As a first-generation college graduate, Jim Conti can relate to Carver students. As a former managing director at Goldman Sachs, he has abundant good advice and guidance to offer them today. And that is exactly what he shared recently with a very attentive group of students at the Carver Community Center.
Mr. Conti shared what it was like to graduate from a small school like St. Peter’s University and how he was initially intimidated by the students there. The power of hard work saw him successfully through in school and then in his profession. He worked during the day and went to school at night. He eventually became a managing director in 2008.
Mr. Conti talked about the value of being coachable and taking pride in who you are, never forgetting to properly represent and sell yourself. He spoke about outworking everyone and perseverance. “Preparation prepares you for opportunities,” he said. “Secondly, know your facts. You have to be in the business of knowing yourself better than anyone else.”
Mr. Conti spoke about the joys of retirement and embracing new passions such as opening a school in the coffee business.
He wished Carver students the successful completion of the school year. “Don’t let up now; full speed ahead to the finish line!”
Mr. Conti first joined Goldman Sachs in 1984 as an analyst. He was named managing director in 2008. He rejoined the firm in 2004 after seven years away working at two other firms. Jim worked at Deutsche Bank Securities and UBS Securities in various senior management capacities within the Equity Finance groups at both companies.
Mr. Conti is a member of Saint Peter's University's Board of Trustees and works with the University's career center, helping advise current Saint Peter’s students. Jim earned a B.S. in computer science from Saint Peter’s University (formerly College).