Flint Hill alumnus and Goldman Sachs Investment Advisor, Jeremy Biggs, recently shared a detailed look into the finance industry with the Investment Club, led by Anika Shanbhag and Andrew Schaub. His core message to students is clear: Success is built on early action, intense networking, and relentless curiosity.

The Non-Negotiable: Get Experience Early

The most impactful takeaway from Mr. Biggs’s talk is the absolute necessity of early, strategic experience.

• The Internship Pipeline: The application process at firms like Goldman Sachs is heavily weighted toward interns. Mr. Biggs revealed that approximately 90% of hires come directly from the internship pool.
• Actionable Advice: Students must “work on getting a job while still in college” by assertively seeking and securing early internships during their first and second years. This is not a task for your senior year; it’s the foundation of your career.

The Art of Building Your Brand and Network

Networking is less about casual conversation and more about intentional career building—it’s how you create a brand for yourself.

• Connect with Alumni: This is a vital strategy. Use the shared connection to set up calls and meetings.
• Build Your Team: Actively seek out information on what the environment is like at various firms. If you’re coming from a school that’s not a “target,” networking is even more critical to overcome HR filters.
• The Best Questions to Ask: To maximize your networking efforts, shift the focus from yourself to their network. Ask:
  • “Who else do you think I should connect with from your network?”
  • “What other topics do you think that I should talk with them about?”

Leveraging Your College Resources

Don’t overlook the free, high-value resources available on campus that can help you define your path.

• Professors: Mr. Biggs noted they are some of the best resources you have.
• Career Management Center (CMC): Use counselors here to define your “ideal job”—what you like, want to do, and see for your future. This clarity helps focus your networking and internship searches.
• Free Time: “Use your free time to build your brand!” Every spare moment should be channeled into career development, connections, or gaining relevant experience.

Final Principles for Success

Mr. Biggs, whose career journey transitioned from a Navy nuclear engineer to an investment advisor, emphasized that the industry rewards those who are constantly learning.

• Be Curious and Ask Questions: This is the ultimate advice for anyone entering the industry. “Always pick up experience when you can.”
• Industry Overview: Investment Bankers help companies buy and sell or go public (IPOs), while Venture Capital focuses on investing and growing private companies.
• Work-Life Balance: Even with demanding hours (90% of early career time is dedicated to career development), Mr. Biggs advises making time to “push away from the desk, walk, and get fresh air,” prioritizing fitness.