Levi Pettit Urges Young Finance Professionals to Embrace Face-to-Face Opportunities

In the evolving landscape of finance, the trend towards remote work has become increasingly popular, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, investment professional Levi Pettit believes that young finance professionals might be missing out on crucial growth opportunities by not engaging more in face-to-face interactions.

Levi Pettit, who graduated magna cum laude with a double major in finance and economics from the University of Texas at Dallas, emphasizes the value of in-person learning and networking. His career journey, which includes roles at Independent Financial and Veritex Bank, highlights the transformative impact of working closely with colleagues and mentors. “COVID changed a lot of things,” Pettit notes, “but for those starting in finance, being in an environment where you can learn directly from others is invaluable.”

Pettit reflects on his early career experience, where his first boss reinforced the importance of continuous learning, a lesson that has stayed with him. He recalls, “You think a college degree means you know everything, but it’s just the beginning. Continuous learning is key.”

After his time at Independent Financial, Pettit transitioned to a role at Veritex Bank as a credit analyst. It was during this phase that a lunch meeting with a former boss led to an opportunity in a family office, a setting he found particularly rewarding due to its open and collaborative culture.

In July 2019, Pettit took on the role of investment associate at a single-family office, where he was responsible for evaluating investment options and performing due diligence. During his tenure, he gained insights into how high-net-worth individuals approach investments, particularly in private equity and venture capital.

Now enrolled in an MBA program at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, Pettit advises young professionals to actively seek environments that foster direct interactions and learning. “Remote environments, in my experience, don’t offer the same opportunities for growth,” he says. “If I were starting out today, I’d look for roles that required in-person attendance and emphasized team culture.”

Levi Pettit’s experiences underscore the importance of physical presence in the finance sector, where personal interactions can significantly impact career development. Aspiring finance professionals are encouraged to consider the benefits of face-to-face engagements as they navigate their career paths.

In the evolving landscape of finance, the trend towards remote work has become increasingly popular, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, investment professional Levi Pettit believes that young finance professionals might be missing out on crucial growth opportunities by not engaging more in face-to-face interactions. Levi Pettit, who graduated magna cum laude with a double…