As a curious 9-year-old, I would sneak a peek from upstairs into our family dining room and saw a man who immediately commanded attention. He wore a suit, exuded importance, and carried an aura of success. This man was Kerry Givant, my parents’ financial advisor. From that moment, I knew finance was my calling.
My First Steps Into Finance
Fast forward a decade, and there I was, interning under Kerry at Merrill Lynch. This internship was my gateway into the financial world, and it solidified my passion for the industry. With the summer behind me, I returned to school more determined than ever to pursue a career in finance.
Choosing My Path in College
In college, I declared a business major with a concentration in finance. As graduation approached, I faced the daunting task of choosing a specific path within finance. Corporate finance, investment banking, management consulting, wealth management—the options seemed endless and overwhelming. After numerous info sessions and soul-searching, I set my sights on investment banking.
Breaking Into Investment Banking
Landing an internship wasn’t easy. It took months of relentless cold-calling, LinkedIn messaging, and emailing. Finally, one firm took a chance on me. I secured a summer investment banking internship, not because of my extensive knowledge but because of my persistence and drive.
Facing Setbacks and Learning from Failure
Four weeks into the internship, I faced a harsh reality check. My manager criticized my work, saying it wasn’t up to standard and that I needed to improve or risk an early termination. Sitting on my bed, heart sinking, I decided I wouldn’t let this setback define me. The next day, I walked into my manager’s office, and asked for guidance to ensure I never made the same mistakes again. Despite my efforts, the internship ended without a full-time offer.
The Job Hunt After Graduation
Entering my senior year without a job offer was tough, especially as many of my friends had secured positions. I dedicated myself to the job hunt, attending countless info sessions, studying for interviews, and applying to numerous positions. By graduation, I still hadn’t found the right opportunity.
The Breakthrough: Landing My Role at Oaktree
Then, during a graduation trip to Hawaii, I received an email from Oaktree Capital Management. They wanted to conduct an initial screening call at 8am Pacific Standard Time—5am Hawaii time. I didn’t hesitate and made myself available. The process didn’t start smoothly; for my first in-person interview arrived 15 minutes late (due to road closures). When asked about my tardiness, I thought I had blown my chance. But I explained the situation and continued the interview.
Looking Back: Growth Through Challenges
Reflecting on my previous ‘failed’ interviews, I realized they had prepared me for this moment. After multiple rounds of interviews and a super day, I landed the job at Oaktree, becoming one of the youngest employees at the firm. Staying in Los Angeles and working for a world-renowned institution felt like a dream come true. This was just the beginning, and the next 6 years would be filled with growth, learning, and new challenges.
—
Want to learn more about how I landed my job at Oaktree Capital, connect with me on LinkedIn.
