Keith Read graduated from the University of Utah in Accounting ’85 and MPrA ’87. After beginning his career at Coopers & Lybrand for a year he decided to make a change to investment banking and landed in New York through happenstance. “Be prepared for opportunities.” Keith is currently the Managing Director in the Private Finance Group for CIBC World Markets. Following are quotes from his presentation and suggestions if you are considering a similar career path.
– SAT, GMAT and your current grades are important, understand “financial math”, and consider why “street smart” is as important as “book smart”, be creative. – all employers look for intense employees with focus and passion in their pursuits. If you truly have an interest, it’s easy - want it and have heart. New Yorkers have higher blood pressure! And some find it a burnout. It is called a young-man’s business because it truly is a balancing act to manage work, family, and other interests. There are tradeoffs in liking what you are doing and no skiing for 5 years! Keith enjoys this interesting environment, working with smart people and smart clients. Challenges? He feels there’s a target on his back because someone else always wants his job. The job you ultimately want might take three steps to get there. It doesn’t matter what you did yesterday to an employer, it’s about “what are you doing for me today?” – during the last year or two, this value has risen in importance. Trust is everything from the employers’ perspective. Employees cannot think they are above the rules. A “U4” 10 year history in the industry follows you from job to job. Find your passion Figure out why you are unique and recognize your strengths Keep focused and create opportunities U of U Career Services, Dana Sowby 
