Career advice from Brandeis alumni working at BlackRock

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager.

Touring the firm’s global headquarters and meeting six Brandeis alumni who work there is an experience I’ll never forget.

Along with academic achievement, business school is all about building your network and putting in the work to identify your ideal career path.

That’s exactly what I did during the Industry Trek to New York City organized by Brandeis International Business School.

It’s a can’t-miss event for every student interested in finance!

Brandeis alumni at BlackRock

Industry Treks are immersive, career-focused trips that offer International Business School students direct exposure to specific industries.

In New York City, we visited BlackRock, HSBC and BNP Paribas, networked with dozens of finance professionals and gained valuable insights into investment banking, corporate finance and portfolio management.

Walking into BlackRock’s modern office in Hudson Yards, you immediately felt the importance of the work being done. After speaking with a recruiter, we met five alumni from the International Business School and one alumna from Brandeis University:

Yuxi Jiang, MA’13, Investment Management, Private Placement & Direct Lending
Silvio Zanardini, MA’09, Director, EM Debt Portfolio Manager
Nam Nguyen, MA’15, Vice President, Fundamental Equity, BlackRock Global Allocation Fund
Ashwini Apte, MSF’04, Head of U.S. Institutional Defined Contribution Consultant Relations
Sherry Zhou, MSF’18, Associate, Finance
Jordana Lang ’12, FP&A Associate

Each alumnus provided unique perspectives on their respective areas at BlackRock. It was enlightening to hear directly from professionals in such diverse roles, as it gave us a well-rounded understanding of the various career paths available at the firm.

Their insights not only highlighted the breadth of opportunities in the finance industry, but also helped us see how our own skills and experiences can align with similar positions in the future.

Build your network and leverage career resources at Brandeis

The most valuable advice I received at BlackRock was the importance of building a strong network and leveraging the resources available at the International Business School’s Career Strategies and Engagement Center.

The Brandeis alumni I met at BlackRock emphasized that networking plays a critical role in career development, especially in the finance industry. Forming connections with professionals through career events, alumni panels and Industry Treks can open doors to opportunities that might not be advertised in a typical job posting.

Equally important, the alumni recommended working closely with your Career Coach. The Career Coaches at the International Business School were instrumental in helping them refine their resumes, practice interviews and define their career paths.

Be adaptable and embrace continuous learning

All of the alumni we spoke with at BlockRock emphasized that financial markets and business environments are constantly changing.

That’s why they believe the ability to adapt quickly, learn new skills and pivot when necessary is essential for long-term career success.

Continuous learning — whether through formal education, certifications or staying informed on market trends — is vital.

The alumni also highlighted the value of being open to diverse roles and projects early in your career. This can broaden your expertise and enhance your versatility.

Student Insights features blog posts produced by current students and recent graduates of Brandeis International Business School. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author.