Student Engagement & Resources
Current Opportunities for Finance Students
TVA Investment Challenge Program
Western Kentucky University’s students have a chance to participate in a hands-on, real-world portfolio management class as part of TVA’s Investment Challenge Program (ICP). This unique, active learning, discussion-based class empowers students to make all decisions related to a ‘real,’ 25 – 30 stock portfolio that is valued more than $500,000. As part of this experience, WKU students are competing with 24 other schools in the TVA’s service region across Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, and other states. Since inception of this program in 1998, WKU students have done a great job of beating their benchmark (S&P 500) on many occasions and have placed in the top three at least 4 different times—including in 2017, when WKU’s portfolio returns of 29.25% outperformed the S&P by over 7% and we placed third in the competition!
Step out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself and apply today! You will be notified via email if you are accepted.
Internships & Externships
Internships are an investment in your future! They provide an opportunity for you to meet those who are currently working in the field. They provide you with the chance to see what is involved in a typical workday. Through meaningful real-world experiences and networking, internships provide you with a strong foundation for your career and a strong competitive advantage for future employment. While internships are not required for graduation, it is highly recommended that you complete at least one internship. In fact, 81% of business students nationwide have completed at least one internship experience. Internships are a great way for college students or recent graduates to obtain valuable career related experience. Internships can prepare you for the demands of today's workforce by allowing you to:
- explore a career path
- network
- gain meaningful real-world work experience
- develop and refine skills
- gain confidence
- build your resume
- have a competitive advantage for future employment after graduation
Internships are usually paid positions. Most of our students work part-time during the semester, and full-time during the summer. The amount paid varies. Internships can be for credit or not-for-credit experiences. Both types of internships are available to our students. Most students do not schedule internships for credit, as they already possess enough other credit hours to meet their degree requirements; however, if you are interested in gaining college credit for your internship experience, view the FIN 440 - Internship in Finance requirements.
Supervised work with a cooperating organization that provides financial services and products to the public. Note: Admission to departmental cooperative program required.
For students undertaking for-credit internships, a minimum of 300 working hours are required (although students are encouraged to go beyond the minimum, as opportunities are present). An internship plan, daily activity log, interim reports and a final verbal and written presentation about the internship is required of the student.
Prerequisite(s): FIN 330 Principles of Finance
Finding an internship and building a career can be a daunting task. We are here to
help!
Need Help finding an internship?
Let Mrs. Duvall, Internship Coordinator, assist you today!
Learn More
Handshake is a modern platform for college recruiting. Looking for an internship or full-time job and don't know where to begin? Handshake is here to help.
Check online employment sites. Most finance-related jobs are posted on one or more of the major employment websites.
Join the Finance Department Listserv
Subscribe to the "FinCurrently Enrolled" listserv to receive email updates from the
Finance Department.
Research Companies Online
Identify industries, firms and organizations where you believe you would like to work. Then visit the websites of those firms or organizations, as internship and job opportunities are often posted on firms' websites.
WKU Finance Faculty invest in your success by providing guidance and support.
The finance faculty are here to assist you with career and industry related questions.
Be sure to view the Finance Department's list of full-time employment, internship and scholarship opportunities and internships offered to students in the Gordon Ford College of Business.
Professional Development Opportunities
Preparing students for entry into the professional business environment is an important focus of the Department of Finance and the Gordon Ford College of Business. There are several activities designed to help you bridge the gap between the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and the demands of today's workforce. These activities give students experience, information and assistance in the following areas:
- Networking through attending conferences and symposiums
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Hone your interview skills
- Securing internships and full-time employment after graduation
- Creating Resume and cover letter
- Career awareness and exploration through field trips to firms, banks and corporation
Let us help you on your journey to the top by taking part in the following services, events or activities!
Sign up for these opportunites as they are offered this is a great way to gain greater insight into the typical working environments of financial professionals and a good opportunity to network.
The WKU FPA Association works with national organization to prepare college students on their journey to becoming financial advisors.
Join the WKU Student Chapter of FMA and attend their meetings. Frequent guest speakers provide insight into careers of financial professionals.
Need help composing your resume and cover letters, or tips on searching for a job or internship? Contact Mrs. Browning today!
PEAK gives students the Professional Education and Knowledge needed for career success.
Take part in practice interviews. Both the PEAK program (at a special time each year) and the Center for Career & Professional Development (throughout the semester) offer practice interviews and more.
The Center provides a unique opportunity for you to receive feedback on your delivery technique, structure/flow and transitions, along with helpful instructions for Mediasite setup, and trouble shooting suggestions.
The purpose of the Center is to provide you with a secure location to practive and improve your skills before submitting your final project to your professor.
The Writing Center offers individual conferences about writing with our staff of English majors and graduate students. Services are available to all Western Kentucky University students.
Student Organizations
The Department of Finance has two professional student organizations, the Financial Management Association and the Financial Planning Associaton. Regardless of major, all WKU students are welcome to join. For campus-wide Student Activities, visit The Department of Student Activities.
Let Finance Student Organizations help you:
- Stand out from the crowd
- Improve your leadership and networking skills
- Keep-up-to-date on the latest in Finance
- Find your financial career path
- Get answers to your career questions
- Develop professionally
- Learn what skills are needed to secure an internship or full-time employment
Financial Planning Association
The Financial Planning Association® is the national membership organization for CFP®
professionals. We are a student chapter working together with the national organization
to prepare college students in their journey to becoming financial advisors. Our chapter
allows members to gain insights to the industry, connect with local planners, and
also provides volunteering opportunities.
Financial Management Association
FMA is a professional organization of financial executives, analysts, professors and students who live and work in New York Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Hong Kong, London and Montreal - and all around the world. FMA is the ONLY organization that has been successful in bringing together students, professors and professionals for their mutual benefit. Membership in FMA establishes you as an integral part of a growing network of finance practitioners.
The Gordon Ford College of business is a top business school with dual AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting programs.
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