Thursday, April 26, 2018

Why Financial Firms Recruit Non-Finance Majors


New York City-based Erin Bergano first joined Morgan Stanley as a member of the fixed income team, then transitioned into the equity side of the firm. A former resident of Glen Cove, Erin Bergano is now a campus recruiter at Ivy League schools, where she seeks out candidates who may be a good fit for Morgan Stanley.

In what may seem surprising, financial entities often look beyond an applicant’s major when hiring for entry-level positions. Leading firms like Morgan Stanley recruit not only majors in finance and business but also those in fields of study including social sciences, language, and music.

Industry experts note that humanities students often have a broader worldview and skills that go beyond the mathematical, with a more creative mindset and a greater openness to unconventional ideas. These qualities often come alongside the ability to research a topic and present it convincingly, which can translate to a competitive edge for the hiring firm.

Financial firms and banks are now reaching out to these students to make them aware of the interpersonal, societal, and persuasive aspects of a career in finance. Meanwhile, firms encourage these students to develop a grounding in the basic concepts of finance so that they can be more competitive candidates throughout the interview process.