Learning on The Fly

Investment advisory and risk management firms that hire recently graduated college students without sufficient guidance from seasoned practitioners essentially have a bunch of kids learning on the fly. Passing the requisite exams does not equate to real-world expertise. The laws, rules, and regulations are complex, and not every situation can be accounted for in a textbook. Common sense, an increasingly rare trait, is crucial but often lacking. This issue extends to the private sector and government, where interns, due to their positions, can wield disproportionate power without the necessary experience, leading to decisions that may not be fully informed or prudent. It's imperative for firms to provide robust mentorship and training to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, ensuring sound decision-making and effective risk management.

Paul Truesdell