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Ryan Ledbetter
Bus 101
2-21-17
Writing Prompt: Dream Job
My biggest fear in life is to be an average person and be just like everyone else. I strive
to accomplish feats that average people will never get the chance to achieve. Not only am I a
big dreamer, but I pursue my dreams hoping to turn them into reality. One of my goals is to
become a large corporate investment banker on Wall Street. This profession not only satisfies
my big dreamer mentality, it also conforms to my love for finance, investing and
entrepreneurship.
My passion for finance stems from a time period during my childhood where America
and the rest of the world were experiencing an economic recession. I witnessed news programs
on TV reporting about large corporations that were laying off thousands of workers. At the
same time as all the layoffs were happening, there were bankers on Wall Street receiving
million dollar bonuses. It fascinated me that while so many people were struggling, there were
others who were able to use their knowledge of financial markets to flourish. For me, my love
for finance is not about the money, instead it is about the exclusiveness that comes with being
The role of an investment banker is to provide their clients with financial advice and
direction that leads to profits for their clients business. Investment bankers are also
responsible for investing money in stocks and other financial instruments they think will
generate economic growth for their company. Most large companies engage in proprietary
trading where they trade stocks using their investors money. Proprietary trading can be a risky
method of investing since it usually involves large sums of money and is funded at the expense
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of investors. For these reasons, it is essential for investment bankers to have extensive
knowledge of the world economic markets in order to create handsome profits for their
company and its investors. It is important for the bankers to have strong sales techniques and
persuasive communication skills in order to influence potential lenders to invest with their
company.
Because Goldman Sachs is one of the worlds leading investment banking firms, it
provides a potentially intriguing career path for me. Goldman Sachs not only has a massive
domestic presence in the United States, they also have an extensive existence internationally.
Working for such a large company would provide many business opportunities and investment
ventures that many smaller firms dont have access to. Another advantage of working for a
renowned company like Goldman Sachs is the prestige that comes along with being one of their
employees. Many of the workers at Goldman Sachs are well respected in the business industry
and often use that reputation to launch careers as CEOs in top corporations or become notable
political leaders.
being a member of their financial and strategic investors sector. These employees constantly
analyze the stock markets and help their clients make wise investments. In such a role, I would
be in charge of researching the market and developing investment strategies for things like
private equity or high-flying hedge funds. This career path appeals to me because I would have
the ability to improve the lives of my stakeholders while potentially effecting hundreds of
millions of dollars.
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Patrick L. Anderson is the business leader I chose to interview. Mr. Anderson is the
President and Founder of Anderson Economic Group (AEG), based out of East Lansing, MI. His
company has other locations in New York City, Chicago, and Istanbul. Anderson Economic
Group offers a variety of services, but they specialize in financial strategy and business
valuation. Few public policy initiatives with significant financial implications are considered in
Michigan without a detailed economic analysis produced by AEG which explains the economic
What initially intrigued me about Mr. Anderson was his high-profile notoriety among
both top political and industry leaders, which includes an office on Wall Street. But also
notable, is that he is married to Madhu Anderson, who was Chief Deputy Treasurer under Gov.
John Engler from 1993-2001 and is also recognized as a top leader in financial circles.
I originally met Patrick and Madhu Anderson at the Republican Party State Convention
business background and impressive international credentials. Following our initial encounter
at the convention, I called his office in East Lansing (517-333-6984) to set up a phone interview
The first question I asked Mr. Anderson during our phone conversation was what his
career goal was while he was working towards his undergraduate degree at the University of
Michigan. This question was important because I was curious if starting his own economic firm
was a goal he was pursuing at the outset of his undergraduate experience. Mr. Anderson
explained that while in college he initially studied history and English. He said he didnt know
what career he wanted to pursue. He knew that he didnt want to just be a student of history,
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but ultimately his goal was to create his own. Mr. Anderson told me his interest in economics
didnt surface until his later years at Michigan. I asked if he was involved with any internships or
clubs while in college that helped him pursue his goal of changing history. He said he didnt take
part in any internships or clubs, but instead he focused on buying and selling cars to make
money for college. I found that admission enlightening, as it suggested a traditional focus on
When asked about his career prior to starting his own company, Mr. Anderson
explained that he spent a few years working for Alexander Hamilton Life under the venerable
Dick Headlee, a political anti-tax legend and former candidate for governor in Michigan.
Following his work for Headlee, he served as Budget Director and Chief of Staff for the
What inspired Anderson to start his own company? He said it happened organically due
to his circumstances. He explained that while working for the state of Michigan, he developed
many connections and was doing work for several businesses that he decided it was time to
create his own company to focus on all these relationships he built. He also noted that during
the time period when he was developing his own company, starting a business wasnt
I asked Mr. Anderson how things he learned in college helped in his business endeavors.
Mr. Anderson said that although having a college degree is important, many things arent
taught in a classroom and are learned through experience on the job. He also mentioned that
he authored a book called The Economics of Business Valuation which he jokingly claimed
would teach me more in the first few chapters than I would learn while pursuing a MBA degree.
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talk about his book and the world of finance once I read it. Having someone of Patrick
Andersons caliber as both a professional and intellectual mentor would be a huge benefit to
I asked Mr. Anderson what kind of things he considers when hiring a recent college
graduate and if he had any advice for a college student pursing a degree in business. He
answered these questions by stressing the importance of hard work and good character. He
explained that he doesnt hire someone based on a history of impressive internships on their
resume, but rather would prefer someone who did work for a church group because it
demonstrates their capacity for hard work and that they have a strong set of values at the
foundation of their life. Mr. Anderson said when it comes down to a final decision, he is
ultimately hiring a person, not a resume. He recognizes that he will have to work closely with
this person and thus chemistry and shared values are helpful to professional compatibility. Mr.
Anderson told me that he would consider me for a potential internship at his office on Wall
Street if I explore his website, read his book, and email him with a review of what I read.
As part of this assignment, I also reached out to Lt. Gov. Brian Calleys office in an
attempt to set up an interview with him. His office said that he was willing to meet with me on
Monday, February 27, but couldnt meet sooner because he was currently traveling out of
country on a trade mission, so I was unable to accept the offer. Brian Calley would have been
another excellent interview, because of his experience as a banker prior to taking public office.
It would have been interesting to find out how his background as a banker influenced his