I’ve worked in corporate strategy and business development at a number of different entertainment studios in Los Angeles, including Disney, Lionsgate, and Warner Brothers. Now I’m planning a career switch. I’d like to combine my interests in the media industry and financial markets, and become an investment analyst covering the media industry. Getting an MBA was the first step, and Yale SOM checked a few different boxes for me.
Yale SOM is stacked with highly regarded finance faculty, and with classes taught by respected investors like James Chanos. The facilities in Evans Hall are also top notch. I was interested in living in the Northeast, and I wanted a program outside of a big city. When I visited campus and interacted with students, they were very engaged and sang the program’s praises. I knew I’d found the right place.
I’ve been involved with the Investment Management and Finance clubs. Both bring in alumni guest speakers who are great resources for career advice. And second-year students have also been very helpful in shaping the way I approach the recruiting and career selection process.
I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in investment pitch competitions like the UNC Alpha Challenge and the Chicago Booth Investment Competition. These have been awesome training grounds for making stock pitches, which I’ve had to do as part of internship interviewing. Leveraging these competitions has been invaluable in my recruiting efforts.
Investment management doesn’t have a structured on-campus recruiting process like consulting or investment banking. It requires a more self-directed approach, which can be challenging. Yale SOM’s career resources have been a big help. I’ve taken advantage of résumé and cover letter reviews, and I’ve done more mock interviews than I can count. It’s even been helpful getting feedback from the CDO on simple things like employer email communications. The CDO also does a good job of communicating opportunities as they arise in the field, keeping us all informed.
