Poker winnings on resume

[mwgr5]

I thinking adding poker as an interest can be a plus for finance interviews. I have also been told this by many Ibankers and people in asset managment and equity research.

The key is to first explain that poker is a game of skill in the long run. By using analytical and quantitative skills, poker players can have a competitive advantage to win in the long run. Like the financial markets, poker is a volatile game. Players have to endure loosing streaks, similar to long term investors need to endure market down turns and stay the course to achieve optimal results.

Many people will also ask if you are a risk taker. Using poker, you can say you take calculated risks that are profitable in the long run. You need to analyze the risk to determine if the expected value warrants taking the risk.

Note, if you add poker to your resume be prepared to answer questions about odds. Second note, I hope you go to a target school (HYPS) and have a high GPA, because if you have no related work experience you are way behind your competition.