Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we've compiled answers to our most commonly asked questions, especially for Duke students interested in joining Scale & Coin in an upcoming recruiting cycle. If you have any additional questions not on this page, please feel free to contact us!
Recruitment
How many new members do you take each semester?
Traditionally, we take about 20-25 new trainees each semester.
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How does the recruitment process work?
Each recruitment cycle will take place over two weeks and rounds! The first round will include information sessions and many large-group events to allow you to meet as many members as possible. The second round, which is invite-only, will primarily include small-group events and workshops, preparing you for a final interview.
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When is recruitment?
We will have two recruitment cycles each year: at the start of the fall semester and a few weeks into the spring semester. Follow @scaleandcoin on Instagram for updates on recruitment timelines.
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What are recruitment interview like?
The interview at the end of the Scale recruitment process will typically consist of behavioral questions and a so-called "Fermi" question seeking to evaluate your thinking process on an unfamiliar topic. Sophomore applicants may face additional questions regarding their technical backgrounds.
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Are there any requirements for joining Scale & Coin?
Recruitment is typically open to first- and second-year students. However, under certain circumstances (transfer students, in particular), juniors may be allowed to recruit. We have no requirements for backgrounds/majors, prior experiences, or anything else, and we encourage everyone interested to apply!
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Where do I get information about Scale & Coin?
For recruitment and general news, the Scale & Coin Instagram account (@scaleandcoin) will have the most up-to-date information. For other information about the organization as a whole, this website (www.scaleandcoin.com) will be the best resource. If you have any additional questions about items not covered, please reach out to us!
New Member Education & Training
How does New Member Education work?
Following recruitment, our selected trainees will undergo an 8-week New Member Education ("NME") training program featuring a series of presentations and teach-ins. The program is designed to help trainees gain exposure and applicable skills in a wide variety of finance-adjacent industry tasks and become part of a community with each other and the Scale & Coin organization as a whole.
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What is the big/little process like?
Mentorship is a core tenet of Scale & Coin, and should you choose to join, the entire network of members and alumni will be available to you. On top of that, each new member, once inducted, will have the opportunity to choose a direct mentor, or a "big," who will be a close professional and social connection at Duke. Members will also be able to take on mentees (or "littles") in future semesters.
Staying Involved
What are the different leadership roles in Scale?
Leadership is an excellent way for our members to stay involved following their initiation! The executive team at Scale & Coin consists of the President and a board of vice presidents, who each manage a distinct department within the organization. Each of these departments will have 1-3 chairs, who will be responsible for managing the day-to-day tasks, coordinating with the VPs, and working to execute the VPs' vision for that semester.
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How do you apply to be a chair or VP?
Once you have completed our NME training process, you can apply to be a chair for the next semester for the VPs' consideration. VPs are selected by election (with all members aside from recently inducted trainees eligible) and will serve for the semester (with the exception of the President and the Executive VP, who serve for a whole year).