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Zach, Assistant Vice President at Fortune 100 Bank: Advize Career Interview
A highly successful Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 bank, this individual's career journey is a testament to adaptability and strategic growth.
After an unconventional start at Amazon, followed by roles at Charles Schwab and Morgan Stanley, a strong work ethic and leadership skills propelled their ascent.
The interview reveals the importance of soft skills, particularly in finance, alongside the value of a strong network built through shared experiences.
A small-town upbringing unexpectedly honed communication and confidence, leading to success in navigating challenging roles managing large teams.
The interview also highlights the significance of patience, consistent decision-making, and the development of soft skills through both academic and extracurricular activities, offering invaluable insights for students considering a career in finance.
The individual's emphasis on mentorship and a passion for helping others further underscores a fulfilling and impactful career path.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zach Bransky
Assistant Vice President
Fortune 100 Bank
University of Arizona
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey, MBA
Finance
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Greek Life Member
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Career Path of an MBA Student at Charles Schwab
Zach's most impactful WP Carey experience was the "close bond" formed with their cohort, forged through the shared "trauma bonding" of balancing full-time work at Charles Schwab with a demanding MBA program. This strong connection persists years later, exemplified by an invitation to a classmate's wedding where Zach was even entrusted with carrying the cake.
Main Responsibilities of an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 Bank
After graduating from the University of Arizona with a finance degree and completing a sales internship, Zach took an unexpected career path, becoming an area manager at Amazon despite lacking the typical experience. This led to roles at Charles Schwab, where they pursued an MBA, then Morgan Stanley, culminating in their current Assistant Vice President position managing a team of approximately 80, showcasing a flexible and growth-oriented approach to career progression marked by strategic pivots and "double promotions."
A Day in the Life of an Assistant Vice President at Morgan Stanley
Zach, an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 bank, describes their middle office team as providing "extra support" for ultra high net worth clients, managing risk for approximately 80 representatives. Day-to-day responsibilities involve "a lot of ad hoc, kind of like big picture stuff," strategic work, approvals, and people management, collaborating closely with leadership.
Most Important Skills for an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 Bank
A day for this Assistant Vice President involves "a lot of day-to-day approval stuff," leveraging extensive licenses and an MBA, alongside significant people leadership, mentoring, and career advice for a team of 80. This role also includes "a lot of big picture like projects and strategic things," particularly given the newness of the department.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Assistant Vice President At A Fortune 100 Bank
Zach, an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 bank, emphasizes that "soft skills," such as "the ability to get people to like you," are paramount for career advancement in finance, outweighing technical skills because "most folks can be trained to do the job well."
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 Bank
Zach, an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 bank, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role is "the people side," helping colleagues with self-development and navigating difficult situations such as bankruptcies or regulatory issues; this aligns with a lifelong passion for developing others.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Banking Industry as an Assistant Vice President
Zach's biggest challenge as an Assistant Vice President stems from rapid career progression, resulting in "folks...coming to [him] with issues and for mentorship," a situation requiring careful attention to detail to maintain trust. This challenge, experienced across roles at Morgan Stanley and Amazon, underscores the importance of building credibility when occupying leadership positions unexpectedly early in one's career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Banking, According To An Assistant Vice President At A Fortune 100 Bank
Zach, an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 bank, finds the investment side of the industry most enjoyable, sharing a personal interest in "trading stocks." The work also provides valuable insights into personal financial planning, highlighting how "retirement accounts work" and ultimately guiding individuals towards a better financial future.
What an Assistant Vice President at a Big Bank Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Banking Industry
Success in the financial services industry hinges on a combination of strong soft skills and the ability to "battle your way out" from entry-level positions like call centers, often requiring three to five years of dedication. Passing licensing exams, such as the Series 7, and demonstrating meticulous "attention to detail" are also crucial for career advancement within the field.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Assistant Vice Presidents in Big Banks
Zach, an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 bank, emphasizes the importance of patience and making "good decisions" in navigating a career in finance, referencing Malcolm Gladwell's *The Tipping Point* to illustrate how consistent, sound choices yield positive long-term outcomes. The accumulation of these decisions, rather than immediate success, is key to career progression.
Significant Career Lesson From an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 Bank
Entry-level positions in investment banking often favor students from target schools like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and USC, with high GPAs and extensive extracurricular involvement, as noted by Assistant Vice President Zach. Alternatively, a more common path involves starting with a phone-based role and working upwards, gaining experience before pivoting to a better position within the industry.
College Experiences That Helped an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 Bank Succeed
Zach, an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 bank, emphasizes the importance of "patience with yourself," countering the unrealistic portrayals of rapid career success on social media. The lesson learned is that "it can take a little bit of time" to achieve significant career advancement, highlighting the need for self-improvement and perseverance.
How Identity Influenced An Assistant Vice President's Career At A Top Bank
Zach, an Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 bank, emphasizes the importance of extracurricular involvement in college, stating that "getting involved on campus is really helpful" for developing crucial soft skills and leadership experience. This, the interviewee suggests, provides valuable transferable skills applicable to future roles, enabling one to "think back to things" learned in college leadership positions when assuming professional leadership roles.
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