Jonah Ortiz

Becoming the Person Behind the Profession

by Jonah Ortiz
Finance and Accounting Student | C.T. Bauer College of Business
University of Houston

When I look back at who I was when I started college and who I am today, I see more than just academic growth. I see the moments that shaped me into the person behind the profession I am building. Those moments were not always big or planned. Some were quiet mornings at the gym, some were long nights working through classwork, and others were simply moments of reflection when I realized that happiness, not perfection, was what would carry me forward.

My journey in Finance and Accounting began with a fascination for structure and understanding how things connect beyond business. I wanted to know how numbers told a story, how decisions created outcomes, and how effort turned into progress. But what I learned along the way is that success in this field is not just about precision or formulas. It is about discipline, patience, and character. Accounting trained me to be detail-oriented and creative, while Finance pushed me to think strategically and proactively. These skills have shaped how I approach both my studies and my life.

Reading in My Major

Reading has become one of the most important tools in my development as both a student and a future professional. In Finance, reading is how I stay connected to the pulse of the economy. Every day, I explore articles from Bloomberg, Barron’s, and The Wall Street Journal to understand how markets move, how interest rates shift, and how companies respond to global events. These readings have taught me that numbers alone cannot tell the full story because context matters. Reading allows me to see the human side of finance and how decisions are driven by psychology, politics, and changing world conditions.

In my academic courses, reading extends beyond news articles to research papers, case studies, and financial analyses. These materials challenge me to think critically, interpret data, and draw conclusions that connect theory to practice. When I read about valuation models or corporate finance strategies, I am not just learning information, I am learning how professionals think, reason, and apply judgment. That type of reading builds a mindset that cannot be taught through formulas alone.

Reading at Work

At my internship, reading takes on a new dimension. Instead of reading to learn, I read to make decisions. I review earnings reports, company filings, and client briefs to assess financial performance and evaluate risks. I also read market summaries and investment research to stay informed about trends that could influence portfolios or business strategies. This kind of reading requires precision and speed. It is about filtering complex information into actionable insights that help guide conversations and support clients.

Reading in a professional setting has also deepened my respect for clarity and communication. Translating technical details into clear, concise summaries is part of being an effective analyst. It is not just about what you read, it is about what you understand, retain, and communicate.

Core Topics and Big Ideas in Finance Readings

Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate the main ideas that appear across both academic and professional readings:

• Financial Markets and Instruments: Understanding how stocks, bonds, and derivatives are traded, valued, and used to raise capital.

• Valuation and Investment Analysis: Learning to estimate the worth of companies and make sound investment decisions based on financial data.

• Risk and Return: Recognizing how uncertainty affects profits and how diversification manages that risk.

• Corporate Decision-Making: Analyzing how firms allocate resources, finance growth, and plan strategically.

• Global Economics and Markets: Studying how international events, interest rates, and government policies shape financial outcomes.

• Ethics and Regulation: Emphasizing fairness, transparency, and accountability in financial systems.

Reading Beyond the Profession

The more I have read, both in class and at work, the more I have understood that reading builds not just knowledge but perspective. It reminds me to stay curious, open-minded, and aware of the world around me. Every article, report, and case study strengthens my ability to think critically and connect ideas across disciplines.

Ultimately, reading has shaped the person behind the profession. It has helped me become a more thoughtful student, a more informed analyst, and a more grounded individual. Just like consistency and balance, reading is part of what drives growth. It teaches patience, builds understanding, and reminds me that every page, like every day, brings a new opportunity to learn and evolve.