Levi Pettit Challenges Remote Work Trend in Financial Sector
As the financial industry embraces hybrid work arrangements, CFA® charterholder Levi Pettit advocates for maintaining traditional office culture, particularly for those beginning their careers. Currently pursuing his MBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, Pettit draws from his experience in investment management to emphasize the unique value of in-person professional development.
The Importance of Daily Interaction
“Entry-level job seekers really should be looking for opportunities where they can be face-to-face with people every single day,” Pettit explains, pointing to his own career development. “That’s where I learned the most — and how I grew the most.”
While acknowledging the appeal of remote work to recent graduates, Pettit sees potential drawbacks. “The young people who want to pursue finance may find that attractive,” he notes. “They may see older friends or family who have these hybrid jobs, where they can travel or work from home. However, for an entry-level job, they really should be looking for opportunities where they can be face-to-face with people every single day.”
Learning Through Experience
After graduating magna cum laude from The University of Texas at Dallas with degrees in Finance and Economics, Pettit discovered his passion during a family office internship. This experience led to his role as an investment associate, where he developed expertise in alternative investments and private equity.
His dedication to professional growth included earning his CFA® charter, requiring over 600 hours of study. “Nobody required it of me,” he recalls. “It was a lot of evenings and weekends studying.”
For those entering finance today, Pettit emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship. “You have to put yourself out there. Find mentors — I would definitely not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the mentors I have in my life,” he advises.
This perspective aligns with advice he received early on: “I know that you just graduated, and you think that you have a college degree and know everything now; but that’s not the case — and you need to realize that you will need to continue learning for the rest of your career.”
As the industry evolves, Pettit maintains that while remote work has its place, the fundamentals of professional development in finance remain rooted in personal interaction and direct observation.
