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Intro

I post resources on LinkedIn & Instagram and now, I'm putting everything here in your inbox every week. In college i had 7 internships and was admitted to Stanford GSB, founded HeadStart Fellowship and now i am here to help you.

This Week: How to answer “tell me about yourself”, Grad School Week, How to get your first internship free call with Oba, new free IB program

What I Wish Someone Told Me

This week's insight: "Tell me about yourself" is asking for a story, not your resume.

"Hi, I'm John. I go to State University studying business. I've been in the finance club and did two internships. I'm super excited about this role."

That's terrible. You just recited your resume. The question literally says "tell me about yourself" and you told them nothing about YOU.

Most people think this question is about credentials. It's not. It's about being memorable.

Here's how I answer it:

"Hi, I'm Oba. Spent the first half of my childhood in Nigeria, the second half in Houston. Growing up in a mainly minority neighborhood, I noticed financial literacy was a huge problem. It hit home when one of my best friends became homeless because his mom didn't have credit.

With help from teachers, I started a financial literacy club in high school. That sparked my interest in finance and led me to study it at UT Austin. My internship and experiences at UT showed me I spike on both analytical work and interpersonal skills.

That's why I'm interested in growth equity. Most finance roles keep you in spreadsheets all day. This role lets me use both my analytical strengths and people skills."

Notice the difference? Same facts, but now there's emotion. A journey. Something people can get invested in.

Interviews are about being memorable. You can't get picked if people forget you. Stories stick. Resume bullets don't.

The takeaway: Frame "tell me about yourself" as "how did you get interested in this world and how did you get here?" Then tell that story.

Don't Miss These

Sponsored by Leland:

Leland is hosting a FREE Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15-18)! 10+ virtual sessions with every step of the application process, from choosing the right programs and perfecting your essays to preparing for interviews and securing strong recommendations. Sessions will be hosted by former Admissions Committee members at top graduate schools. Click Below!

First Internship Blueprint with Oba - @Obatried 

Q&A + How to get your first internship with someone who had 7 internships

Career Strategy Call with Oba 10-60 minute strategy call with someone who landed 7 internships and got into Stanford GSB. Get the exact framework I used plus see if ongoing coaching fits your goals.

Paid Part Time Remote Jobs Platform Paid part-time remote roles paying $40 to $270 per hour across different fields. SWE to finance to teaching. 20-40 hours per week on your schedule.

Target Test Prep Exam prep I used to get into Stanford GSB

Resources This Week

Stock Pitch Examples by a former Hedge Fund Analyst

Links for additional Resources can be found HERE

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Opportunity of the week

Raymond James exploratory programs for sophomores

• Investment Banking Bootcamp (Oct-Jan)

• Career Fast Track (March/May in FL)

• Sophomore Showcase (December)

All programs offer networking, mentorship, and early access to their summer internships.

oba

lmk what you think I should write about/add to the newsletter .. i reply to all msgs. if youre new here LETS CRUSH RECRUITING.

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