Levi Pettit, drawing from his experiences in various finance roles and his ongoing MBA studies at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School, offers valuable advice for young professionals entering the finance industry.
Pettit emphasizes the importance of being prepared and going above and beyond in job interviews. He suggests, “Suppose your college requires you to create a stock pitch, outlining the investment potential for a public company’s stock , as part of your degree program. In that case, Pettit advises putting your best effort into the endeavor — and bringing the final result to any interviews you schedule.”
He explains the rationale behind this advice: “These companies [may wonder], ‘Do you have the ability to produce a product that is going to be on par with what we expect?’ Some companies will provide training for that; but if you already have something tangible you can bring in an interview, that can go a long way with an employer.”
Once employed, Pettit stresses the importance of continuous learning and skill development. “Because the industry is so competitive once you’re employed, Pettit says young professionals should be prepared to potentially do more than what’s required to advance their careers—such as taking an online financial modeling course over the weekend to expand their skill set.”
Networking and seeking mentorship are also crucial, according to Pettit. “You’ve got to do it. You have to put yourself out there. Find mentors — I would definitely not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the mentors I have in my life.”
Lastly, Pettit advocates for in-person work experiences, especially for those just starting their careers. He states, “If I was graduating today, I would try to find something that required me to be in a seat five days a week, and make sure there was some type of team culture.”
Pettit’s advice encapsulates the importance of preparation, continuous learning, networking, and gaining hands-on experience in building a successful career in finance.