In this edition of our Career Coach Newsletter we spotlight Aryan, a dynamic lead product manager at Yelp. Originally from Mumbai, India, Aryan has demonstrated a the ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments, making his way to significant roles at Google and Microsoft before his current position at Yelp.

This week we go on a journey with Wick Waller, who has built a flourishing career in finance and banking. Wick's path to becoming a key player at a leading tech M&A investment banking firm is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic networking, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.

Navigating through the ups and downs of early career challenges, Wick leveraged each experience to build a robust skill set in finance, from internships at prestigious firms to roles that honed his expertise in investment banking. His journey highlights the importance of seizing every learning opportunity, adapting to the industry's dynamic nature, and the critical role of networking in unlocking doors to success.

Wick's story will fuel your ambition as you carve out your own path in the finance and banking sector. Remember, success in finance demands more than just academic excellence; it requires persistence, the courage to face and overcome challenges, and a continuous thirst for knowledge.

Wick’s Top 3 Career Insights:

1.  Embrace Networking and Persistence: "Your network is your net worth. Treat job hunting like a full-time job; persistence is key. The difference between success and failure is often just a few more attempts." Wick illustrates the paramount importance of networking and perseverance in the finance industry. His journey shows that, "The more you’re willing to reach out, the closer you get to your goal. Remember, every no gets you closer to a yes."

2.  Adaptability and Continuous Learning: "In finance, the only constant is change. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide you to new heights." Wick's success is a testament to staying adaptable and continuously updating one's skill set. "Be a lifelong learner. The most valuable asset you have is your ability to learn and apply new knowledge effectively."

3.  Build a Strong Foundation in Technical Skills: "Master the basics as if your career depends on it, because it does. Understanding financial modeling, valuation, and investment banking technicals are indispensable." Wick underscores the necessity of technical proficiency in finance, advising, "Invest in your skill set; it pays the best interest. The stronger your foundation, the taller you can build your career."

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The CAREER CoachWeekly podcast & newsletter for ambitious college students looking to build successful careers. 

Today we are introducing Lydia, whose career trajectory zigzags from the volleyball courts of Stanford to the high-octane world of investment banking, and onto the entrepreneurial stage where she now shines as a beacon for women in tech. Now, as a life coach, Lydia empowers women in tech to understand and work with their stress, tackle overwhelmingness head-on, and carve out careers that are as fulfilling as they are impactful.

Dive into this episode of The Career Coach to discover Alan's inspiring journey from a Brown University computer science grad to an AI innovator at Scale AI. Alan's narrative is not just about career development; it's a guide for embracing change, seizing opportunities, and the relentless pursuit of growth within the tech landscape. At Scale AI, Alan's work underscores the fusion of AI research with real-world applications, highlighting his commitment to pushing technological frontiers.

Meet Dani Gelb, a dynamo in the tech world and a product manager at Meta, whose career journey is as vibrant and diverse as the New York City skyline. With roots in mechanical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, Dani's path to tech was fueled by curiosity, adaptability, and a penchant for user-centric design. Her experiences offer a fresh perspective on navigating college and career transitions, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort, the power of networking, and the art of continuous learning.

In this episode, we're spilling the beans on a story that's as rich and robust as your first cup of coffee. Meet Sabra, a Silicon Valley dynamo who's cracked the code on making career moves that aren't just smart—they're soulful.

1. Turn Life into a Lab: Sabra’s all about treating life like a series of experiments. Imagine every choice as a mini-experiment, not a make-or-break decision. In her words, “start to take on experimentation as a life philosophy.” So, next time you’re eyeing a choice, think of it as your personal R&D project. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your next big thing!

2. Chase What Lights You Up, Not Just What Lights Up Your LinkedIn: In reflecting on her path, Sabra wishes she’d pursued more creative outlets in college. “I wish I had fostered many more of those creative interests in college,” she shares. Remember, your career doesn’t have to be a straight line on a resume; let it be a mosaic of what truly fascinates you. After all, the most compelling stories are the ones with a few unexpected turns.

3. Stress Less, Live More: Sabra gets real about the burnout blues and how crucial it is to manage stress and prioritize mental health. She’s a proponent of clear communication to mitigate stress, suggesting, “being proactive and communicating liberates you to just feel better.” Think of it as decluttering your mental workspace. A tidier mind equals a more productive you.

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In this episode, get ready to dive deep into the world of innovation, strategy, and career growth. This week, we're beyond thrilled to introduce Daniel Chawla as our headline speaker.

1. Internship Game Strong: Dive into those internships like it's your job because, well, someday it might be. Daniel spills, "My... internship was with BCG... I really enjoyed that internship." Internships are your sneak peek into the working world – make it count. 

2. Change Lanes if You Must: Stuck in a career cul-de-sac? Daniel’s got advice: "I ended up switching my degree partway through to something that I eventually really enjoyed." If your current path feels like a roundabout, it might be time to turn the wheel. 

3. Prep Like a Pro: Walking into an interview unprepared? Big no-no. Daniel did "about 50" mock interviews. His motto? Practice makes perfect... offers. 

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In this episode, we're spotlighting Mikenzie Ginsberg, a University of Michigan alum who's made a splash in both venture capital and tech, she is currently the Life Sciences Lead @ Palantir Technologies

1. Embrace Diverse Experiences: "I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my life. I had a number of different internships... and my third summer was when I did iXperience." Mikenzie’s path teaches us the value of exploring varied roles and industries. Each experience is a puzzle piece in the larger picture of your career.

2. The Power of Networking: “It's amazing how many people are open to a friendly chat. Have two or three short networking calls a week.” Mikenzie highlights networking as a vital tool for career growth. Regular conversations can open unexpected doors.

3. Adaptability is Key: “The tech industry is dynamic, and being adaptable is key to staying relevant.” Mikenzie’s transition from venture capital to tech leadership at Palantir showcases the importance of being flexible and open to learning.

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