Career Path Of A Business Development Representative At William Blair
Initially intending to pursue medicine or diplomacy, Ramon's career path took an unexpected turn through a Goldman Sachs opportunity in investment management, leading to roles as an economist and investment consultant. This progression, marked by a CFA designation instead of an MBA, culminated in Ramon's current fulfilling position in business development, where they leverage analytical skills in a sales and relationship-building role, describing it as "a progression of being essentially an analysis research advisory CFA and then now into this sales World which...I love because it's all about building relationships and Partnerships".
Career Pivoting, Investment Management, CFA Designation, Sales and Relationship Building, Career Progression
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ramon Gonzalez
Business Development Representative
William Blair Investment Management
UCLA '00
n/a
Economics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Sales and Client Management
Video Highlights
1. Ramon's career path highlights a non-linear progression, starting with initial plans for medicine and diplomacy, then transitioning to finance through opportunities at Goldman Sachs and the Milken Institute. This demonstrates that career paths are often not straightforward and adaptability is key.
2. His decision to pursue the CFA designation instead of an MBA showcases an alternative route to success in investment management, highlighting that graduate degrees aren't always necessary for career advancement.
3. Ramon's journey from research and analysis to a business development role emphasizes the possibility of evolving career interests and skill sets within the finance industry, showcasing a transition from more analytical work to relationship-building and sales.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
I'm doing something vastly different now. When I went to UCLA, I thought I was going to be a doctor. Then I decided I was going to be a foreign diplomat.
Eventually, I ended up at Goldman Sachs with a contract assignment. I didn't do much in terms of internships as an undergrad because I planned to go straight to grad school.
What's great is I stumbled across a good opportunity at Goldman Sachs in Investment Management. From there, I started to work as an economist. I studied economics and French. My original plan was to be a diplomat.
I ended up in investments. Then I went on to become an economist at the Milken Institute, an economics think tank in Santa Monica. But I was enamored with the markets and wanted to go back. I didn't just want to do applied economics and economic development; I wanted to return to the market.
So, I went back to do investment consulting. At this juncture in my career, I was thinking about whether I should go back to business school. The traditional trajectory for those in investment banking or judgment is often to get an MBA and then move on to the second part of their career.
Instead, people advocated that I pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. I do have a CFA designation. Once I decided I wanted to be in investment management, or investments in general, whether it be venture capital or private equity, I knew this was all I needed.
I essentially stayed out of $100,000 of debt. From my perspective, if I had to do it over again, I probably would have gone to business school, but I also still would have done the CFA. If you are interested in staying in investments, an MBA isn't a requirement. I think the CFA has proven quite valuable in my career.
From there, I started to do investment consulting. Ultimately, I was ready to move on from research and analysis and serving as a consultant for clients. After spending a lot of time advocating for my clients at my firm, I decided to move into sales and client relationship roles.
Today, I work in business development for a firm based in Chicago, within investment management. I love it. It's been a progression from analysis, research, advisory, the CFA, and now into this sales world, which I love because it's all about building relationships and partnerships.
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