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At the end of August, I had the privilege of spending the day with my colleagues, Brian and MaryEllen, and joining a group of amazing students on our bi-annual Success in the City program. What an incredible experience to connect with our Falcons who have flown Bentley’s nest and launched successful careers on Wall Street. Through panels and informal networking, alumni shared their experiences with our students. While there were so many words of wisdom, here are my top 10 takeaways!
- Work is the intersection of meritocracy and creativity: sometimes you need to earn the right to be creative.
- Own the Internship: your employer may give you a tool box, but you must seek out mentors, networks, & skills.
- Trust the transition to work process: yes, it’s supposed to be scary, but you will be ready!
- You add value by process improvement: it is up to you to “upskill” and then deliver on your new skills.
- Define your personal priorities: ask yourself how you will balance work demands with your personal values.
- You don’t have to have all the answers: demonstrating humility is essential in the interview process.
- Know your story: and be able to tell it in a succinct and compelling way.
- Prepared YOU: and when it comes to preparation, better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it.
- Always be open to learning. Send the message that you may not be the expert but you are there to learn.
- Remember, you must always add value: Never take that for granted.
