" Investment banking is not for the weak minded or the soft hearted and I must continue to develop my emotions towards this way of thinking. I know there is much more to learn in the realm of investment banking. The profession itself demands knowledge of more than just business and economic jargon. Good investors know how to spot trends and cycles that others cannot do as easily. This ability, to more or less predict the future, must continually be honed in order to become successful at this profession. Keeping an open mind is absolutely imperative in sustaining a solid development towards understanding and success in this field. Practicing entertaining new ideas, that may seem strange or odd at first should be kept in mind when approaching new subjects for the first time.

Where I Am Going: Short- and Long-Term Plans

My first priority is to finish my MBA program which should happen within the next months. My other short-term plans include maintaining a successful position at the bank where I am currently employed. During the upcoming months I also plan to begin a networking effort to help get my name out there in the investment banking world. I should be prepared to move and relocate to different parts of the country as opportunity may come in unexpected places.

Other short-term goals include maximizing my own personal investment strategy. Customers looking to invest their money are searching for people who put their money where their mouth is and know the ropes inside and out. Investing my own personal funds on a more active level will help personalize my professional attitudes and ultimately make me a better banker and a richer one as well.

The long-term is much more unclear. I have objectives set at certain time intervals that include how many clients and how much money I have made within those time frames. In five years, for example, I intend to have made $350,000 in profit and $1 million...

Although these figures are slightly arbitrary, and will most likely shift as time moves towards these points, the simple act of setting these firm and attainable goals is a worthwhile experience and helps to frame my life and lifestyle. My other professional long-term goals include attaining a certain level of autonomy. Whether that level of freedom can be attained by working on my own or at a large organization is not known to me now. But in my career progression I expect and intend to attain higher levels of personal choice in my investing practices.
I have learned much about myself in this self-exploration project. Clearing one's mind to imagine goals and objectives is helpful in materializing these dreams. The journey so far has come with some unexpected turns, but I am grateful for these learning experiences and the enjoyment contained in their surprises. I am confident I have what it takes to eventually reach my aspirations and I know I have also developed a good plan as a means to reach them. This process of breaking down professional goals will be included more as I have discovered much about myself and my behavior as a result of this exercise.