In this edition of our Career Coach Newsletter we spotlight Aryan, a dynamic lead product manager at Yelp. Originally from Mumbai, India, Aryan has demonstrated a the ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments, making his way to significant roles at Google and Microsoft before his current position at Yelp. Embarking on his journey as an international student, Aryan navigated through cultural transitions and the challenges of building a career in a new country with remarkable strategic foresight. His experiences, ranging from overcoming visa hurdles to leveraging educational resources and internships, illuminate a path of perseverance and proactive career planning. ARYAN'S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 1. Leverage Internships for Experience: "Do as many internships as you can start early. Try different fields and then see what kind of feels the best and then you can pursue that" - Aryan emphasizes the importance of internships to gain real-world experience and understand what you enjoy doing. 2. Utilize University Resources: "I took the other approach of let me just ask for help where I can, whether that meant going to the career development center at Brown and just talking to folks there" - Aryan suggests that students should not hesitate to seek help from university career services for guidance and networking opportunities. 3. Understand Visa Constraints: "It is disheartening when you hear from a recruiter that we can't give you this interview because we don't sponsor visas" - Aryan advises international students to be aware of visa restrictions and consider targeting larger companies that are more likely to offer sponsorship. 4. Ask for Help and Network Effectively: "You should get a referral instead of applying on the website" - Networking and securing referrals are crucial, as Aryan points out, especially in industries where many things are unspoken and the traditional application process might not be as effective. 5. Be Prepared for Cultural Adjustments: "The first year is sort of like a whirlwind with a bunch of things changing all at the same time" - Aryan shares that adapting to a new cultural environment is challenging but enriching, advising students to be open and adaptable to these changes. Get weekly updates in your email: https://thecareercoach.beehiiv.com/subscribe

This week we go on a journey with Wick Waller, who has built a flourishing career in finance and banking. Wick's path to becoming a key player at a leading tech M&A investment banking firm is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic networking, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.

Navigating through the ups and downs of early career challenges, Wick leveraged each experience to build a robust skill set in finance, from internships at prestigious firms to roles that honed his expertise in investment banking. His journey highlights the importance of seizing every learning opportunity, adapting to the industry's dynamic nature, and the critical role of networking in unlocking doors to success.

Wick's story will fuel your ambition as you carve out your own path in the finance and banking sector. Remember, success in finance demands more than just academic excellence; it requires persistence, the courage to face and overcome challenges, and a continuous thirst for knowledge.

Wick’s Top 3 Career Insights:

1. Embrace Networking and Persistence: "Your network is your net worth. Treat job hunting like a full-time job; persistence is key. The difference between success and failure is often just a few more attempts." Wick illustrates the paramount importance of networking and perseverance in the finance industry. His journey shows that, "The more you’re willing to reach out, the closer you get to your goal. Remember, every no gets you closer to a yes."

2. Adaptability and Continuous Learning: "In finance, the only constant is change. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide you to new heights." Wick's success is a testament to staying adaptable and continuously updating one's skill set. "Be a lifelong learner. The most valuable asset you have is your ability to learn and apply new knowledge effectively."

3. Build a Strong Foundation in Technical Skills: "Master the basics as if your career depends on it, because it does. Understanding financial modeling, valuation, and investment banking technicals are indispensable." Wick underscores the necessity of technical proficiency in finance, advising, "Invest in your skill set; it pays the best interest. The stronger your foundation, the taller you can build your career."

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The CAREER CoachWeekly podcast & newsletter for ambitious college students looking to build successful careers.

Today we are introducing Lydia, whose career trajectory zigzags from the volleyball courts of Stanford to the high-octane world of investment banking, and onto the entrepreneurial stage where she now shines as a beacon for women in tech. Now, as a life coach, Lydia empowers women in tech to understand and work with their stress, tackle overwhelmingness head-on, and carve out careers that are as fulfilling as they are impactful. Lydia’s Top 3 Career Insights: 1. Embrace and Normalize Failure: Lydia discusses the importance of normalizing failure and mistakes as a part of one's career. She highlights that these experiences should not be taken personally but rather seen as normal and necessary steps towards growth. 2. Evaluate and Reflect: Lydia shares her strategy of evaluating herself after every significant task or event. This involves asking what went well, what didn't, and what could be done better next time. 3. Develop Resilience to Negative Feedback: Lydia advises building resilience towards rejection and negative feedback. She explains that such experiences are normal and emphasizes the importance of simplifying one’s reaction to failure. Get weekly updates in your email: https://thecareercoach.beehiiv.com/subscribe