The recruiter at the table smiled professionally as Jeremy approached. "Hello! Are you interested in a career with Hale Investments?"

Jeremy was, immensely! However, he worried that a branch office posting would hinder his career progression. Wouldn't it be better to start somewhere more visible and work his way into the main branch?

"How does someone get a job at the main office?" Jeremy asked casually.

He already knew the basics from online research and conversations, but hearing it from an insider would be beneficial.

The recruiter barely suppressed a chuckle. He'd seen countless ambitious young people like Jeremy, all believing they deserved a Wall Street job straight out of college. Most didn't secure such positions until their thirties.

"Experience is paramount. Your Yale education provides a solid foundation," the recruiter said. "However, many start in lower departments and remain there. Advancement is often easier in a branch office."

Jeremy frowned; he knew this. Cameron Singleton was a rare exception.

He wasn't sure how, but he believed he could succeed if he landed an analyst position. He'd followed Hale Investments' news closely, recognizing a shared vision with Aaron Hale. They were kindred spirits, he was certain; he just needed the opportunity to prove it.

"Thanks for the information," Jeremy said politely. He took a Hale Investments pen from the table and left.

A month before graduation, Jeremy had multiple job offers, all of which he rejected. He didn't want to be a financial advisor; that's how people got stuck in the main office!

He'd checked employees' LinkedIn profiles and discovered the recruiter was right. Most Hale Investments financial advisors had worked in the same department for over a decade.

Working with individual clients seemed dreadful. Jeremy wanted to work with the actual numbers, and he excelled at it. His professors consistently praised his abilities, and he was about to graduate summa cum laude.

This created a problem, however; he needed employment. He continued applying to companies focused on stock trends, with little success. No one wanted a recent graduate.

It was frustrating. His age was a significant barrier. Jeremy had invested hundreds of hours studying the stock market; he knew his stuff.

His mother incessantly urged him to accept an offer. This was particularly galling, considering her own lack of educational commitment.

Jeremy grew discouraged. He might have to accept a financial advisor position to pay his bills, rendering his hard work meaningless.

His phone rang. Reluctantly, he answered; the area code was unfamiliar, suggesting a potential spam call.

"Jeremy Ward," he sighed.

"Hello, Mr. Ward. I'm Emma Wilson, a hiring manager at Hale Investments. A headhunter recommended you. Would you be interested in interviewing for an analyst position?"

Jeremy was shocked. Was this a dream? Which headhunter knew him? He hadn't even graduated yet!

Composing himself, he cleared his throat and spoke calmly, aiming to make a good impression.

"Yes, I would be interested."

He'd never imagined such an opportunity. An analyst position at Hale Investments was incredibly rare. He'd never heard of anyone being headhunted into such a competitive company.

"Excellent. A video interview sometime next week? When are you available?"

Jeremy would reschedule anything for this chance, but he played it cool, offering several times. They settled on three days later at 1:30 PM. He barely managed a polite goodbye, overwhelmed with excitement.

Three days to prepare. He researched common interview questions and reviewed his analysis work. He had plenty of old papers to sift through.

His panic proved unnecessary. The thirty-minute interview ended with an on-the-spot offer and salary negotiations.

It was unbelievable. Who recommended him? Divine intervention?

Jeremy was stunned. Finals were challenging; the news was distracting. Telling his mother wasn't as satisfying as he'd hoped.

"You were headhunted by Hale Investments," she said skeptically. "You."

"Yes, Mom," he said through gritted teeth. "They offered a generous salary and a prestigious department."

"They're crazy," she scoffed. "But good for you."

That was the extent of his mother's support; he should have expected no more.