33 32 In a world where many believe that success strictly comes from degrees in business or finance, Tokio Takai shows how a liberal arts degree can also lead to finance. Tokio believes his path allowed him to explore various careers while still having broad education choices and personal growth. From Liberal Arts to Finance Career An Unconventional Choice Believing that only a business or finance degree could secure post-college employment, Tokio was skeptical when counselors said that he could complete a liberal arts education and still go into finance. Although Tokio thought he wanted to work in finance, he wanted to explore other options. So, he researched their suggestions and became excited about Bowdoin College. He applied and was accepted. Bowdoin’s flexible liberal arts curriculum enabled him to explore a wide range of subjects, with less emphasis on mathematics. “I took a range of courses such as sociology, politics, film, astronomy, rising sea levels, economics, anthropology, religion, and music. I was able to stay away from a lot of math!” He eventually chose to major in government and legal studies. "Only in hindsight, after working for a couple of years, have I come to realize the benefits of a liberal arts degree," Tokio reflects. "At a liberal arts college you have time to explore widely and discover new interests. At a business school, you’re talking business from day one." Building Meaningful Connections The smaller student-toprofessor ratio and smaller class sizes at his liberal arts college created an environment that fostered stronger relationships. He feels building meaningful relationships with professors was a highlight of his education. He added that it can also be a benefit in any job searches. "You will most likely need a reference letter from a professor for a job you’re applying to," Tokio said. The Transition to Finance Tokio’s first internship at a bank set the stage for a career in finance. This experience was rewarding, and conversations he had with people in the industry helped identify the area of finance he liked most. This confirmed that he wanted a career in finance. The move to his first job as an Analyst at Goldman Sachs was a demanding one. Becoming a finance professional meant adjusting to demanding schedules, a stark contrast to the flexibility of college life. Tokio was also worried about a perceived disadvantage of lacking technical skills. However, this quickly disappeared as he embraced learning and mentorship. He said his non-finance background put him in a “listen and learn mode”, so he learned quickly. “Technical skills matter, but acquiring them on the job is possible. There is no expectation for anyone to know everything on day one.” Tokio encourages students to consider a liberal arts degree, and make the most of studies and time in college. "For many careers, what will define your job application and resume is not any particular degree. It will come down to your story and the experiences you’ve had." Advice for Aspiring Finance Students Tokio emphasizes the importance of individuality, experiences, and the personal journey through tailored internships, volunteering, and extracurricular activities. He also feels that for students targeting a career in finance, early networking and learning to communicate in business settings are essential. Tokio is proof that the journey to success does not necessarily have a single conventional path. "Good luck, and enjoy college! I’m always happy to connect.” Tokio Takai: Asia Investments Associate, Salter Brothers
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy