Finance Advisory Board Spotlight

December 13, 2023

Peter Jones

(BS Accounting ’77) 

Retired president of Franklin Templeton Distributors and retired chairman of Franklin Templeton Institutional 

Department of Finance Advocacy Board Chair 2019-2023 and a 2018 College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame inductee 

About his career: Whatever success I achieved, it was attributable to my four pillars. First, work harder than your colleagues and competitors. There is no shortcut to success. Keep in mind that hard work isn’t a guarantee, as it always takes a bit of luck along the way. But, without hard work, good luck is less likely. Second, in any job role and especially as a leader, treat everyone with respect. Be honest with your thoughts and opinion and welcome honest thoughts and opinions while staying humble. This leads to trust, and trust enhances employee engagement, which produces better results. Third, never stop investing in yourself. Every career has setbacks. For example, maybe you don’t receive a promotion, you are laid off, you don’t get a job offer. Be realistic with a self-evaluation on how you make yourself more competitive. Perhaps you pursue an advanced degree, an industry designation or address personal weaknesses such as presentation or writing skills. In other words, how you handle setbacks by continually investing in yourself will dictate your level of success. Fourth, and most importantly, consider your integrity and reputation as gold standards. Never compromise, or you are done. 

About keys to student growth and success:  

  • Mentorship contributes to a student’s course or major selection and decisions regarding job opportunities, and it offers suggestions on how to respond to potential employers -- sharing criteria for choosing an employment option and so on.  
  • Clubs in the finance department are excellent sources of information if students take the initiative to participate. Having known the Financial Management Association officers last year and this year, I know the work they put in to provide an array of excellent employment-related insight. By participating you also will know your fellow competitors, which will help you learn and further motivate your effort.  
  • Diverse and numerous outside speakers offer insights from their real-world experience. 
  • Our advisory board has been active and integral in student growth, which is a key reason we are almost doubling the size of the board to expand its resources.