Ellis Rutili
Class Year
2017
Area(s) of Study
Economics, Spanish
Hometown
Chicago, IL
Internships
Merrill Lynch, Global Wealth Management
Previous Employers
Merrill Lynch, Tegus
Current Employer and Position
Centric Wealth Management, Director of Operations
How did you explore your interests and decide on a major/majors?
Spanish was always a big part of my life. Many of my closest friends growing up were native speakers, so by the time I started taking Spanish in school, it felt very intuitive. Adding a major in Spanish gave me an outlet to read, write, and travel, all things I love doing, that I may not have had otherwise.
Describe a moment or experience you had in college that helped define your career path (coursework, internship, study abroad, student organization, etc.)
Studying abroad in Cuba was an incredible, eye-opening experience. It forced me out of my comfort zone in so many ways and played a big role in shaping my decision-making when it came to school, work, and life. It helped me to recognize and appreciate the avenues and resources available to me, and to take more risks than I otherwise would have early in my career, which ended up being a major positive catalyst.
What steps did you take at Lake Forest College to prepare for your career?
Building and maintaining a supportive network of friends and alumni. I was lucky enough to intern at Merrill Lynch, where I ended up working after graduation, and that internship, as well as nearly every interview and job opportunity I had after graduation, came through LFC alumni.
What would you recommend Lake Forest College students considering a career in your field do to prepare?
Wealth management is all about people. Focus on emotional intelligence, speaking, and writing. You'll build the technical skills on the job.
How did the Department of Modern Languages, other departments, the Career Advancement Center and/or the Forester community give you an edge on taking your first steps after graduation?
The Department of Modern Languages, and the Forester community more broadly were the sources of almost every opportunity I had after graduation. The support system in place for students and recent grads who are looking for work in the greater Chicago area is excellent and easily accessible.
What have you found the most rewarding in your career and life after graduation?
The people in my life.