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Zachary, Financial Analyst II at General Atomics: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from restaurant work and sales to a Financial Analyst II position at General Atomics is highlighted in this interview.
The path involved roles at Forin, a tech startup, and a recruiting firm, building a strong foundation in soft skills and financial analysis.
The General Atomics role focuses on cost validation and budgeting, requiring attention to detail, strong Excel skills, and effective communication. A hybrid work schedule and supportive management contribute to a positive work-life balance.
The biggest challenge is mastering the intricacies of defense manufacturing, which involves continuous learning across different departments.
The interviewee finds the industry fascinating and recommends exploring entry-level accounting or cost analyst positions, internships, and leveraging college resources like investment clubs to gain practical experience and learn the importance of adaptability and strong relationships.
The most significant career lesson learned is the value of "learning how to learn," a skill crucial for success in this dynamic field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zachary Droppa
Financial Analyst II
General Atomics
CSUS
N/A
Business Management & Admin, Finance
Aerospace & Defense
Finance
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics
Zachary's career journey began with restaurant work alongside junior college and Sacramento State studies, where a sales job helped develop "soft skills." This experience led to a cost analyst role at Forin, followed by positions at a tech startup, a recruiting firm, and ultimately, Zachary's current role as a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics.
Main Responsibilities Of A Financial Analyst II At General Atomics
Zachary's main responsibilities as a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics center on ensuring "the costs that the company are paying for are valid and being allocated to the right place," and that budgeting is accurate. This involves reviewing and approving major cost requests to prevent overspending and ensure valid expenses.
A Day in the Life of a Financial Analyst at General Atomics
Zachary, a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics in the defense sector, describes a workday focused on "costing," involving tasks such as approving purchase requisitions and purchase orders. This work includes collaborating with other departments to ensure accurate forecasting and prevent unexpected costs, highlighting the crucial role of financial analysts in resource management within a large organization.
Most Important Skills for a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics
A Financial Analyst II at General Atomics highlighted the importance of "attention to detail" and strong "excel skills" for the role. The interviewee also emphasized the necessity of "soft skills," such as effective communication and teamwork, in a collaborative work environment.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Financial Analyst II At General Atomics
Zachary's enjoyment of his Financial Analyst II role at General Atomics stems from a supportive "hands-off" manager and a beneficial hybrid work schedule offering "work-life balance" and flexibility. The positive work environment and schedule contribute to a strong sense of mental well-being.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Financial Analyst At General Atomics
Zachary's biggest challenge as a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics is not the technical work itself, but rather "understanding the intricacies of manufacturing" within a new industry. This necessitates continuous learning across various departments—engineering, operations, sustainment, and customer success—to fully grasp the company's operations and avoid stagnation.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Defense Manufacturing As A Financial Analyst II
Zachary, a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics, finds the "fascinating work" in defense manufacturing most enjoyable, describing it as a "big industry...very practical" and a new, important area of learning for the professional. The work with government contractors and the government directly adds to the appeal.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Finance Industry, According To A Financial Analyst At General Atomics
Zachary, a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics, highlights that success in finance requires a genuine enjoyment of "company's funds," strong technical skills, particularly in Microsoft products like Excel and PowerPoint, and excellent communication—being "very transparent and honest." The ability to effectively communicate challenges is crucial for navigating the complexities of the field.
What a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics Is Learning While Entering the Finance Industry
Responding to the question about unforeseen aspects of the Financial Analyst II role at General Atomics, Zachary candidly admitted, "I don't really have a good answer...because I'm still learning the industry," suggesting a need for more time to develop a comprehensive perspective on the career. The response highlights the ongoing learning process inherent in early career stages.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Financial Analysts
Entry-level finance roles for undergraduates include junior accounting positions—a great way to "get your foot in the door"—and cost analyst roles. Securing internships with large financial companies offering analyst positions is also a valuable pathway, with the speaker emphasizing the importance of gaining "hands-on knowledge" early in one's career.
Significant Career Lesson From a Financial Analyst at General Atomics
Zachary, a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics, identifies "learning how to learn" as the most significant career lesson, emphasizing the importance of an "open mind" and efficient learning for picking up new things easily. This adaptability is clearly a crucial skill for success in a constantly evolving professional field.
College Experiences That Helped A Financial Analyst II At General Atomics Succeed
Zachary's involvement in the Student Investment Club at Sacramento State, managing "just over a million dollars of the school's money," provided valuable financial experience. Furthermore, sales experience significantly improved their professional communication and relationship-building skills, a crucial aspect of learning and succeeding in their career, as "it's important to have a really good relationship with the person who you're trying to learn from."
Financial Analyst II at General Atomics Career Path
Sacramento State's Student Investment Fund provided Zachary, a Financial Analyst II at General Atomics, with "practical knowledge about finance" and experience in a "business organization," significantly impacting their career path. The experience was so positive that Zachary recommends students "access as many different programs that you can" to maximize their college experience.
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