Finance professional Levi Pettit emphasizes the importance of taking college projects seriously as stepping stones to career success. “When your professor asks you to do a group project, like a stock pitch, take pride in that,” he advises. “Put a lot of work and effort into that, and bring that to interviews.” These academic projects, he explains, can serve as tangible evidence of your capabilities and work ethic when speaking with potential employers. “These companies will see your resume, you went to whatever school, that’s fine. But do you have the ability to produce a product that is going to be on par with what we expect?”
Going Beyond Requirements
As a CFA charterholder who studied extensively while working full-time, Levi Pettit advocates for continuous learning. “Don’t be afraid to spend a weekend paying for an online financial modeling course,” he suggests. “Finance is really competitive, and you really have to go above and beyond.” His own experience included dedicating evenings and weekends to studying, ultimately accumulating over 900 hours of study time across all three levels of the CFA program. This dedication, he notes, demonstrates the level of commitment often required for success in the finance industry.
The Power of Mentorship
Throughout his career progression, Pettit has consistently emphasized the value of finding and learning from mentors. “You have to put yourself out there,” he says. “I would definitely not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the mentors I have in my life.” He credits his professional development to the guidance received from various mentors, including his first boss who emphasized the importance of lifelong learning.
Building Professional Resilience
Pettit’s journey also highlights the importance of resilience in building a finance career. After facing setbacks, including initially not passing the CFA Level II exam, he demonstrated the persistence necessary for long-term success. “Sometimes it’s okay to get knocked down. It’s just about how quickly can you pick yourself back up,” he reflects. This resilience, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement, has been a cornerstone of his professional development.
For those starting their finance careers, Pettit emphasizes that success comes from a combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and professional relationships. “Take pride in your work, seek out mentorship, and never stop learning,” he advises, noting that these principles have guided his own career path from commercial banking to investment management.