Jackson Williams

Early on in his academic career, Jackson Williams was an education major. It was after taking a microeconomics class with Dr. Gary Hoover, now a professor at Tulane, that he switched majors to economics and finance.

At his first internship at Fidelity, Williams engaged in activities like posting random internet facts on a whiteboard outside their cubicle to spark conversations. This helped him forge relationships with his colleagues — Williams places emphasis on the importance of networking, asking for advice from successful individuals, and learning from diverse perspectives.

Now at Merrill Lynch, Williams still works on cultivating relationships and giving back via community-focused organizations.

Key Takeaways

Contribution: Embrace a “give-take ratio” where individuals focus more on giving to the world than taking from it.

Connectivity: Ask for help from those who are successful in one’s desired field, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and seeking mentorship.

Outlook: Enthusiasm and positive energy in the workplace goes a long way toward gaining support from colleagues.