Guidance from Wall Street's Up-and-Comers on Securing a Financial Career

Sarah Naylor of Citadel Securities, Nikunj Jain of Bridgewater, and Catherine Kress from BlackRock share insights.

Transitioning into a career in finance has always been stiff with competition; today, it's particularly challenging. Future financiers are beginning as early as their undergraduate studies to lock in internships that can pave the way.

Business Insider engaged with its 2025 Wall Street Rising Stars—all under the age of 35—for their perspectives on how students can chart their course to success in finance. For roles defined by mergers, acquisitions, or strategic financial stakes, embodying traits like eagerness to learn, perseverance, and seeking guidance from mentors are key themes.

Initiating Networks and Establishing Connections

Effective networking can be crucial in any industry, more so in finance. Mohini Chakravorty of Blackstone advocates opening these gateways during college, leveraging the existing alumni and club networks.

Chakravorty points out that the small insights from various discussions and research help refine what appeals to you. This promotes clarity on your professional direction.

JPMorgan's Jack Levendoski reinforces this, highlighting that innovative approaches in reaching out can create opportunities. For instance, receiving a personalized letter from a student with similar experiences left a mark.

Inner Reflection: Pursuit over Prestige

It's important to pursue personal interests indicating genuine enthusiasm, rather than merely following the herd. Christian Woo of Bank of America advises students to focus on building valuable skills and seeking roles that align with their daily professional vision.

Sarah Naylor suggests prioritizing environments that promote growth and learning over the allure of titles or remuneration, as knowledge remains the most significant asset early in one's career.

Discover Your Professional Community

Finance thrives on teamwork, notes JPMorgan's Florian Plath, making it essential to work alongside peers who share mutual respect and enthusiasm.

Goldman Sachs' Jake Woodson shares that sustaining high performance over the long haul requires genuine passion for both the craft and collaborators.

Mentorship's Impact

Connecting with the right individuals goes beyond job acquisition—it can define your career path. Alex Park cites a senior team member from Columbia University as a pivotal influence in his journey to investment banking. Park emphasizes identifying inspiring figures and cultivating relationships with them.

Unwavering Determination and Concentration

Nikunj Jain's story of rising to head of Asia research at Bridgewater Associates underscores the significance of dedication and determination. Jain asserts that committing fully to a single ambition has been his key.

Lamar Cardinez of Blue Owl stresses envisioning one’s ultimate career milestones and employing backward planning to ensure necessary skills are developed.

Advice for New Entrants in Finance

After stepping into the sector, learning becomes paramount. Many rising stars advocate being receptive and continuously expanding one’s knowledge. GTCR's Natalie Lamberton advises adopting a ‘sponge-like’ attitude.

Patrick Kearney of Apollo suggests embracing curiosity while maintaining a questioning mindset. Aman Mittal and Catherine Kress emphasize mastering the fundamentals of your responsibilities as these become foundations for larger opportunities.

Madalaine O'Connell of BlackRock encourages focus on current tasks without succumbing to distractions. Even as lateral movements within financial institutions are numerous, it’s crucial to concentrate and excel in one position first.