Keeping tabs on and learning from successful alumni deep into their own careers is a smart move. Here’s a snapshot of one of our impressive alumni, Brandon Ma ’14, CFA, regional vice president with Capital Group/American Funds.
 

“I have one of the most niche jobs in the financial services industry,” says Ma, who is in his 11th year with financial services company Capital Group. “I’m the sales executive responsible for selling our investment products to the financial advisor segment in the Bay Area.”

Ma credits work experience while studying at UCR Business for his first position with the company. “Through the UC job portal, I was lucky to find a wealth management internship, where I worked for two years. That helped me land a job with Capital Group right out of college.”

We asked Ma to share some quick hits about his own journey along with thoughts and advice about a career in finance:
 

First, all your clients are investors. What’s your top-of-mind advice about investing for our readers?

Here’s an easy one to remember. The best investors in the world do three things: Invest early, invest often, and stay invested. If you’re lucky enough to have extra money after expenses, start early in your investing journey and find a plan that works for you.
 

When did you know that finance would be your career?

My internship experience really shaped what I wanted to do. I knew early on that I liked autonomy and making money, and I realized that being in financial sales was the path for that.
 

 

What did you do to make sure you advanced in your career?

Being flexible and open-minded are two traits that help in any career path. I grew up in Southern California, and I had to be open-minded enough to move to San Antonio, Texas, and then to Indianapolis, Indiana, and then to San Francisco, to pursue career opportunities within the company.
 

What is your advice for current business students?

For those in their third and fourth years, an internship is one of the best ways to get a head start. It doesn’t even have to be related to what you are studying. Any hands-on experience will help you develop skills and better understand what you like to do and what you’re good at.
 

Why did you choose UCR?

I grew up in Walnut, California, and knew the UC system was a great place for higher education. Luckily, I got into UCR. I also wanted stay close to my hometown, which was just a 30-minute drive from the university.
 

What balances your life?

I try to spend a lot of my free time with my girlfriend, my family, and friends. If I’m not traveling for work, you can find me visiting a new restaurant in San Francisco or traveling somewhere fun!