clarity, specificity, and connection to the role, your answer could significantly enhance its impact.

What do you understand by the term 'time value of money,' and why is it important in finance?

The term time value of money is concept of finance. It tells us about the value of money which are different from uh, that future value of money is different from the two day so.Today's value of money is discounted at some particular uh.Read and we have, we have not the same purchasing power with the same value of money in future. So it decrease overtime. So that's the concept of time value of money.

Your answer touches on the core concept of the time value of money (TVM), but it lacks clarity, coherence, and detail. Here’s a breakdown of your response and suggestions for improvement:

Evaluation:
1. Concept Understanding: You conveyed the essence of TVM—that the value of money changes over time—yet the explanation was somewhat convoluted and unclear.
2. Terminology Usage: You referenced "discounted" and "purchasing power," which are relevant, but the explanation could be more precise and structured.
3. Significance: You didn't clearly articulate why TVM is important in finance, which is essential for a comprehensive answer.

Improvement Suggestions:
- Start with a clear definition: "The time value of money is the financial principle that a specific amount of money today is worth more than the same amount in the future due to its potential earning capacity."
- Explain the concepts of present value (PV) and future value (FV): Elaborate briefly on how money can earn interest, leading to growth over time.
- Highlight its importance: State that TVM is crucial for investment decisions, loan assessments, and financial planning, as it affects any cash flows—helping to determine the value of investments and payments at different times.

Revised Answer Example:
"The time value of money (TVM) is the principle that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future due to its potential earning capacity. Factors such as interest rates and inflation affect how money's value changes over time. This is vital in finance as it impacts investment decisions, loan evaluations, and overall financial planning. Understanding TVM allows individuals and businesses to make informed decisions about cash flows, optimizing the value of investments."

Rating: 2/5
Your response contained the basic idea but lacked clarity, structure, and depth. Improving your explanation and providing context will enhance your answer for future discussions.

Describe a situation where you had to work with a team to solve a problem. What was your role and what was the outcome?

So I rarely face the situation where I have to work with the team. But once when I was in college, uh, I had to give a presentation with my UH partner to UH on the subjects of mutual funds. The topic was mutual funds and.So we prepared well, put it. My role was to, to, to.To collect the content and then we have to prepare for it. We present our data very nicely and we got the first position in the seminar hall in among all the participants. So I think.That was a situation when I faced while working in a team and got a good results in it.

Your answer does address the question about teamwork, but there are several areas for improvement to make it more effective and relevant, especially in an interview for a finance intern position.

### Evaluation of Your Answer:
1. Clarity and Structure: Your response lacks a clear structure. Organizing it into a situation, your specific role, and the outcome would provide more clarity.
2. Detail on Contributions: While you mentioned collecting content, it would be beneficial to elaborate on how you collaborated with your partner, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to the team's success beyond content collection.
3. Relevance to Finance: It could be more impactful if you linked the experience to skills relevant to finance, such as data analysis or understanding financial concepts.
4. Reflection on Learning: Discussing what you learned from the experience or how it shaped your collaboration skills would enhance your answer and show personal growth.

### Improved Answer Example:
“In college, I collaborated with a partner to present on mutual funds. My role involved researching and gathering relevant content, while my partner focused on the presentation design and delivery. We faced the challenge of distilling complex information into clear, engaging material. We held regular meetings to ensure our workflow was effective, and I encouraged open feedback to refine our approach. Ultimately, our teamwork resulted in us winning first place in the seminar, demonstrating not only our subject mastery but also our ability to work cohesively. This experience taught me the importance of collaboration and adaptability, crucial skills in finance.”

### Rating:
3/5 – Your answer contained the main elements but needed more structure, detail, and relevance to the finance field to be fully effective. With the suggested improvements, your response would be much stronger.