College Experiences That Helped a Managing Director in Corporate and Investment Banking at Wells Fargo Succeed
Eric, a Managing Director at Wells Fargo, emphasizes prioritizing academics in college, stating that "credentials matter" and provide a foundational "growth mindset." This strong academic base, combined with extracurricular activities, ultimately fuels long-term career success, more so than any single job early on.
Academic Excellence, Growth Mindset, Prioritization, Credentialing, Focus
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Eric Frandson
Managing Director, Corporate & Investment Banking
Wells Fargo
UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley, MBA
Anthropology, Sociology
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Prioritize academics and obtain strong credentials: Eric emphasizes the importance of a strong academic record as a foundation for a successful career. He highlights that while extracurricular activities are important, academic achievements provide a crucial credential that can't be taken away and can boost confidence and open doors.
2. Develop a growth mindset: Beyond grades, Eric stresses the significance of cultivating a growth mindset. The process of achieving academic success fosters a belief in one's abilities, which fuels long-term motivation and success.
3. Be present and focused during college: Eric advises students to make the most of their college years by prioritizing their studies and being fully present, rather than getting ahead of themselves and worrying about future career steps too early.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I would highlight a couple of things. First, going back to my six-and-a-half-year journey to get my four-year degree, college is an academic endeavor. Regardless of what else is going on in your life, you have to prioritize your academic scorecard.
Credentials matter. That's why people select certain universities; they know it matters. So, regardless of where you are, you've got to maximize that credential. Once you have that in hand, it's a fact no one can take away from you.
People will try to marginalize and diminish you. That credential means something. Sometimes it means something for you internally. You pull out that diploma, look at it, and think, "I did that." It gives you fuel. Other times, it helps someone else take you more seriously.
Now, you have to walk through the door, do the work, and produce. But that credential matters. When you're in college, focus on being in college. Don't get ahead of yourself; you're fine. That's what I would do: just really focus.
Along the way, the focus hopefully will produce academic credentials. But what I think really matters is the growth mindset, fueled by having evidence that you've accomplished something. That mindset will fuel you longer term.
The credential truly matters for your first job and your second job. But over time, it becomes more of a foundation for how you think about yourself. I think that's important.
All the extracurricular stuff is key too. But you have to rank-order things sometimes. That's what I would say. It's a beautiful time. Be present and focus.