Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Analysts at Propy
To follow Tanya's path to VP Business Development, aspiring professionals should consider analyst or researcher roles, and not feel discouraged if investment banking isn't the first step, as "every company needs a finance person" and smaller firms can offer valuable hands-on experience. The burgeoning crypto industry also presents unique opportunities for recent graduates to enter at higher levels, particularly if they possess strong soft skills and a willingness to learn, as Tanya emphasizes that "the industry is very new" and values coachability.
Entry-Level Opportunities, Financial Analysis, Real Estate Finance, Cryptocurrency Industry, Career Advice
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Tanya Solati
VP Business Development
Propy
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
University of Miami MSF
Finance
Education, Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Business Strategy
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level finance positions like analyst or researcher are great starting points, and don't feel limited to investment banking, which is a common misconception.
2. Gaining hands-on experience in a smaller company can be more valuable than working in investment banking, as it offers opportunities to be involved in executive meetings and due diligence processes.
3. The crypto industry is new and growing, offering opportunities for recent graduates to be hired as directors or associates, with soft skills and coachability being highly valued.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate or graduate student might consider to be in your shoes someday?
When it comes to finance, an analyst or researcher role would be a great starting point. In college, I believed I had to start with investment banking to be successful, but that's a complete myth that many students get wrong.
You don't need to begin in investment banking. While it's a difficult field to enter, one path to it could be becoming an analyst at a real estate firm that needs help with deal due diligence. The great thing about finance is that you can be an analyst anywhere; every company needs a finance person.
So, if you don't land a job at a major investment bank like JP Morgan or Morgan Stanley, don't give up or get disappointed. There are numerous other companies out there. Honestly, working at a smaller company where you gain hands-on experience and attend executive team meetings can be more valuable than working in investment banking.
I'm not saying investment banking isn't valuable, because it absolutely is. However, I want students to know that not getting investment banking internships didn't end my world, and it won't end theirs either. Start as an analyst or researcher. If you don't get into the big banks, don't be discouraged; everything will work out. Going to a smaller firm is a good option.
Regarding the crypto industry, it's very new. Someone fresh out of college could be hired as a director, or perhaps an associate, just because the industry is so new. This is where soft skills become important. If you're easy to work with, coachable, and can get along with anyone, people in the crypto industry will want you.
Because the industry is new and growing as we grow, you can probably pursue almost any job. The crypto industry is hiring a lot right now, presenting many opportunities. It simply requires wanting it, putting in the time and effort, and being coachable.