When I first walked through the doors of Oaktree, I was fueled by ambition and ready to take on the world. The excitement was electric; this was the moment I had been preparing for my entire life. As an analyst, I was placed in the Special Situations, Power, and European Principal team—Oaktree’s version of private equity. This was it!
Facing the Learning Curve
But let me tell you, it wasn’t all smooth sailing from day one. The first 8 months were a steep learning curve. I had to master new processes, decode industry jargon, and navigate the diverse personalities within the team. Those early months demanded relentless patience and a work ethic that had me sacrificing happy hours for late nights at the office. What I learned during this time is that making your manager’s life easier is an optimal way to increase your chances at advancing in your career. What’s the best way to make your manager’s life easier: save them time!
Taking Initiative and Adding Value
Once I had a firm grip on my responsibilities, I began identifying ways to streamline tasks and took the initiative to propose taking ownership of certain reports and analyses. This not only freed up my manager’s time but also showcased my readiness to take on more responsibility.
The Importance of Attitude and Relationships
However, technical skills alone weren’t enough to drive my growth. I quickly learned that attitude and relationship-building are equally important. The right connections within the company can serve as your biggest advocates, helping to propel your career forward. How you engage with your colleagues, handle stress, and maintain a positive work environment—these are all crucial factors that others notice and appreciate. The work you do beyond your desk is just as vital as the work you do at it.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Seizing Opportunity
My biggest breakthrough at Oaktree came when I realized that the toughest challenges are often in your mind. Less than 2 years into my role, I found myself at a crossroads. My manager had just been promoted, and I was next in line to fill his role. The weight of stepping into a position that had been held by someone with 6 years of experience was overwhelming. Doubts swirled in my head—was I ready? Could I live up to the expectations?
For a brief moment, I considered stepping back, maybe even looking for a new job to avoid the embarrassment of potential failure. But then, I remembered what had brought me to Oaktree in the first place: resilience, determination, and the ability to just figure it out. I flipped my mindset, recalling the countless hours I had put into getting to this point. This was my shot, and I wasn’t about to let it slip away.
Achieving Promotions Through Focus and Accountability
I threw myself into the role, blocking out distractions and focusing on delivering the highest quality of work possible. Ten months later, I was promoted to Associate. Less than 2 years after that, I was promoted to Assistant Vice President, leading and managing my own team.
The Power of Accountability
Throughout this journey, one thing has remained constant: accountability. I held myself responsible for everything that happened in my career. The hard truth is that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Blaming others or indulging in self-doubt will only hold you back—be accountable for everything within your control. You can’t fail; you can only learn.
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