Blog Post: Ask the Alum : Paul Tram

Name: Paul Tram
Job Title/Employer: Manager, Vanguard
Year of Graduation: 1997
Degree/Major: B.A./Psychology

What is your favorite part of your current job?
This is a two-fold answer for me. First, I enjoy being in a leadership role and helping employees achieve their individual career goals and second, I like working in the financial industry.

What career path did you follow from your ASU degree to your present job?
I graduated college with a degree in psychology. I worked at a suicide prevention center as my initial career plans were to become a counselor. Early on while working, I gained exposure to management and I realized a lot of the skill sets used in counseling are used in leadership. 
I started to work in the financial industry to gain additional business experience while attending school for my master's degree in organizational management. I have been in the financial industry for the past 11 years in a variety of leadership roles.   

Describe one skill learned at ASU that you use daily in your job.
Social skills. ASU is a big school, and if you want to be noticed or gain recognition, you need to take the initiative to reach out to others. In the work force, your initiative could make the difference when capitalizing on opportunities that arise that could move your career forward.

What advice would you give to current students or job-seekers about finding work in your field?
Learn about the industry through talking to people who work in the field—focus on job descriptions, not job titles.
You do not need to have an accounting or finance degree to work in the financial industry. I am living proof! I have acquired the specific job competencies thoughtout my career.  However, I draw upon and use skill sets that are not specific to any industry on a daily basis: leadership and communication skills. These skill sets are transferable and are used regardless of what industry you are in.