Dallas’s transformation into a financial technology hub seems to be accelerating weekly, with every new announcement bringing another wave of digital-first companies to our doorstep. Yet beneath the buzz of innovation and remote-work revolution, there’s mounting evidence that old-school relationship building remains the key to long-term success – especially for early-career professionals.

The career trajectory of finance professional Levi Pettit offers an interesting case study in bridging these two worlds. At a time when young professionals are being wooed by promises of flexible schedules and virtual teams, Pettit’s experience at Dallas institutions suggests that showing up still matters.

When Levi Pettit Challenged Modern Workplace Trends

“The young people who want to pursue finance may find that attractive,” Pettit observes about remote work arrangements. “However, [for an] entry-level job, [they] really should be looking for opportunities where they can be face-to-face with people every single day. That’s where I learned the most — and how I grew the most.”

It’s a decidedly contrarian view in today’s digital-first environment. Yet Pettit’s progression through Dallas’s financial sector – from Independent Financial to Veritex Bank and ultimately to family office investment work – demonstrates how traditional networking can accelerate career development, even in an increasingly digital industry.

Breaking Through Dallas’s Competitive Barriers

The reality is that Dallas’s financial sector remains intensely competitive, despite – or perhaps because of – its rapid growth. While coding bootcamps and financial technology certifications proliferate, Pettit’s approach to professional development took a more rigorous path. During his tenure at local institutions, he dedicated himself to obtaining the CFA designation, investing over 600 hours in preparation for the Level II and III exams. “Nobody required it of me,” he explains. “It’s something I did on my own. It was a lot of evenings and weekends studying.”

Relationship Capital: Dallas’s Enduring Currency

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Pettit’s story isn’t what he did, but how he did it. In an era of LinkedIn connections and virtual networking events, his major career breakthrough came through an old-fashioned lunch meeting with a former boss, leading to an opportunity in family office investment management.

“You’ve got to do it,” he maintains. “You have to put yourself out there. Find mentors — I would definitely not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the mentors I have in my life.” Even as he pursues his MBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, this emphasis on human connection remains central to his philosophy.

For Dallas’s next generation of financial professionals, the message is clear: while the tools of the trade may be evolving, the fundamental currency of career advancement – real relationships and rigorous self-development – remains unchanged. As the city continues its evolution into a major financial center, those who can blend traditional relationship-building with modern technical expertise may find themselves best positioned for success.