A JPMorgan Chase executive said his 20 years of business success are highly related to the values of a student organization Monday night.
Speaking to a standing-room-only crowd of more than 100 people, Louis Schioppo, chief financial officer for JPMorgan Chase, said he is interested in hiring members of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting.
Schioppo said the association's members are highly talented students who differentiate themselves.
"If you want to be in that pool, (it's) a good place to start," he said.
The association's UF chapter was established this year, said Yadira Sanchez, co-president and a UF accounting senior.
Schioppo spoke at the group's second meeting.
Although he is not Latin and was not a member of the association in college, Schioppo said the group's values would lead students to success.
He advised students not to be afraid of taking risks, especially early in their careers, and to develop their skills at every opportunity.
"Your skill set, your toolbox, you have to keep it fresh," he said.
Schioppo also emphasized the value of networking.
As an example, he used the story of his relationship with Carlos Barriga, a UF alumnus, and Alina Garcia, a Marriott employee and graduate of Florida International University.
Barriga and Garcia also spoke at the meeting.
Schioppo met Barriga and Garcia at the association's national convention in Orlando in August.
After meeting Barriga, Schioppo hired Barriga on the spot.
Since she met him, Garcia said Schioppo has become her mentor.
Garcia also offered four tips to make the transition from college to the professional world easier.
"Never look at your job as that money-maker," she said. "Look at it as an extension of your education."
Valentina Gonzalez, a fourth-year UF finance major, said hearing from recent college graduates was helpful because they're the same age and have common interests.
During a question-and-answer session, Schioppo said students should concentrate on the opportunities in front of them at the moment.
"As you think about your student life and who you want to be, if you want to be a leader, start now," he said.
