Mastering Campus Careers From CVs to Interviews

Let’s zoom out.
When you walked into your first campus career fair, the room was a buzzing hive. Every booth had someone eager to hand out a flyer, every student had a CV neatly printed on a stack of paper. The noise made it hard to focus on what really mattered—your own story and how you’d present it.

That moment captured a mix of emotions: excitement, but also the nagging doubt that maybe your CV is the wrong size, that you’re not a “perfect fit” for anyone’s role. It’s a feel many can remember: the tightness in your chest when you hand over your résumé, the hope that the hiring manager will see something they want, and the fear that you might be the odd one out.

Your résumé: the beginning of a personal investment thesis

When I left portfolio management, I thought my life had to be linear and tidy, just like the numbers in a balance sheet. But the job market can feel more like a garden than a ledger—plots you plant strategically, wait patiently, and prune when needed. Think of your CV as a mini thesis: a clear hypothesis, supporting evidence, and a well‑structured conclusion.

Narrative over bullet points
Pick one thread that ties all your experiences together. If you’re a psychology student, maybe you're curious about human behaviour in tech. Your core story should answer the question, “Why am I the right candidate for this role?” A narrative invites people to read beyond dates and job names. It turns a list of responsibilities into a story of impact.

Concrete evidence
Data matters, even in a personal story. If you’ve led a club, mention the growth numbers. If you’ve conducted research, note any papers or publications. Use numbers, but remember: the goal is to show how you added value, not to win a numbers game. You’re telling a story, not preparing for a quantitative exam. For help structuring this evidence, check out the Job Search for Students guide.

The “investment thesis” trick
Every line on your CV should be defensible. Ask yourself, if a potential employer could pull up the detail you’re presenting and verify it, would it be true? If the answer is “yes,” it’s a good line. If “no,” prune it.

The interview: your live market analysis

The interview is like a market research call, but on a smaller, personal scale. You’re looking to gauge the company’s environment and see if it fits your own “investment strategy”—i.e., your values, culture fit, and career goals.

Research before the call
In finance, we always start with macro‑analysis; the same goes here. Look at the company’s mission, recent press releases, employee reviews and any product launches. Take notes like a portfolio manager would: note the trends, the challenges, and where you can add value. It’s less about timing, more about time. Give yourself enough time to dig deep instead of rushing through a quick “I’ve always wanted to work here” line. For a deeper dive into interview prep, see the Launch Your Campus Career Strategies guide.

The situational questions
These are the “what if” scenarios that test your problem‑solving and decision‑making. Think of them as stress tests for your brain. When you answer, narrate the situation, your action, and the outcome. Finish with the lesson you learned; just as I’d note the takeaway of each trade in a journal, note the learning here. If you’re unsure, say, “I haven’t faced that exact scenario yet, but I could...”. Honesty is more valuable than a rehearsed answer.

Soft skills matter
You’ll hear employers emphasize communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Treat this as an opportunity to showcase those qualities in context. For instance, describe a project where you had to pivot quickly—how did you keep the team aligned? The stories will stick more than a list of “soft skill” buzzwords.

Salary and culture: valuing your portfolio

After the interview, your employer will often ask about your expectations. This is akin to a conversation about portfolio allocation. Both sides need to understand value: you, the candidate; they, the role.

Ask wisely
Rather than just stating a number, frame your request in terms of the value you bring. "Based on my experience leading cross‑disciplinary teams, I bring a unique skill set that can help X." The number is a by‑product, not the main point. For negotiating salary and benefits, refer to the Job Search for Students resources.

Culture as the “risk profile”
We constantly assess risk when we build an investment portfolio. Similarly, when you evaluate a company, consider risk factors: is the culture stable? Are the leadership goals aligned with your own? If the company has a risk‑averse stance on innovation but you thrive on experimentation, that mismatch might be a red flag.

Closing the loop

You might feel a mix of relief and nervousness after an interview, but the process is over only when you’ve both assessed each other thoroughly. Use the “market test” principle: look at the company's trajectory, compare it against your personal goals, and only then decide if you’re investing your time and energy. For a comprehensive playbook that ties all these pieces together, check out the Student Job Playbook.

One actionable takeaway
Before you send your CV, write a one‑page “value statement”: a concise paragraph that answers “What can I offer?” and “Why should I join you?” Treat this as your investment thesis in action. Keep it under a quarter of a page, make it human, and proofread for clarity (no jargon, no fluff). That single paragraph can differentiate you, just as a well‑crafted thesis differentiates a portfolio in a crowded market.

As we move forward, remember: crafting your campus career path isn’t a sprint; it’s more a long‑term garden. Seed it with clear purpose and patience, and watch it grow.