What An Investor Relations At Right Side Capital Management Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Finance Industry
Sabrina, an Investor Relations professional at Right Side Capital Management, emphasizes the crucial role of networking, stating "networking is key...always having those connections," and advises maintaining a professional demeanor because "you never know who you're sitting next to". Additionally, the interview reveals a key insight for aspiring finance professionals: licensing is not always a requirement for success within the industry.
Networking, Financial Services Industry, Career Paths in Finance, Professional Development, Licensing in Finance
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sabrina Waite
Investor Relations
Right Side Capital Management
Cal Lutheran University
NA
Business & Related, Finance
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Networking is crucial for career advancement; you never know when a chance encounter could lead to a valuable connection.
2. Don't feel discouraged if you don't have specific licenses; many successful finance careers don't require them.
3. Always maintain a friendly and professional demeanor; you never know who might be influential in your field.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
Networking is key. You never know who you might run into again down the road, and people's roles always change. So, always save those contacts and create a lasting impression with the people you meet.
Add them on LinkedIn, save them in your phone, or to your Outlook email. Staying in touch with people is important because they can always teach you a different skillset. You never know if you'll change your career later on.
Always have those connections. They could be an investor or a boss. Keep your network open and be willing to meet other people. Always be friendly and professional, because you never know who you're sitting next to.
This is true even at dinner or school. You might not know it, but the student you sit next to every day could have a parent who is the top financial advisor in your town. Throughout your life, you'll have these key moments that piece together.
There's a theory that says you're always tied to anyone in the world through six people. Think of someone famous, like Oprah. You know someone who knows someone, who knows someone, who knows Oprah through six degrees of separation. So, there's always that chain.
Networking and always being friendly and professional is really helpful. Specifically to a brokerage or an RIA in finance, you don't have to be licensed to succeed. There are many licenses for financial advisors, like the Series 7, 65, and 66, which require exams through FINRA and the SEC.
I am not licensed myself because my goal was not to be a financial advisor, but to remain in an associate role. I know many licensed colleagues and friends who thrive in the industry and love it. Don't be discouraged if taking tests is hard or if you feel you need a new license every year to keep your job.
That's great for those it works for. However, in many roles within the finance industry, you don't need to be licensed. You could work for a beauty company, a clothing brand, or a big brokerage and still succeed without passing those exams.