Cheyenne Edwards: How Trying Different Roles Helped My Career Path

Ever since the time when I applied to Santa Clara University and got accepted, I had always known that I wanted to pursue a career in finance. While I wasn’t sure of the exact role, I was drawn to the fast-paced nature of the industry. But then, as many people experience, I faced a career dilemma, grappling with uncertainty about what I truly wanted to do. However, reflecting on my past experiences in the various roles throughout college allowed me to realign my interest, goals, and purpose.

During my sophomore year of college, I participated in multiple extracurricular activities to explore potential career paths. I joined BLK Capital Management, a black student-run hedge fund, where I completed an educational program, conducted equity research, and pitched a stock. I also participated in two externships with Citizens Bank, gaining exposure to investment banking and learning the day-to-day responsibilities of analysts in leverage finance and mergers & acquisitions. These experiences helped me develop technical skills, build my network, and gain valuable insights into the finance industry. Towards the end of my sophomore year, I participated in a financial research externship with Bloomberg, and this ultimately led to my junior year internship.

My junior summer internship was the turning point. The role initially focused on equity research – analyzing a specific company, understanding the industry, and completing deliverables. However, my first project unexpectedly introduced me to data science. I had to use extensive coding to normalize financial data, and while it was challenging, I found it intellectually stimulating. I had always been interested in the intersection of finance and technology, which is why I decided to minor in MIS, but I never explored it or applied it to this extent. After the internship, I embraced this shift wholeheartedly. I delved into data science and more advanced topics through coursework like OMIS 114 and OMIS 116, personal and group projects, and conversations with professionals in the industry. 

My career journey taught me two important lessons: 

1. It’s okay to change directions, even when it feels like everyone around you has it figured out
2.  Pursue a path that genuinely interests you, not something you feel pressured to follow

For a long time, I looked for investment banking opportunities, and I quickly figured out that the path wasn’t for me even though many of my friends found their passion in it. And that’s okay! College is the time to explore different areas you are interested in, gain diverse experiences, and learn to refine your interests. If I had been rigid in my initial plan, I might have missed out on discovering an area that aligns more closely with my passions and strengths. While I still enjoy learning about the finance world, I’m confident in the career path I want to pursue even though I had some bumps in the road.

So, for students who are unsure about their career paths, here are some of my words of wisdom: say yes to opportunities that spark your curiosity. Try that internship in an unfamiliar industry, take that class outside your major, join that organization that challenges you, and truly reflect on what your interests are and whether your passion aligns with your purpose. Career paths aren’t always linear, despite what it may seem, and the best way to find what you love is by exploring what you don’t.

By being open to change and embracing new challenges, you might find yourself on a path you never expected – but it’s a path that is truly meant for you.

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