Shahid Hamid<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMeanwhile, Fehretdinov asked the panelists about their careers. \u201cWhen did you know you wanted to be in finance?\u201d he asked Ulseth. As an undergrad, sports medicine was his top choice, but then he exceled in business classes. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to make anything, but I did think I could make money out of money,\u201d Ulseth said.<\/p>\n
Turning to Villarreal, Fehretdinov asked how he would counsel those who want a job they may feel they are not yet qualified for. \u201cYou don\u2019t just fake it until you make it, you fake it until you become it,\u201d Villarreal said, adding that culturing a questioning attitude is key. \u201cCuriosity can take you places you didn\u2019t think you had the capacity to go to.\u201d<\/p>\n
For the Miami job hunt, it\u2019s \u201cchallenge accepted.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n
Center was asked about Miami\u2019s job landscape. It\u2019s competitive, he said, noting he was hired for his job only after applying three times. \u201cYou may have to move, be willing to turn on a dime,\u201d he said. And be persistent. \u201cIf someone tells you \u2018no\u2019 say (to yourself) \u2018challenge accepted.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n
Fehretdinov asked Ulseth what he looks for in applicants. He noted that fitting in with the corporate culture is more important than education or background.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Added Kelley: Don’t be afraid to admit you are just starting out. \u201cEvery employer knows you want the experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
One audience member asked panelists whether they got the opportunity they hoped for, or took what came available.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a little bit of both,\u201d Ulseth said. Early on, taking what\u2019s offered is often smart. Later, one might become more discriminating.<\/p>\n
Finally, Fehretdinov, asked Center about his typical day. For quiet time, he\u2019s at the office by 7:45 a.m. His territory stretches from Palm Beach to the Keys, requiring lots of travel, and various trips to Dallas or New York throughout the year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere really is no 40-hour week job,\u201d Center said. \u201cIf you are going to wear the hat, wear it to the best of your ability.\u201d<\/p>\n