Saint Peter’s Business Network, formerly Alumni in Finance, recently hosted an event at the Down Town Association in New York City. Jim Conti ’93, managing director at Goldman Sachs, presented, “A Career in Finance: Being Prepared, Building Your Network and Keeping a Focused Work Ethic.”
Conti shared his account of how preparation enabled him to advance into a leadership role at one of his first jobs.
“Preparation prepares you for opportunity,” he said. “Secondly, know your facts. You have to be in the business of knowing yourself better than anyone else.”
He also stressed the importance of networking at events like the Saint Peter’s Business Network. He ended his speech by encouraging employers to invest in Saint Peter’s students by giving them interview practice and treating them to a cup of coffee to share business advice.
August Zenzius ’98 said that his acquaintances at Saint Peter’s University and his involvement with events hosted by the University have helped him form connections. He especially appreciated the sentiment Conti expressed through his speech.
“The speech delivered a pull yourself up by the bootstraps mantra that many people can agree with. Work ethic along with networking connections is a recipe for success,” Zenzius said.
For others, the event served to solidify past relationships.
“The event is a good way to reunite with old friends,” said Martin Egan ’96 who was sharing a drink and snacks with two friends he had met at a previously.
“The event is a good opportunity to meet many different people from different class years. The students who attend the events are great too. They make me feel good that my University is growing,” said Amir Gerges ’96.
Enkhtaivan Oyunbazar ’15 agreed with Gerges, “Saint Peter’s is doing better and better every year. The Mac Mahon Student Center is a great addition to campus, the men’s basketball team won a national championship, the record breaking enrollment, they all make you feel good to be an alumnus.”
To view pictures from the event, click here. The next Saint Peter’s Business Network event is on March 15, 2018 at Liberty Prime with Kevin Cummings, president and chief executive officer of Investors Bancorp and Investors Bank. To register for the event, click here.
