encouragement for today's grads

The finance industry, a perennial magnet for ambitious young talent, often appears daunting from the outside. As someone who navigated its complexities, I keenly understand the anxieties that plague today's aspiring professionals: the pervasive fear of "nepo babies" dominating key entry points into the field, and the increasingly accelerated timeline for recruitment and internships. These concerns are undeniably valid, reflecting a fiercely competitive environment that can breed significant anxiety among students and recent grads. However, from my perspective, true success in this dynamic field, even amidst these perceived barriers, hinges less on inherited connections and more on strategic preparation, deep self-awareness, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.

A recent encounter highlighted again for me this profound importance of self-awareness. I had the pleasure of being paired on the golf course with a bright young gentleman from the Midwest who, after gaining impressive experience in investment banking and hedge fund internships, made the surprising choice to spend his last college summer learning enterprise software sales in Silicon Valley. His insight struck me deeply: he recognized that his true strength lay in building trust and understanding clients, and he courageously decided to double down on that, even if it meant diverging from a more traditional internship to full-time trajectory. This adaptability and self-knowledge, I believe, are invaluable in navigating a career path that may not always be linear.

This resonated profoundly with my own early taste of finance in the summer of 2009, a period I remember as arguably the worst for Wall Street since the Great Depression. The market was in turmoil, and the industry was reeling. Despite the dire circumstances, I was so desperate for an opportunity that I willingly worked for free, starting my days at 5 AM in the supply room at Merrill Lynch (Bank of America). Even then, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, I was profoundly thankful for any chance to get my foot in the door. That experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work, resilience, and the sheer value of any opportunity, no matter how humble its beginnings.

For younger individuals today, I would emphasize that the path to joining the finance field is less about following a rigid blueprint and more about cultivating a robust internal compass. Focus on developing a strong analytical foundation, but also diligently hone your soft skills—communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Be open to unconventional paths and recognize that your unique strengths, like building client trust or mastering some niche technical specialty, might be your most valuable asset. The industry is constantly evolving; those who thrive will be the ones who embrace continuous learning, demonstrate grit, and are willing to forge their own distinct journey, rather than being deterred by external pressures or perceived limitations. From my experience, progress comes to those who are willing to start anywhere and relentlessly prove their worth.