Last week the Financial Times published my thoughts on the pressures young financial professionals face at work and the culture of long hours in the industry.
As someone with experience in both asset management and education, I’ve seen that critical skills like leadership, decision-making, and resilience can be developed in alternative environments and non-traditional career paths.
This summer, I returned to lifeguarding on the Jersey Shore and witnessed firsthand how unplugging and engaging with real-world challenges can shape young people in ways that office-bound internships often can’t.
If your student didn’t land a Wall Street internship, don’t worry—there are many ways to build experience and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.
My journey started in Wildwood Crest NJ as an ocean lifeguard then as a history major at the University of Vermont, ending with one summer as an accounts payable intern with a semiconductor company.
Eight years before joining Goldman Sachs, I built my financial experience and acumen at two wonderful financial services firm, neither traditional.
Like the majority of employees at Goldman, I began as an experienced hire, and found my way to Wall Street after cutting my teeth in Midtown and Main Street.
Arriving eight years after graduating college gave me something I didn't have when I left Burlington, perspective.
It wasn't much, but it was enough to understand what I wanted in an employer.
Although Goldman was a good company, it wasn't for me. So when my former colleagues called and asked if I would be interested in continuing to grow that boutique I started with in 2003 into something bigger, I understood that was the career I wanted.
As a friend wrote before me, I realized I wanted to build the ladder rather than climb it.
It's not about choosing between Wall Street and the beach; it's about finding experiences that build resilience and character, wherever they may be.
You can find the article at the link below.
Although the title of the article is the FT's, the thoughts are mine.
To the countless parents and students who have reached out to me since publication here and in The Philadelphia Inquirer, thank you.
You'll get where you need to be even if it's with some stops along the way.
I recommend making the beach one of them 🌊
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER AT INDIFI TECHNOLOGY PVT LTD.
2moAmeriprise Financial Services, LLC I want to become a part of your family. So give me golden opportunity to work with you. My Dream☀️