In the rapidly evolving landscape of the finance industry, the trend towards remote work has taken a stronghold, driven largely by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, industry expert Levi Pettit warns that young finance professionals may be missing a crucial element in their career development by not embracing office environments.
Levi Pettit, an accomplished investment professional, emphasizes the value of in-person interactions, especially for those at the beginning of their careers. “Being face-to-face with people every day was where I learned and grew the most,” Pettit reflects. He highlights that the initial stages of a career are vital for acquiring skills through observation and mentorship, aspects that are often diluted in a remote setting.
Pettit’s own career trajectory underscores the significance of direct engagement. Holding a double major in finance and economics from the University of Texas at Dallas, he initially joined Independent Financial as an enterprise risk management analyst. This role, despite not being directly aligned with his academic training, offered him invaluable exposure to real-world finance operations that a remote role could not replicate.
With further experience as a credit analyst at Veritex Bank, Pettit continued to build his expertise. A pivotal moment came when a former mentor from his college internship days approached him about starting a family office. This opportunity allowed Pettit to pivot into a field that not only capitalized on his skills but also fostered a culture of transparency and collaboration.
Working in a family office provided Pettit with insights into managing private equity and venture capital investments. “My role was generally on the private side, dealing more with alternative investments,” Pettit shares, noting the depth of understanding he gained by being actively involved in investment decisions. These experiences, he believes, were enriched by the face-to-face interactions and the mentorship he received.
Currently pursuing further education at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, Pettit continues to advocate for young professionals to seek environments where they can engage directly with leaders and peers. He advises new entrants to prioritize roles that require regular office presence to cultivate a strong team dynamic and gain hands-on experience.
Levi Pettit’s insights serve as a caution to young finance professionals eager to leap into remote roles. By encouraging them to balance remote work with in-person opportunities, Pettit highlights a path that could lead to greater professional growth and fulfillment.