Finding your first job after graduation can be challenging, but with the right preparation and a keen attention to detail, you can land in a great spot after you leave college.
After graduating in November 2024, Daniels College of Business alumnus Benjamin Pocius waded through the job market. Now, after landing his first job in the banking space, the finance alum is sharing his top tips for recent graduates to succeed in the job hunt.
Where are you working now and what is your role?
I am currently working at UWM as a Capital Markets Analyst. In this role I collaborate with various investment banks, determine best sale execution pricing and analyze trends in the housing market. My role gives me a broad scope of exposure to trading, market research and pricing strategies. UWM is based in Michigan, and we trade our MBS (mortgage-backed securities) with banks on the west coast, so on a typical weeknight, I find myself leaving the office at around 8:30 p.m. This is because we must compensate for end of the day rate sheet analysis sent in from banks situated in the Pacific Time Zone.
How did you find this job? What was the interview process like?
I found this job through LinkedIn, and I found the interview process to be very insightful. The initial step was very typical, a phone call, with a general screening. The next steps were all relatively similar, and significantly more in depth. I met with the manager and VP, where I was asked technical, case questions. I kept in touch with the HR representative through the entirety of the process and finally got the offer!
Were there any strategies or tools you found particularly effective when applying for jobs or preparing for interviews?
Research, research, research! The is no such thing as being over prepared when it comes to an interview. I often found that reading any news publications and jotting down notable events was a fantastic talking point with whoever was interviewing you. It is important to research the position and industry, making note of recurring words. Relating your experience to these words and phrases will often give you a good shot of advancing to the next stage. It is also important to tell a story of your work.
Second, read through the company website. Understand their mission and get a true grasp of what they do and how they operate. Interviewers are looking for someone who holds similar values as the company e.g., sustainability, a growth-oriented approach, and a “can-do” mentality. I found myself drilling into a company balance sheet and taking notes of their ratios, and their three highest-value balance sheet items. This was particularly effective in later stage interviews, and it looks great if you can ask a question such as, “How does your company use its P&L and balance sheet to assess the overall health and performance of the business.” This shows the interviewer that you know what you are talking about, you understand the company, yet you are also curious about how they operate.
Finally, if you receive a rejection email or phone call, do not be afraid to ask why. Learning what you may have been lacking in one interview absolutely helps you nail it on the next. Criticism is a key to success, so take it in stride!
How did you stay motivated during the job hunt?
I personally found it hard to stay motivated through my job search. If I could tell my past self one thing, it would be to keep my head up and learn from shortfalls. I homed in on continuous learning, teaching myself SQL, keeping my Excel skills sharp and keeping up with relevant economic events. Don’t look at rejection as a failure, use it to motivate you to want the next job even more. It’s all about grit!
What skills that you learned at Daniels helped you land this job?
I believe every Daniels student should be grateful for the school’s emphasis on routine Excel use. Having an understanding of Excel helped me really explain what I knew about the program, and I had the certifications to back it. Additionally, I learned how to communicate to with various people. The numerous projects involving public speaking, group activities and team-building exercises I engaged in during my time at Daniels helped shape my ability to understand others. Being able to effectively communicate with people, particularly those interviewing you, and those in the workplace who may have a totally different thought process than you is a key driver of growth, learning and understanding.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently while in school to better prepare for this transition?
I would have reached out to my professors more frequently. I feel as if I didn’t take advantage of the abundance of resources and professional experience offered by Daniels. Believe me when I say, your professors are there to help you! I realized a little too late that professors will offer insight on job postings, engage in mock interviews and answer whatever questions you may bring them. At Daniels, we are very lucky to have professors who truly care about their students. I understand it may be daunting, but just ask!
What advice would you give to current students who are starting to think about their first job after graduation?
Keep your head up and never stop learning! Nobody wants to finish four years of university, only to go stagnant. Research career paths, understand positions and find what you would like to do. Always keep in mind: you don’t know what you don’t know, so never be afraid to ask a “why.” Your professors would be glad to provide an answer!