I work for a REIT that invests in Commercial Real Estate properties, Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities, and other CRE derivatives/securities. Prior to that, I produced EDM and pop music, having worked on music signed by Mad Decent, GRiZ/All Good, Dim Mak, Spinnin’ Records, and Musical Freedom.
Rowland Evans
Profile
Rowland Evans
07/27/2020
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Introduce yourself:
My name is Rowland Evans--I study Economics and English at Pepperdine University and am expected to graduate in December. I think I am a unique Senior having already started my second career at 22. I am currently a summer analyst for a commercial real estate investment fund. I work in the world of Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) and other oddly named financial securities/derivatives. Prior to that, I worked as a pop/EDM producer and engineer where I was able to work on music signed by Mad Decent (Diplo), Dim Mak (Steve Aoki), and Nest HQ (Skrillex). The two careers are wildly different, but they are also wildly similar in many ways that are counter intuitive. I'd like to raise my own fund one day and build/grow an excellent team.
How do you define success?
I think one of the most important parts of life is your work, and it is to be taken one day at a time. It's something that has the power to bring us a significant level of fulfillment and joy. If you can achieve some level of fulfillment at the end of today, I think you're successful.
What are your goals/dreams and where do you see yourself in 5 years?
My short term goals at the moment are to get a return offer, pass all three levels of the CFA, and become an anti-Patrick Bateman.
What motivates you?
At the base level, everything that motivates other humans: money, prestige, security, compassion, comfort, opportunities for my future family and myself, etc -- also competition with myself.
What is something that you do (a habit or daily practice) that you believe helps you achieve your goals or be productive?
I could not experience the fullness of life & consciousness if it wasn't for my i) meditation practice and ii) sticking to the practice as if my life depended upon it.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My best friend John Michael Night had a brain stem stroke when we were Seniors in high school. He has locked-in syndrome yet gets up every day and works harder than anyone I've seen. His work ethic inspires me a great deal.
Life motto or favorite quote?
"No problem is hard." - Ilya Sutskever