Class of 2020 Career Spotlight: Brian Wright
Finance Graduate’s Persistence in Job Search Secures Position with Analog Devices
Brian Wright chose to major in finance due to his interest in numbers and based on the recommendation of friends within the major. The Walnut Creek native took advantage of his time at San Diego State University, seeking a variety of experiences across campus. He worked in the office of admissions, was involved in a fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and he participated in the Venture Capital Investment Competition through the ZIP Launchpad.
Brian Wright, Class of 2020
When his senior year came around, Wright heeded the advice of his professor who suggested students treat their employment search like they would a class on campus. He invested time each week researching, networking, and preparing for opportunities to arise. After identifying Analog Devices as a potential employer, Wright was able to swiftly apply and secure employment in February. Wright recently began his career in the Silicon Valley, at the center of innovation and technology.
Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue Finance as an area of study?
I was born and raised in the bay area, where sports were a huge part of my life. When I was young I was first interested in the data that surrounded the sports industry and looked for specific majors that had data analysis. I came across finance from having some friends that I grew up with who were really passionate about the topic, and after learning more about it I decided to pursue it as a major. I took a general introductory finance course at SDSU and it led to something I was excited about learning.
Q: Describe the position you will begin after graduation (job functions, key role).
I will be a Financial Analyst supporting Analog Devices’ power products business unit in Santa Clara. Some key functions of the job entails assisting the team in forecasting financial statements, approving purchase orders, and analyzing product strategy and revenue. I will also be helping on the accounting side with journal entries and completing monthly, quarterly, and yearly close activities.
Q: When did you receive your official job offer and what was your reaction when you received the offer?
I received my official job offer in February of this year and I was extremely excited. The full time job recruitment process for seniors can be months long, and draining. For me a huge weight was lifted off my shoulder, knowing I received a position I was truly interested in with a company that has a great history and takes pride in their new college graduate hires.
Brian Wright, fourth from the left, with his Venture Capital Investment Competition teammates.
Q: How did you get connected with this company and position?
I had always been fascinated with technology and was continuously looking for companies that make a difference. I looked deeper into the semiconductor industry and came across Analog Devices, whose motto/vision is “Ahead of What’s Possible”. Their technology and products help solve complex problems within digital healthcare, aerospace, autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, and much more. I saw they had a job posting up for a financial analyst so I quickly applied!
Q: Did you use any other campus resources to help you acquire this position? If so, describe the support.
While I did not use campus resources to attain this specific position, my first professional job was as a student assistant for the SDSU Admissions Office, which I got through Aztec Career Connection. While the role was not finance specific, I learned a ton of skills that led to my future success in internship positions.
Furthermore, many teachers aided me in discussing multiple roles/routes within the finance industry and where to search for them.
Q: Are there specific skills you learned at SDSU (in class or otherwise) that helped you with the role’s qualifications?
While some people think finance is all about numbers, the key to being successful in a finance role is to be able to paint a picture, tell a story, and make a decision based on the numbers. I believe professors at SDSU really gave us great experience with this through multiple projects and case studies, which helped me succeed in interviews and throughout internships. Professors also had us continuously doing financial analysis in excel making sure we were comfortable with the system that is an industry staple.
Q: What advice do you have for fellow students, regardless of their field, looking to jumpstart their career and land their first job post-graduation?
In my opinion, the best advice I could give is for students to try and get as much relevant experience in your field before you graduate. Whether it be through internships, projects, or research, or even connections. It really helps get your foot in the door when you have industry specific experience and it can give you a leg up on the competition.
Brian Wright, second from right, with his Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Brothers.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to reach out to people in positions or companies that you are interested in. Of course it is great to network, but these conversations can give you a better look at the responsibilities of the position and helps tighten up your communications skills with professionals.
Most importantly don’t stress too hard over landing a position, make sure you get involved in college and enjoy your experience.
Q: What is it that you are most looking forward to as you kick start this next chapter?
Moving to Silicon Valley is very exciting to me as it is the heart of technology, and filled with so many talented professionals. I’m also looking forward to learning something new every day, putting everything I studied in school to work, and of course following the success of my fellow Aztec graduates!
Q: What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
Being part of ΣΑΕ fraternity, working on campus, and meeting so many people who have contributed to my success academically and professionally. I definitely would not be where I am today without the support and advice of the many friends and professional connections, I have made at San Diego State.
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
A professor once told my class, “Treat looking for a job like a 3-unit course”. He talked about trying to do something productive every day to help you lead to that end goal of receiving a job or internship offer. Whether it be networking, applying for jobs, sending emails to alumni, practicing interviews, I think if students did something job hunt related a few hours a week it would lead them to find great success.
