Investment professional Levi Pettit emphasizes the importance of in-person mentorship and continuous learning for those entering the financial sector. Drawing from his experience across commercial banking, family office operations, and investment management, Pettit offers practical guidance for building a successful career in finance.

“You have to put yourself out there, find mentors,” says Pettit, who currently pursues his MBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. “I would definitely not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the mentors I have in my life.”

While remote work opportunities have expanded since the pandemic, Pettit strongly advocates for early-career professionals to prioritize in-person roles. “For entry-level positions, you really should be looking for opportunities where you can be face-to-face with people every single day,” he explains. “Being able to shadow leaders or be next to them when they’re going through some type of decision-making process is extremely important.”

Pettit emphasizes the competitive nature of the finance industry and the importance of going above and beyond basic requirements. He recommends investing in additional education and skills development, such as taking online financial modeling courses, even if it means dedicating weekends to learning.

For those still in school, Pettit advises taking full advantage of academic projects to build a professional portfolio. “When your professor asks you to do a group project, like a stock pitch, take pride in that,” he says. “Put a lot of work and effort into it, and bring that to interviews, because it shows your work product.”

The CFA charterholder also stresses the value of resilience and continuous improvement. “Finance is really competitive, and so you really have to go above and beyond,” notes Pettit, who persevered through the rigorous CFA program while working full-time.

Beyond technical skills, Pettit highlights the importance of open communication and transparency in professional relationships. He advocates for over-communication rather than making assumptions, ensuring all parties clearly understand objectives and expectations.

Through his career progression from commercial banking to investment management, Pettit’s emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth has remained constant. For those entering the field today, he maintains that combining strong mentorship with a commitment to ongoing education creates the foundation for long-term success in finance.