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As technology progresses positively across diverse industries, many digital-centric aspirants, such as Syed Faiz, consider the intersection between sectors driven by internet-based advancements and those adjusting to technological innovations.
Faiz, who initially sought a computer science-focused path, now celebrates his successes within the economic community, serving as a finance manager after venturing into the world of automotive manufacturing. His journey emphasizes the power of adaptability, resilience, and measurable accomplishments, showcasing not only his leadership throughout his years of hard work but also his impact.
When Faiz first moved to the United States, he initially set his sights on developing expertise in information technology. Amidst the tech boom prompted by COVID-19, he pursued an undergraduate degree in computer science in Silicon Valley, unexpectedly finding himself shifting his focus toward the automotive sector.
Faiz often envisioned himself becoming a product manager, collaborating between business, technology, and people. However, an unexpected obstacle of a tightened job market made it increasingly challenging for Faiz to find work within the field he’d dreamt of.
After taking some time to rethink and rearrange his aspirations, Faiz acquired an entry-level position at Swickard Management Company, a leading automotive group composed of more than 50 dealerships.
What originally felt akin to a stagnant role in an industry with which he was unfamiliar, Faiz quickly adapted, learning invaluable skills along the way. Despite the difference in title, he recognized the similarities between his work at Swickard and the responsibilities carried out by traditional product managers, from customer communication to sales strategies.
One of the most important lessons Faiz highlights is the power of the pivot. For years, he had been fixed on one vision of success: becoming a product manager in the tech world. When that path closed, it initially felt like failure. Yet by remaining open to new directions, first in data, then in finance, he discovered opportunities for both professional and personal growth.
Faiz believes this perspective resonates with younger audiences who may feel stuck or pressured to have their careers mapped out too early. In his view, few people follow a straight path, and often the most rewarding opportunities are the ones that arrive unexpectedly.
Before long, Faiz would pivot into the vast ecosystem of financial excellence.
Since his earliest memories, Faiz showed an unwavering interest in work centered around using computers, mainly due to their ability to connect people from all around the globe.
While fine-tuning his multifaceted skills at the automotive company, he leveraged many opportunities to work face-to-face with clients, learn about their challenges, and generate reliable solutions to real-world problems. Each day was a constant balance between analytical mastery and staying connected to customer needs. As the company grew, Faiz was presented with a chance to pursue a new career avenue: profitability.
This new direction would soon lead him into his finance manager role, where he’d be responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state legislation while simultaneously optimizing profits. Faiz now manages transactions worth more than $2 million per month, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of internal business processes.
Today, he demonstrates that individuals seeking occupational purpose don’t always have to achieve their goals in a straight line. Versatility, strength, and a willingness to grow can unlock potential that may not be immediately apparent.
Understandably, Faiz faced challenges as he worked to develop his financial expertise. Alongside struggling with the inevitable self-doubt and a lack of faith in his somewhat spontaneous career shift, he would often overlook readily apparent opportunities.
After remodeling his mindset, Faiz decided to consider every new opportunity with acceptance, gradually building up his career confidence in the process.
Now, Faiz can boast about boosted sales, closing ratios to a record-breaking 28% at Swickard’s Oakland location, and generating $125,000 in first-year net profit. He additionally helped increase per-transaction profitability by $2,650, adding $100,000 in pure business profit.
These achievements, alongside countless others, proved that Faiz remained driven no matter where he would end up in his career path.
Looking ahead, Faiz reflects on the lessons he’s learned thus far, noting that life rarely goes as planned. While he originally envisioned a career in computer science, his unexpected transition into the automotive industry’s financial realm equipped him with analytical expertise and a profound understanding of people-first practices.
Continuing in his recently earned role of finance manager, he hopes to encourage others to branch outside of their comfort zones, leaving room for growth through unique opportunities.
Professional development involves embracing change and seizing unexpected openings across industries; a concept that Syed Faiz will refine with fixity and determination in the years to come.
