Get to Know UBS: Nick Katzaroff
Name: Nick Katzaroff
Grade: Senior
Major: Economics
Career interest: Investment Management
Q - What got you interested in investment management?
A - Like many UCLA students, I was originally on the investment banking track. I have always had a passion for the financial markets and investing thanks to my dad. I was able to further pursue this interest by being in the Bruin Value Investing Club, taking part in Bill Simon’s Value Investing courses, and managing my own portfolio. I realized while interning in investment banking this summer however that it was not for me, and that I wanted to jump straight into the buy-side, so that is what I will be doing.
Q - Any advice to students pursuing the same career path?
A - My advice to students looking to work in the buy-side right out of school is to be proactive and really utilize your connections. Compared with investment banking or consulting, the path to working in buy-side is much less clear. Get involved in relevant students groups, work on getting relevant internships, and really show you have a passion for investing by managing your own portfolio.
Q - What interview tips do you have?
A - The most important part of the interview is when the recruiter asks you to walk through your resume. You need to be able to do this in under 2 minutes. Don’t just read off your resume to the interviewer—they can easily do that on their own. Walking through your resume is your chance to tell your story to the interviewer: who you are, what experiences have led you there, and ultimately why you want to work at their firm.
Q - What has been your greatest challenge at UCLA so far?
A - My greatest challenge at UCLA so far has been figuring out how to succeed professionally in a school that is not focused on the practical aspect of an education—helping students get jobs. When I came into UCLA, I was introduced to the world of finance through my fraternity and the UCLA Hockey team. Though that introduction, I found guidance and mentorship to help me get to where I am today. I have been able to do well because of the relationships I built in these different organizations. Getting involved in the various business and finance organizations on campus is the best way to learn the practical knowledge and skills you will need to land the job you want, and to learn more about which career might interest you.
Q - Best advice someone has ever given to you, in general or in relation to your career interest.
A - I have three very important pieces of advice for the workplace and for life in general. The first one is to not make the same mistake twice. If you make a mistake, accept it and learn from it, but don’t let it happen again. The second piece of advice I have is to not ask questions you can figure out on your own in a reasonable amount of time. People are busy and some are willing to help, but no one wants to feel like you are wasting their time. The last piece of advice I have is to write everything down. If someone calls you over to give you an assignment, or if you have a meeting, always bring a pen and a notepad with you. In fact, as a rule of thumb, never leave your desk without your pen and notepad.
Q - How would your friends describe you?
A - My friends would describe me as someone who is very outgoing and talkative. In fact, they might even say that I talk too much.
Q - What else are you involved with on campus and why?
A - Currently I am the president and captain of the UCLA hockey team. Unfortunately, due to an injury, I can no longer play. I joined the team because I’ve been playing hockey since I was three and it has always been the most important part of my life. My dream is for UCLA to one day have an NCAA D1 program so I know the work I do off the ice for the team is an integral part of making that happen.
Q - What do you like to do for fun?
A - My favorite thing to do besides playing hockey is going to country concerts. I go to them twice a month on average and it's really the only music genre I listen to.