{"id":28806,"date":"2017-07-07T15:35:14","date_gmt":"2017-07-07T19:35:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/?p=28806"},"modified":"2017-10-09T08:25:51","modified_gmt":"2017-10-09T12:25:51","slug":"finance-and-your-future-experts-share-insights-on-career-options-at-fiu-brickell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/2017\/07\/finance-and-your-future-experts-share-insights-on-career-options-at-fiu-brickell\/","title":{"rendered":"Finance and your future: experts share insights on career options at FIU Brickell."},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Finance<\/p>\n

A spot in banking is where many finance majors land. Still, there is much more to the field, according to five professionals who spoke about their niches at the May 3, 2017 Finance Career Panel, held at Florida International University Downtown on Brickell and sponsored by the CFA Society Miami and the College of Business<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think our objective is to give back, and bring up the next generation of financial leaders,\u201d said Andrew Fehretdinov, CFO at the Incentive Technology Group, and secretary and career chair of CFA Society Miami. \u201cWe want people to have the right idea about the industry, and the different branches of finance.\u201d<\/p>\n

That can mean everything from analysis and portfolio management to research and guiding tech start-ups, according to Fehretdinov and those on the panel: FIU alumnus Andre Villarreal (BBA \u201911), research analyst with BMO TCH Global Asset Management; Bruce Kelley, senior VP and investment services manager at The Northern Trust Company, who has taught economics at FIU; Brandon Center, a J.P. Morgan associate on the Middle Market Banking team serving South Florida; and Jim Ulseth, head of investment research at WE Family Offices.<\/p>\n

Finance Department<\/a> Chair Shahid Hamid introduced the panel while reminding attendees \u2013 current students, prospective students and alumni \u2013 of the advantages of CFA certification, which involves passing a series of exams. \u201cIt\u2019s the most prestigious certification you can get in finance, and the most lucrative one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Shahid
Shahid Hamid<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meanwhile, Fehretdinov asked the panelists about their careers. \u201cWhen did you know you wanted to be in finance?\u201d he asked Ulseth. As an undergrad, sports medicine was his top choice, but then he exceled in business classes. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to make anything, but I did think I could make money out of money,\u201d Ulseth said.<\/p>\n

Turning to Villarreal, Fehretdinov asked how he would counsel those who want a job they may feel they are not yet qualified for. \u201cYou don\u2019t just fake it until you make it, you fake it until you become it,\u201d Villarreal said, adding that culturing a questioning attitude is key. \u201cCuriosity can take you places you didn\u2019t think you had the capacity to go to.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the Miami job hunt, it\u2019s \u201cchallenge accepted.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Center was asked about Miami\u2019s job landscape. It\u2019s competitive, he said, noting he was hired for his job only after applying three times. \u201cYou may have to move, be willing to turn on a dime,\u201d he said. And be persistent. \u201cIf someone tells you \u2018no\u2019 say (to yourself) \u2018challenge accepted.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n

Fehretdinov asked Ulseth what he looks for in applicants. He noted that fitting in with the corporate culture is more important than education or background.<\/p>\n

\"May<\/p>\n

Added Kelley: Don’t be afraid to admit you are just starting out. \u201cEvery employer knows you want the experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

One audience member asked panelists whether they got the opportunity they hoped for, or took what came available.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a little bit of both,\u201d Ulseth said. Early on, taking what\u2019s offered is often smart. Later, one might become more discriminating.<\/p>\n

Finally, Fehretdinov, asked Center about his typical day. For quiet time, he\u2019s at the office by 7:45 a.m. His territory stretches from Palm Beach to the Keys, requiring lots of travel, and various trips to Dallas or New York throughout the year.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere really is no 40-hour week job,\u201d Center said. \u201cIf you are going to wear the hat, wear it to the best of your ability.\u201d<\/p>\n

Attendees, like FIU alumnus (MSF \u201914) Carlos Williams left with an expanded idea of career opportunities. \u201cOverall, I think the panel was beneficial,\u201d said Williams, who works for the federal government and is considering entering the FIU Master in International Real Estate<\/a> program. \u201cThe representatives on the panel were professional, and were very knowledgeable about the subject matter.\u201d<\/p>\n