by Ruby Lyon
“I’m a big fan of transferable skills,” Young Executives Board member, Henry Cashin, told a room of fifteen focused varsity boys. “I didn’t have a finance background. I didn’t even take accounting in undergrad. I used my two-year position (an investment banking analyst) at Credit Suisse as an extension of my education.” When Henry found a new career more aligned with his interests, he was able to bring the skill set he gained as an analyst with him. Rowing, he pointed out, also offered transferable skills (think delayed gratification and teamwork). These type of skills, he stressed, can go a long way in one’s career. Stories like Henry’s, peppered with advice and direction, shaped an inspiring night at the second annual Men’s Professional Dinner on March 17th.
“Our goal was to expose students to the variety of experiences in the workforce and to give them the opportunity to hear about the hurdles our guests had to clear in order to get where they are today.” – Darise JeanBaptiste, Director of Academics and College Readiness
As high schoolers sat around a big Wells Fargo conference table, a dialogue grew between them and the young professionals who were so recently in the boys’ shoes. Many of the speakers remembered what is was like to be inexperienced in the career world. “You need to stand up for yourself. Be your best advocate. Be grateful, but stand up for yourself,” advised Anyela Perez, a paralegal. Beyond knowing their own boundaries, the boys were encouraged to network, seek out responsibilities, get to know themselves, and explore their interests. The night also investigated the weaknesses of young professionals, as well as what they bring to the table. Communication skills, for example, are incredibly crucial for successfully navigating the workplace and projects. They also usually take some time to develop. Students were advised to manage up, speak up, be confident, and know they have so much to offer. Although freshman employees don’t always know the right thing to say, they bring a contagious energy and life to the workplace. And they’re amazing with technology too!
“I feel inspired by our students who recognized the event as a time to reflect on their accomplishments and the lessons they’ve learned from setbacks to teach all of us how student-athletes overcome and achieve their goals.” – Darise JeanBaptiste, Director of Academics and College Readiness
The night opened up opportunities for athletes to share their thoughts from overcoming adversity to pushing through the hardest moments of rowing. Sam, a member of the Manhattan team wisely spoke on setbacks. “If you have a failure, you shouldn’t look at it as a failure, you should look at it as a lesson learned,” he told his teammates. As many of us know, this outlook is crucial in so many areas in life, especially in the professional realm.
After the open table discussions, students received resume building advice and spent one-on-one time sharing their interests and goals. With a diverse representation of career fields, including investment banking, entrepreneurship, teaching, and community-centered projects, the boys were able to dive into their varied interests. By the end of the event, the high schooler’s had some extra homework on their plates. Advice: start reading the news, discover your interests and become an expert, learn to have an opinion, understand your value, and seek out independent learning. It’s safe to say that everyone in the room was reminded of ways to improve themselves and seek success. Adults and students alike made this year’s Men’s Professional Dinner a sure catalyst for growing both individually and in the career world.
Row New York extends our sincerest gratitude to the many professionals who shared their career stories, advice, and insiders tips with our boys! Want to see more from the night? Visit our Flickr album here.
Max Zinner is currently an entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry, having co-founded Misha Dairy. After college, he worked in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs. He studied history and mathematics at Columbia University and was a member of the heavyweight rowing program.
Anyela Perez was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States at 11 years old. She is a proud product of the New York public school system, a graduate of High School for Law and Public Service and of Minds Matter mentoring program. Anyela is currently a paralegal at an immigration firm and a family law firm.
Henry Cashin grew up in New York City and picked up rowing at Deerfield. He fell in love with the idea that success in rowing is more connected to hard work than natural athleticism (he got cut from his high school football team). After 2 years as an investment banking analyst at the bank Credit Suisse, Henry currently works at MasterCard in the technology innovation division.
Theo Pippins is an algebra teacher at Expeditionary Learning School for Community Leaders. Theo is a graduate of Williams College, where he majored in economics. Theo earned his masters in teaching education from St. John’s University.
Emily Parapanov is a member of the Volunteer & Pro Bono Committee in Row New York’s Young Executives Board. She also volunteers regularly with the Adaptive program. After graduating in 2014, she is currently working as an Investment Banking Analyst at Wells Fargo Securities.
David Banks’ passion lies in construction projects that will change communities. He currently works as a development associate at the New Brunswick Development Corporation. David has had an illustrious rowing career which includes silver in the eight at the Samsung World Rowing Cup in 2013, fourth in the eight at the 2012 Olympic Games, in addition to membership on five National Teams (2008-10, 2012, 2014, Senior). Last year David placed 4th at the World’s Rowing Championships.
