Jeffrey Arevalo
Listen to the interview (approx. 1 hr, 5 min.) or download it.
Graduated in 2013 with a major in Music Business. Principal instrument: drums.
Position: Insurance “Outside” Sales (official title: Mortgage Protection Specialist) at Symmetry Financial Group, a large life insurance company offering many different insurance products. A commission-only-based job, Jeffrey receives sales leads directly from his company, and his job is to sent up appointments to visit potential clients, find them appropriate insurance to cover their home mortgages in case of illness/disability/death, and sell them the appropriate product. He also spends time recruiting others to work for the company, and expects to be promoted to director of his own insurance agency several months from now.
Overview: After graduation Jeffrey moved back to Sarasota, Florida, and for the next several years he was “a workaholic–working (mostly construction and odd jobs) every day and gigging every night.” But he had a lot of student debt, and was only treading water financially. In the spring of 2017, a friend in Connecticut offered that he move up there and try to get a fresh start. Jeffrey moved there and spent the next two months applying to over 200 jobs. He got five offers, of which the offer for his current job was the most appealing.
It was tough “going from expert musician to the new guy,” and for the first three weeks he had no success. But in week 4 it clicked, and he realized he could do this. He has had great success in his current job, and is moving toward a more senior role.
You can see Jeffrey’s LinkedIn profile here.
Choice Quotes: “I like four things about my job: 1) The freedom. I create my own schedule, and can work anywhere I have my phone. Usually I’m working from home. 2) The compensation is great! 3) I’m making an impact, making the world a bit better by being here. 4) The culture of the business. I’m really close to the team I’m on, and there’s a large focus on personal development.”
“I have been very successful here, and my managers say it’s because of my work ethic. Musicians have a lot of grit and commitment and know that you have to put in hours of work to be successful.”
“The world needs more role models. Be a mentor; be a leader. Surround yourself with people you look up to. Find role models, talk to them. Read books. Chart your progressions, and don’t give up.”
“Music has been and always will be a big part of my life, it’s in my heart. I’ve always been a fan too. I’m taking a break now, but I’m not giving up on music, and I regret nothing.”
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