“It’s important to surround yourself with smart and talented people. Collaboration and diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.” – Jim Simons, founder of Renaissance Technologies (1938 – 2024)

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As we approach summer, a new cohort of college seniors is graduating and starting careers in finance, potentially stirring anxiety for those who have been paying attention to the largely negative news and research on Gen Z, the latest generation to hit the workforce. However, our research on Gen Z in finance reveals a different perspective.

In this edition of our newsletter, we compare the characteristics of young professionals in finance to their contemporaries and address the qualities Gen Z brings to the workplace. While certain traits may seem ubiquitous among this generation, they don’t necessarily hold true for those drawn to a career at top banks and investment firms.

Despite being shaped by significant world events during their formative years, Gen Z finance professionals typically exhibit a strong drive to build successful, enduring careers. While they must demonstrate proficiency in handling their responsibilities, it’s equally important for leadership within their firms to consider the largest obstacles to Gen Z’s learning experiences so that these recent graduates can develop and transition into their new roles. These obstacles, as well as potential solutions, are detailed in this issue of our newsletter.

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Impacting the broader finance industry, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently voted to implement a new rule prohibiting non-compete agreements. We provide our first thoughts on this legislation and its potential implications – or lack thereof – for firms and investment professionals alike.

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We’re happy to engage further on either of these topics, hiring plans, or anything else that might come to mind. Have a great summer!

The Odyssey Team