University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Alumni Focus – Ryan Winslow, Football (B.S. 2017)
3/19/2019 9:49:00 AM | General
Each month, The Cathy and John Pelusi Family Life Skills Program focuses on the career and professional development of a former University of Pittsburgh student-athlete. In the first edition of the 2018-2019 academic year, former Pitt Football student-athlete and current Client Associate at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Ryan Winslow, shares his thoughts and insights regarding his career and professional Development.
What is your current occupation(s)? What do you like most about your job(s)?
My role is a Seasonal Client Associate. I work directly with Financial Advisors to help manage wealth outlooks and financial plans, prospect clients, and serve as a point of contact for customers. This role has also given me the flexibility to continue pursuing my MBA in The Katz Graduate School of Business.
This experience with Merrill Lynch has provided me a hands on understanding of the Wealth Management and Financial Services Industry. The office is a family atmosphere and the team that I work with is comprised of highly talented, focused, and proficient individuals. There are members of the team who are teaching me about markets and market signals, investments, and how to determine strategic asset allocations based on client's risk preferences.
How did your experience as a Pitt student-athlete help in your career and professional development?
My experience as a Pitt student athlete was phenomenal. From the first day I stepped on campus there was a true emphasis on the development of the whole person, not just the athlete and the student. There are so many opportunities that the Pitt Life Skills program offers to help build your personal brand and begin to prepare you for life after sports. Career Networking Night, Legacy Night, Financial Education Series, and the Etiquette Series were a few of the numerous events that I attended that helped prepare me for professional environments, teaching me how to be comfortable in them. These events also taught me important life lessons like how to interview properly, manage personal finances, and manage the stress of being a Division 1 student athlete.
Who had the biggest positive impact on your career and professional development while you were a student-athlete at Pitt? Why were they so impactful?
Penny Semaia, Jackson Martin, Lisa Auld, and John Pelusi were some of the many individuals that played a huge role in my career development. Penny was instrumental in teaching me what characteristics embody a "Pitt Man" and placed a huge emphasis on treating people the right way. Lisa helped me network properly and taught me how to be comfortable in professional settings. Jackson reviewed countless resume drafts, post graduate scholarship applications, and had a genuine interest in my professional goals. Through one simple conversation with John about my career aspirations and plans for the future, he was able to get me a contact with Merrill Lynch, and helped set up an interview with them a week later. I owe a ton to these people, and all the other members of the Pitt Life Skills and Career Developments programs whose work is greatly appreciated.
What advice do you have for current University of Pittsburgh student-athletes regarding their career and professional development?
My advice to current student athletes is to take advantage of everything Pitt has to offer and be proactive in seeking advice and guidance. There are so many great individuals that are eager to help you in any way that they can. Being an active participant in all the Events that are offered provides you with experiences that will help you in the future.
Do you have any final thoughts/comments that you would like to share?
I am proud to call myself a Pitt alumnus and I am very grateful to those who had an impact on my development. It was an honor to wear the Pitt Script on game day, and I will proudly represent Pitt in my future roles.
What is your current occupation(s)? What do you like most about your job(s)?
My role is a Seasonal Client Associate. I work directly with Financial Advisors to help manage wealth outlooks and financial plans, prospect clients, and serve as a point of contact for customers. This role has also given me the flexibility to continue pursuing my MBA in The Katz Graduate School of Business.
This experience with Merrill Lynch has provided me a hands on understanding of the Wealth Management and Financial Services Industry. The office is a family atmosphere and the team that I work with is comprised of highly talented, focused, and proficient individuals. There are members of the team who are teaching me about markets and market signals, investments, and how to determine strategic asset allocations based on client's risk preferences.
How did your experience as a Pitt student-athlete help in your career and professional development?
My experience as a Pitt student athlete was phenomenal. From the first day I stepped on campus there was a true emphasis on the development of the whole person, not just the athlete and the student. There are so many opportunities that the Pitt Life Skills program offers to help build your personal brand and begin to prepare you for life after sports. Career Networking Night, Legacy Night, Financial Education Series, and the Etiquette Series were a few of the numerous events that I attended that helped prepare me for professional environments, teaching me how to be comfortable in them. These events also taught me important life lessons like how to interview properly, manage personal finances, and manage the stress of being a Division 1 student athlete.
Who had the biggest positive impact on your career and professional development while you were a student-athlete at Pitt? Why were they so impactful?
Penny Semaia, Jackson Martin, Lisa Auld, and John Pelusi were some of the many individuals that played a huge role in my career development. Penny was instrumental in teaching me what characteristics embody a "Pitt Man" and placed a huge emphasis on treating people the right way. Lisa helped me network properly and taught me how to be comfortable in professional settings. Jackson reviewed countless resume drafts, post graduate scholarship applications, and had a genuine interest in my professional goals. Through one simple conversation with John about my career aspirations and plans for the future, he was able to get me a contact with Merrill Lynch, and helped set up an interview with them a week later. I owe a ton to these people, and all the other members of the Pitt Life Skills and Career Developments programs whose work is greatly appreciated.
What advice do you have for current University of Pittsburgh student-athletes regarding their career and professional development?
My advice to current student athletes is to take advantage of everything Pitt has to offer and be proactive in seeking advice and guidance. There are so many great individuals that are eager to help you in any way that they can. Being an active participant in all the Events that are offered provides you with experiences that will help you in the future.
Do you have any final thoughts/comments that you would like to share?
I am proud to call myself a Pitt alumnus and I am very grateful to those who had an impact on my development. It was an honor to wear the Pitt Script on game day, and I will proudly represent Pitt in my future roles.
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