Bronco Spotlight: Max Murphy
Financial Advisor at Plante Moran Financial Advisors
If you had a campus job or internship, how did they impact your career development?
I have worked part time at Zhang Financial and interned at Plante Moran, and these have both had tremendous impacts on my professional development. I was finally able to use some of the information learned in the classroom and apply it to every day financial situations. They taught me the discipline within the industry and gave me something to work for in the years leading up to graduation.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
Involvement during my college career has had a great impact on preparing me for the professional world. As a freshman I was involved in about four different business organizations on campus, and they have truly shaped me into the professional I am today.
Which of your skills had the biggest impact on your success?
Persistent Communication – provide constant communication that is insightful and to the point. Communication is not only the verbal manner many think of. Communication extends to your body emotions, facial expressions, time/day of emails, format, etc. when communicating anything. Communication is an essential part to any business, so why would you not want to master this skill?
What advice do you have for others pursuing a career similar to yours?
Participate in the externship program, go to business bash, go get that free pizza at a Thursday night RSO meeting, just be present and I’m sure it will lead you to great places.
Stick through it! The reward is worth the effort if you are committed and really want the degree. A degree in finance is a stepping stone to bigger opportunities. Many financial professionals will be tested again in one way or another, but you have to stay focused to the bigger goal to be able to achieve it!