Calvin, Financial Analyst at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab): Advize Career Interview

A career journey beginning with a double major in business economics and communication studies at UCLA led to a fulfilling role as a Financial Analyst at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The path included diverse experiences, such as internships, consulting roles, and temporary work, all contributing to a current position focused on budget analysis and ensuring projects stay on track.

A typical day involves data analysis, presentations, and collaboration, demanding strong quantitative and communication skills. The most rewarding aspect is the mission-oriented purpose, contributing to society's benefit.

Challenges include navigating internal politics and communicating complex financial information clearly. The government-funded research environment offers stability, competitive compensation, and work-life balance.

Success in this field requires a desire to learn, and patience is key for navigating the steep learning curve. Entry-level positions include financial analysis, business analysis, data analysis, and accounting.

The most significant career lesson learned was identifying unsuitable work environments and prioritizing work-life balance. College students should embrace diverse experiences to gain valuable skills and shape their career paths.

A strong sense of community has developed among colleagues, creating a supportive and inclusive professional environment.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Calvin Lau

Financial Analyst

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab)

UCLA 2012

N/A

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Business Management & Admin

Government

Finance

Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, LGBTQ

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Career Path of a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab

Calvin's career path, beginning with a double major in business economics and communication studies at UCLA, involved diverse experiences including "a few different internships and odd jobs," followed by temporary work and roles as an airport consultant and a project controller consultant for Deloitte. These experiences ultimately led to Calvin's current fulfilling position as a financial analyst at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, a role where the prior jobs provided valuable learning and growth.

Career Path of a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab

Main Responsibilities of a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab

Calvin's role as a Financial Analyst at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory involves "budget analyst" responsibilities, ensuring projects finish "in time and on budget." Instead of directly managing project funding, Calvin's focus is on overseeing the division's annual budget allocation, assisting departments in staying within their assigned funds.

Main Responsibilities of a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab

A Day in the Life of a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab

A Financial Analyst's work at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is "pretty structured and regimented," with a monthly cycle involving data analysis ("crunching a lot of data, doing spreadsheet analysis"), presentations to managers and department heads, and reviewing cost trends. The work involves a mix of independent analysis and collaborative discussions, culminating in a final week addressing "loose ends" and ad-hoc projects.

A Day in the Life of a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab

Most Important Skills For A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab

For a financial analyst at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, strong quantitative skills—"a good head for numbers," including "number crunching and analytical skills"—are paramount. Equally crucial are excellent communication skills, encompassing both oral presentations and clear written communication, demonstrated through organized emails and presentations.

Most Important Skills For A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab

Favorite Parts Of Being A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab

Calvin, a Financial Analyst at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, finds the most fulfilling aspect of the role to be its "mission-oriented purpose," a stark contrast to previous for-profit work. This allows Calvin to feel like they are "providing a benefit to society" and being a "cog in a machine" that has meaning beyond profit.

Favorite Parts Of Being A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab

Calvin's biggest challenge as a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab involves navigating "politics" and understanding "what you can accomplish versus what is constrained," a common theme across Calvin's career. A further challenge unique to this role is effectively communicating complex financial information to a non-financial clientele, requiring "translating" concepts for better understanding.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Government Industry As A Financial Analyst

Calvin, a Financial Analyst at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, appreciates the "Mission driven and oriented" nature of government-funded research, prioritizing purpose over profit. The stability, competitive compensation package including pension and healthcare, and "great work-life balance" are also significant draws for this career path.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Government Industry As A Financial Analyst

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Research Industry, According To A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab

Financial Analyst Calvin at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory highlights a "desire to learn more about the organization, the industry, and research" as crucial for success. This is exemplified by high employee retention and internal mobility, with individuals leveraging "institutional knowledge" to grow within the organization.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Research Industry, According To A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab

What a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab wishes they had known before entering the Financial industry

Calvin, a Financial Analyst at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, advises aspiring professionals to cultivate patience and self-belief when entering similar roles, stating that "it can be quite challenging and there is a pretty steep learning curve". The interviewee emphasizes overcoming imposter syndrome and trusting in one's abilities to succeed.

What a Financial Analyst at Berkeley Lab wishes they had known before entering the Financial industry

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Financial Analysts at Berkeley Lab

Entry-level roles for undergraduates in Calvin's field, financial analysis, include "financial analysis," "business analyst," "data analyst," and "accountant." Even starting with temporary work or staffing agencies, as Calvin did, can provide valuable experience and eventually lead to a desired career path.

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Financial Analysts at Berkeley Lab

Significant Career Lesson From A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab

Calvin's most significant career lesson is discovering "what you don't like," illustrated by their experience at Deloitte, where intense work and pressure led to unhappiness. This realization highlighted the importance of identifying unsuitable work environments and making changes for a better work-life balance.

Significant Career Lesson From A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab

College Experiences That Helped A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab Succeed

To prepare for a successful career, Calvin suggests exploring diverse experiences and roles during college, emphasizing "trying on new hats and trying new things." This approach facilitates personal and professional growth, providing valuable skills and resume material for future interviews and internships, ultimately shaping one's career path.

College Experiences That Helped A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab's Career

As a member of the LGBTQ community, Calvin's experience at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has fostered "closer relationships with colleagues," particularly those from other marginalized groups, leading to a more open and vulnerable professional environment. This connection has resulted in stronger bonds and friendships built on shared experiences.

How Identity Has Influenced A Financial Analyst At Berkeley Lab's Career

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-lau-5a329157/