Arie Serrant, a recent college graduate, is embarking on an exciting journey as an incoming Investment Banking Analyst at Evercore. With a passion for finance and a knack for blending analytical prowess with creative problem-solving, Arie is set to make a significant impact in the industry. Known for his commitment to continuous learning and his innovative approach to both professional and personal challenges, Arie brings a fresh perspective to the fast-paced world of investment banking.
Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys staying active and exploring new ways to unwind and refresh his mind, providing him with physical rejuvenation and mental clarity. With a strong belief in the power of work-life integration and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges, Arie is poised to navigate the complexities of finance with enthusiasm and expertise.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
As an incoming Investment Banking Analyst at Evercore, my day typically starts early. I usually begin by reviewing emails and the financial news to stay updated on market trends and any major developments that could impact our clients. I then dive into financial modeling and analysis, preparing pitch books for client meetings, and conducting due diligence on potential deals. To stay productive, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, utilize time-blocking techniques to maintain focus and leverage Evercore’s collaborative environment to ensure all deliverables are met precisely and on time.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life in investment banking involves rigorous analysis and creative problem-solving. I start with thorough research to understand the market landscape and the specific needs of our clients. This research is then translated into financial models that forecast potential outcomes. Collaborating with senior bankers and leveraging their experience, I refine these ideas, ensuring they align with the client’s strategic goals. The final step is presenting these ideas through compelling pitch books that clearly articulate the value proposition and potential impact.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is integrating artificial intelligence in fraud detection and prevention within financial services. AI-powered systems are revolutionizing how financial institutions identify and mitigate fraudulent activities. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and vast datasets, these systems can detect unusual patterns and anomalies in real time, surpassing traditional rule-based systems’ capabilities.
This enhances the security of transactions and significantly reduces the time and resources spent on manual investigations. AI models’ continuous improvement and adaptability make them increasingly effective at predicting and preventing fraud, ensuring a safer financial environment for institutions and customers.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that really boosts my productivity is taking a few moments every morning to plan my day over a cup of coffee. It’s a simple ritual, but it makes a big difference. I jot down my top priorities and set realistic goals for what I want to accomplish. This helps me start the day with a clear focus and a sense of direction. Plus, it gives me a little bit of quiet time to gather my thoughts before diving into the busy day ahead. It’s this blend of planning and mindfulness that keeps me grounded and productive.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace challenges and not shy away from taking calculated risks. The most significant growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and facing difficult situations head-on. Additionally, building a strong network and seeking mentorship early on can provide invaluable guidance and open doors to opportunities that might not be immediately visible.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that the concept of work-life balance is overrated and often misinterpreted. Instead of striving for a perfect equilibrium, embracing the idea of work-life integration is more realistic and fulfilling. In today’s world, where the boundaries between work and personal life are increasingly blurred, finding harmony can lead to greater satisfaction and productivity. It’s about seamlessly blending my professional and personal passions, allowing them to complement and enhance each other rather than viewing them as competing forces. This approach isn’t popular, but it leads to a more cohesive and fulfilling lifestyle.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I continuously invest time in learning and self-improvement. The financial industry is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a commitment to ongoing education. Whether it’s through formal courses, reading industry publications, or attending seminars and conferences, I make it a point to update my knowledge and skills regularly. I recommend everyone adopt a similar approach to remain competitive and innovative in their respective fields.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I usually take a break and do a quick workout or some high-intensity exercise. Getting my heart rate up and breaking a sweat really helps clear my mind and reset my focus. Sometimes, I’ll listen to a favorite playlist or a podcast to distract myself for a bit. It’s amazing how much a burst of physical activity can refresh my perspective and get me back on track. If I’m still feeling stuck, I’ll chat with a friend or a colleague about what’s on my mind – talking things through often helps me find a solution or at least feel more grounded.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong, trust-based client relationships has been a key strategy in growing my career and business. By consistently delivering high-quality work and maintaining open, honest communication, I have earned my clients’ trust and loyalty. This approach leads to repeat business and generates referrals, which are invaluable in the investment banking industry. Ensuring clients feel understood and valued has been fundamental to my professional growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One early failure was launching a project without fully understanding my target audience. I was so excited that I rushed into it without doing enough research. As a result, the project didn’t get the traction I hoped for, and I felt pretty discouraged.
To overcome this, I took a step back and sought feedback from potential users. I asked many questions and listened to their needs and pain points. This helped me pivot the project in a more aligned direction with what people wanted. The experience taught me the importance of thorough research and listening to your audience before diving in. It was a tough lesson, but it made me a better entrepreneur in the long run.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I believe developing a platform that leverages AI to offer personalized investment strategies for young professionals is an idea I believe has great potential. This platform would analyze an individual’s financial situation, career trajectory, and risk tolerance to recommend tailored investment options. With the growing interest in personal finance among millennials and Gen Z, such a service could meet a significant market need and help young people make informed investment decisions early in their careers.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that significantly boosts my productivity is Excel, particularly for financial modeling and data analysis. Excel’s advanced functions and capabilities allow me to create detailed models, perform complex calculations, and analyze large data sets efficiently. I use it daily to build and refine financial models, track performance metrics, and prepare presentations for clients. Its versatility and powerful features make it an indispensable tool in investment banking.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I recommend “Principles” by Ray Dalio. This book offers profound insights into effective decision-making and management, drawing from Dalio’s extensive experience in finance and business. The principles outlined in the book emphasize the importance of radical transparency, continuous learning, and embracing failure as a path to success. These lessons are invaluable in the financial industry and any professional and personal endeavor.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed the series “Billions.” It offers a captivating look into high finance and investment, blending drama with real-world financial strategies and ethical dilemmas. The characters are complex, and the plotlines provide fascinating insights into the competitive nature of the finance industry. Watching “Billions” has been entertaining and intellectually stimulating, as it reflects many of the challenges and dynamics in the investment banking world.
Key learnings
- Embrace continuous learning and self-improvement to stay competitive in any industry.
- Building strong, trust-based relationships with clients is crucial for long-term success.
- Viewing failure as a learning opportunity can lead to greater innovation and personal growth.