USF Network Colombia is proud to count global alumni Julian Escallon among its many prominent members. The Network is unique in that it includes several generations of alumni who came to USF through our global partner, the Universidad del Norte, in Colombia. After meeting him in-person at the March 2023 USF Network Colombia event in Barranquilla, USF World’s Vanessa Martinez asked Julian to share a little about his journey since graduation:
USF World: How did you get started in your career?
If it weren't for USF, it would have been really difficult for me to get to where I am now. USF has close relationships with Goldman Sachs, and the company considers USF as a valuable source of talent. No matter where I've worked with them, I've met USF graduates.
Julian: I always knew I wanted to learn things from the ground up - the nuts and bolts of manufacturing – and then eventually move into administration. So, when I did an internship with Cummins in Minneapolis the summer before I graduated, I focused on logistics, product design, and manufacturing. I was able to work on power storage and generators for Facebook and the military. It required a lot of collaboration, parts, design, and contracts. Cummins is an amazing and innovative company that manages everything from manufacturing parts, through distribution. When I got back to USF, I began to focus on how money moves in the business – finance. If it weren't for USF, it would have been really difficult for me to get to where I am now. USF has close relationships with Goldman Sachs, and the company considers USF as a valuable source of talent. No matter where I've worked with them, I've met USF graduates.
Before graduating, I attended a Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) conference where I met with a representative from Goldman Sachs and the rest is history! My first job was in operations and focused on building efficiencies, and systems management – it was more engineering focused. Little by little I began to learn the business side and developed a good understanding of the finances, until I was invited to begin helping with clients. After four years in Dallas, I accepted a position in Fort Lauderdale that focused on investment solutions and wealth-management. I've been here six months and I love it! The work is fulfilling because I get to build close relationships with clients and help them make important decisions about their lives. Every day is different and that's what I love about it.
USF World: What's next?
Julian: I'd love to become a financial advisor who specializes in retirement investments. I'm also considering going back to school for a master's degree or an MBA. USF is on my list!
USF World: What advice do you have for international students studying at USF?
Julian:
As soon as you arrive, or even before that, focus on networking so that you can understand the American system. Once you develop an understanding of how things work here, you can line up a job before you even graduate.
In the United States, what you do out of the classroom is critical. Employers want to know what you put your time into. It’s not enough to talk about what you learned in classes – you have to build skills outside the classroom. Employers want to see that you can work with people, manage your time, and they want to know how you will react in different situations. What you do outside of school doesn't have to be academically relevant, it could be anything. Don't let class be the only thing you do.