HELP!—– Will criminal record prevent me from getting Finance job after college?
Dec 26, 2010 in
Finance FAQs
I am a 21 year old college sophomore.
When I was 18-19 I got into a bunch of trouble. DUI, fighting, marijuana,etc. but since then I have straightened up and began to focus on college. I am majoring in Accounting and Finance and plan on pursuing an MBA after I graduate. Will my past arrests stop me from getting a good job with a bank or finance firm??? What can I do to make up for my mistakes??
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5 comments
pommaid on December 26, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Hi there -
After you graduate, you’ll only have to wait a couple of more years until the record is no longer reportable. Most organizations cannot retrieve records older than 7 years (if they are government affiliated, 10 year is generally the maximum).
While you can’t do anything to "make up" for your mistakes, just be patient until the 7 years has elapsed. Don’t be discouraged!!
I wish you the best of luck :)
rcjr65 on December 26, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Most likely yes. I cant think of any finacial career without an extensive background. I am in the finance industry and I hire. email me if you are interested and we can discuss your situation
Eric G on December 26, 2010 at 6:22 pm
You might want to consider springing the cash for a sit-down with a lawyer. Depending on your state, there’s a good chance they can have your record sealed from any non-government agencies.
bostonianinmo on December 26, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Criminal convictions will remain on your record for life, especially those "earned" as an adult. In some states it MAY be possible to have certain misdemeanor convictions expunged from your record, however a felony is forever. Only a couple of states will expunge a felony conviction and those that do have very strict rules and restrictions, including a LONG period of exemplary behavior since the conviction. Even then, only some felonies are eligible.
A criminal background check is standard practice in the finance industry and is mandatory in banking. There is no such thing as a "7 year rule" as suggested by another poster. Every adult conviction will show on the background check for the rest of your life.
Your best bet by far would be to sit down with an attorney as another respondent suggests and see what, if anything, can be done. If a conviction can be expunged, he or she can guide you on the process. Keep in mind that in most states, an expungement will hide the conviction from your public record but it will always be available to law enforcement and the courts. If any position you are applying for requires a security clearance, you MUST divulge the conviction and the expungement as both will show up when they run the BI, NAC check, SBI or SSBI. (And failure to disclose it on a security clearance application is a crime in and of itself.)
Mya1500 on December 26, 2010 at 6:22 pm
You can contact an attorney to have the criminal charges expunged or seal. If you can keep your head and feet clean until you get your BS degree, do it then. This is because you will be close to 25 yo and show that you have stayed clean for six-seven years.
Check out Expungement laws in your state.
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