Significant Career Lesson From A Managing Director At O Asset Management
Trevor, Managing Director of Quantitative Strategies at O Asset Management, credits strong networking as the most significant lesson learned in their career, stating that "connecting people has been by far the most valuable thing." This advice, instilled by a mentor at PARC, proved crucial, as their first two jobs resulted directly from professional relationships rather than formal applications.
Networking, Career Development, Job Search, Communication, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Trevor Richardson
Managing Director, Quantitative Strategies
O Asset Management
Arizona State University
M.S. Computer Science at Arizona State University
Engineering - Industrial
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing), Technology
Data and Analytics
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Networking is crucial for career advancement: Trevor's career progression significantly benefited from strong relationships built through internships and collaborations, highlighting the importance of networking beyond academic pursuits.
2. Proactive relationship building is key: He emphasizes the value of connecting with peers, professors, and colleagues, suggesting that students should actively cultivate their professional network during their studies.
3. The importance of networking surpasses technical skills: Trevor explicitly states that networking has been more valuable than acquiring technical skills like linear algebra in his career, underscoring the significance of soft skills and professional relationships.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I have to give a shout out to Advise for this one. The most important lesson I've learned in my career is to value your network.
I learned that from the head of the AI lab at the Palo Alto Research Center. He really instilled how important that was to me, and it's benefiting me immensely to this day.
My first two jobs didn't come through cold applications; they came through my network. My first job was because I put a resume on the table of someone I knew and had worked with before during an internship.
My second job was because the client I was working for liked my work and wanted to hire me. So, building those relationships and trust amongst your peers and your cohort is crucial.
Don't just do heads-down work in your degree. Pick your head up and get to know your classmates. Really double down on getting to know your professors and everyone at your organization.
When you're an intern, your network means the world. That's why Advise is doing what they're doing. I really think what y'all are doing is so great.
Connecting people has been by far the most valuable thing that's happened to me, more so than learning linear algebra.