We asked several senior Two Sigma leaders what advice they would give interns as they begin their careers. Although their advice particularly applies to those joining Two Sigma, many of these leaders’ perspectives are relevant for anyone just getting started professionally.
Part 1 in this three-part series features:
- Carter Lyons, Co-Chief Executive Officer
- Sarah Fass, Chief People Officer; and
- Matt Greenwood, Chief Innovation Officer
Carter Lyons
Co-Chief Executive Officer
I encourage interns to be as proactively curious as possible. If you come to a place like Two Sigma, you’ll meet hundreds and hundreds of super-bright, experienced, very successful people. But at times you might be intimidated by that and not want to ask a certain question. I guarantee you, however, if you’re in a room with more than two people, someone else has a similar question. They’ll be happy that you asked it. So, be confident in yourself.
…if you’re not comfortable in a big setting, pull someone aside afterwards and say, “Hey, can I follow up with you on that?” We love to see that. It demonstrates humility.
It’s often said, but it’s true: there are no stupid questions, so make sure that you have that curiosity. And if you’re not comfortable in a big setting, pull someone aside afterwards and say, “Hey, can I follow up with you on that?” We love to see that. It demonstrates humility. There’s no way you can know everything.
Sarah Fass
Chief People Officer
The beginning of your career is an exciting time, full of possibilities. Remember that most rewarding careers look like a windy road, not a straight line—while you may have some idea of where you want to go, keep looking in your periphery for new ways to grow.
…don’t be afraid to go sideways to move forward.
Make sure your aperture is wide as you’re thinking about different pathways, and don’t be afraid to go sideways to move forward.
Matt Greenwood
Chief Innovation Officer
I believe that you’re better at things that you’re passionate about. And so, as an intern or just as an early-career person, figuring out what drives that passion is absolutely key.
…as an intern or just as an early-career person, figuring out what drives that passion is absolutely key.
You know, we spend a significant amount of time at work over our lives. You want to be doing something that gets you out of bed in the morning, and you want to be doing something that you have difficulty leaving at night. And in the beginning of your career it’s not always obvious what that thing is.
You may not have those experiences in school, but try to find them early in your career. Because, once you’ve experienced having to pull your hands away from the keyboard—not because you’re trying to meet a deadline, but because eventually you just have to go home at night!—you have found a passion that will change your life.
Then, you can unlock that passion with the skills and the talents that you’re building.
Learn more
Stay tuned for further career perspectives from senior company leaders. In the meantime, if you’re curious about internships or full-time positions at Two Sigma, we invite you to visit our Careers page.
