INVESTING : Jason Costi

How would you describe your job?
I work with a team that invests money in medium or large established companies. My role is to evaluate the different parts of the business and of the entire industry in which it operates. Once we understand the company and determine that it's an attractive investment, we work with its management team to develop a plan to improve the company. If my team and the company agree on an improvement plan, we buy the company and work with management to implement the changes. If all works out, it usually takes between three to five years to achieve our goal.


What are the biggest challenges in your job?
Staying organized is one of the biggest challenges. Determining whether or not you want to make an investment decision is similar to taking a final exam. There is a large amount of information that you need to learn in a short period of time. I am constantly learning about many topics, and keeping track of that information requires taking good notes and lots of preparation. When we get to the point when we have to make a decision, much like a final exam, we need to be able to evaluate all the options and make the correct decision quickly and under pressure. The accuracy of that decision, which is impacted by my notes and analyses, is vital to the success of our investments.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is being exposed to the workings of many different companies. There are fundamental skills that are required to evaluate all opportunities; however, no two companies are the same. Therefore, I am constantly learning about new businesses and the many issues impacting the success of those organizations. I enjoy constantly being challenged with new ideas and learning about the issues impacting different companies.

What advice do you have for young people considering a career in finance?
My advice when considering a career in finance is to consider how much you enjoy working with numbers and how well you work with people. Being comfortable with and having an aptitude for numbers is important. However, learning how to work with people is one of the most important aspects of my job. I work with many different people that have diverse backgrounds, a variety of experiences and different opinions, much like your classmates. The most successful people at my company are the ones that work well in a team environment. You should learn to listen and analyze what your peers are saying because you can learn a tremendous amount of information from the people around you.

What personal characteristics are required for someone to be successful in your job?
Taking on responsibility and having a positive attitude are fundamental elements of being successful at my job. A positive attitude motivates people to do their best and work together as a team. In a team environment, everyone relies on everyone else to make an investment decision. The success of the team is determined by the hard work and effort of all. If someone does not fully commit, strive to do his/her best, or do his/her piece of the project, then the success of the whole team is jeopardized.

What do you see yourself doing in five years' time?
As I gain more and more experience at what I am doing, I see myself contributing more to the team's benefit. I enjoy my job and get excited to walk into the office every day since each day brings something new and challenging. I am fortunate enough to be doing exactly what I like to do and foresee myself continuing on this path.

What other job could you do with the skills you have gained in this field?
Given the diversity of my experience, I could become an entrepreneur by starting a new business or get a job at a corporation in their strategy department to improve the workings of their company.