Marc Sierro Goffaux
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I initially intended to pursue a degree in international relations. But since economics was a pre-requisite, I fell in love with the subject and decided to shift my major. Besides enjoying the topic itself, I felt the Economics school was great community. Students and professors got along very well. And while we all dreaded some of the moments we were trapped in the lab doing model regressions and econometric papers, I look back with nostalgia at the proud feeling of completing another assignment, and the ensuing Happy Hour reward at Koerner’s Pub, of course!
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Some of the clubs I was part of, the life in residence and the friendships I made there, the connections I continue to build from the alumni community, the hustle (and reward) in the classroom, the several coffee shops, Koerner’s Pub, Pit Pub on Wednesday Nights, volunteering at Seedlings, participating and then working at Jump-Start … the list goes on!
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
My degree overall contributed to my career since it taught me how to thoroughly research and learn for myself. I am continuously learning new things at my job, and I do so efficiently and effectively because of my major choice.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
The current job I have in Private Equity Real Estate. I went from picking up garbage in an on-campus gig, to door-to-door sales, student leader at the Jump-Start program, busser and server, marketing assistant for a small hotel consultancy, and freelance writer.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Not at all. It is hard to imagine what you will be doing in the future at such an early stage in one’s career. When I applied for UBC, Engineering was my first option. I got rejected and decided to go into Arts for International Relations. After studying Economics I decided to change my major. And throughout I ended up studying and learning on the side about real estate investing which led to me landing the connections and the career I am doing right now.
I certainly did not wake up one day and thought to myself: I want to be working in Private Equity Real Estate. It just happened by nature of me going out there and seeking other things. I believe the biggest challenge throughout anyone’s life in launching a career is defining yourself. What are you good at? How can I be of value to this world? How do I balance those two things with what I enjoy doing, and what I am passionate about?
Once you nail those questions down, a career naturally ensues from the choices to follow.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I get to engage with people constantly, all while helping to build a business. It is very entrepreneurial, which suits my style and goals. I am an extroverted person interested in the world of finance and economics, which suits my job in Private Equity Real Estate on the client and marketing side quite well.
It is challenging in all the ways that starting your own business can be challenging. Establishing your brand and reputation around your expertise in the field being the main thing that comes to mind.
The benefits of my degree to my career relates to my ability to research, and my ability to learn effectively and efficiently. I am constantly having to educate myself on new topics that require in-depth research and data analysis.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
The ability to connect with people in a variety of ways given my broad knowledge that came with electives and the many courses I took due to my degree.
Not to mention how economics relates in many ways to what I do, and thus helps in my communication with clients and business partners.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Be patient – if you get into real estate and/or private equity expecting quick returns, forget it. It is a long and arduous industry that requires a lot of experience and time to understand and do well in it (both as a client and as an expert in the field).
Be humble – leave your pride at home and be willing to take entry-level jobs that don’t necessarily relate to what exactly you want to do in the investment world. Sometimes you have to prove you’ve got a good work ethic before being brought up to the field you wish to work in.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Freak out less about needing to know what you want to do. It comes naturally, as long as you go out there and try things.
Marc Sierro Goffaux
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I initially intended to pursue a degree in international relations. But since economics was a pre-requisite, I fell in love with the subject and decided to shift my major. Besides enjoying the topic itself, I felt the Economics school was great community. Students and professors got along very well. And while we all dreaded some of the moments we were trapped in the lab doing model regressions and econometric papers, I look back with nostalgia at the proud feeling of completing another assignment, and the ensuing Happy Hour reward at Koerner’s Pub, of course!
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Some of the clubs I was part of, the life in residence and the friendships I made there, the connections I continue to build from the alumni community, the hustle (and reward) in the classroom, the several coffee shops, Koerner’s Pub, Pit Pub on Wednesday Nights, volunteering at Seedlings, participating and then working at Jump-Start … the list goes on!
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
My degree overall contributed to my career since it taught me how to thoroughly research and learn for myself. I am continuously learning new things at my job, and I do so efficiently and effectively because of my major choice.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
The current job I have in Private Equity Real Estate. I went from picking up garbage in an on-campus gig, to door-to-door sales, student leader at the Jump-Start program, busser and server, marketing assistant for a small hotel consultancy, and freelance writer.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Not at all. It is hard to imagine what you will be doing in the future at such an early stage in one’s career. When I applied for UBC, Engineering was my first option. I got rejected and decided to go into Arts for International Relations. After studying Economics I decided to change my major. And throughout I ended up studying and learning on the side about real estate investing which led to me landing the connections and the career I am doing right now.
I certainly did not wake up one day and thought to myself: I want to be working in Private Equity Real Estate. It just happened by nature of me going out there and seeking other things. I believe the biggest challenge throughout anyone’s life in launching a career is defining yourself. What are you good at? How can I be of value to this world? How do I balance those two things with what I enjoy doing, and what I am passionate about?
Once you nail those questions down, a career naturally ensues from the choices to follow.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I get to engage with people constantly, all while helping to build a business. It is very entrepreneurial, which suits my style and goals. I am an extroverted person interested in the world of finance and economics, which suits my job in Private Equity Real Estate on the client and marketing side quite well.
It is challenging in all the ways that starting your own business can be challenging. Establishing your brand and reputation around your expertise in the field being the main thing that comes to mind.
The benefits of my degree to my career relates to my ability to research, and my ability to learn effectively and efficiently. I am constantly having to educate myself on new topics that require in-depth research and data analysis.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
The ability to connect with people in a variety of ways given my broad knowledge that came with electives and the many courses I took due to my degree.
Not to mention how economics relates in many ways to what I do, and thus helps in my communication with clients and business partners.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Be patient – if you get into real estate and/or private equity expecting quick returns, forget it. It is a long and arduous industry that requires a lot of experience and time to understand and do well in it (both as a client and as an expert in the field).
Be humble – leave your pride at home and be willing to take entry-level jobs that don’t necessarily relate to what exactly you want to do in the investment world. Sometimes you have to prove you’ve got a good work ethic before being brought up to the field you wish to work in.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Freak out less about needing to know what you want to do. It comes naturally, as long as you go out there and try things.
