Jeffrey Johnson

Former Cal Football TE | UC Berkeley Econ '25 | Aspiring investment banker in NYC

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

Had the chance to attend Adam Grant’s launch of his new book Vibe at BAM, with Malcolm Gladwell moderating and an appearance from the great Oz “The Mentalist” Pearlman.

My biggest takeaway: It’s okay to put labels on relationships, but don’t be afraid to let them evolve as the relationship grows.

Since moving to New York, some of my best conversations have started as networking coffees and turned into real friendships and mentorships.

Excited to read Vibe.

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

I’ve been dipping my toe in the job market since January while working multiple internships.

I went through five or six different techniques: mass applying online, cold emailing bankers, working with recruiters, waiting on referrals. Each time I thought I’d found the one, but every one of them put the job search out of my control.

Now I’ve stopped dipping my toe and jumped straight in. And I’m putting this job search back in my own hands.

That means not taking the typical route of applying to every job I see and waiting to hear back. I’m prioritizing learning, meeting people I find interesting, and seeing where it takes me.

I can’t control who’s hiring. I can control how much I learn and who I meet along the way.

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

@BoringBiz_ Any advice for D1 athletes whose summers were too busy for internships?

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

One of my favorite parts of the job hunt has been working out of different coffee shops, WeWorks, libraries, and hotel lobbies.

You never know who you're going to meet, and being around people who are just as hungry fuels my motivation.

Any spots in New York I should check out?

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

@ItsHeathD Great points. Thanks Heath.

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

Since graduating, I've interviewed and met with over 300 people. The lessons I've heard most often:

1. Don't build a network of LinkedIn connections. Build a network of real relationships.
2. Be genuine and show your personality. People remember you, not your resume.
3. Don't be nervous about reaching out. Everyone you're messaging was once in your position.
4. Maintain your relationships. A quick check in months later means more than the first coffee.

Is there any other advice you would recommend to someone coming into the workforce?

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

@ats_ready I love this. Going to use it to rekindle some old connections!

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

@ChadwickOBailey Thanks Chadwick. I've heard football teaches you everything you need for life.

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

Really appreciate this thread. Preparation is the key to success, so I'm working on these now to make them second nature before I hit the desk.

Two that stood out: seeking mentorship and staying curious. What I've heard is that the best analysts don't just build the model. They understand the business behind the numbers and learn from the people around them. The people next to you on the desk are the best resource you'll ever have.

Not just a survival guide. A guide on how to excel.

[Boring_Business @BoringBiz_]

INVESTMENT BANKING SURVIVAL GUIDE 101

If you are a recent college graduate or intern starting in investment banking in the next few weeks, this thread is for you

Some unsolicited advice from me

🧵

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

Thank you @Bethazor1 for pushing me to start posting on X to connect.

After five years at Cal, my football career is officially over.

Arrived as a walk on, 13th on the linebacker depth chart. Left on scholarship as a captain with 4 Big Game wins and 40+ games played.

Next chapter: investment banking in New York. Same playbook different field

Go Bears 🐻

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

@briandelucia @Bethazor1 @UCBerkeley Thank you @briandelucia ! Like the saying goes, "You become who you surround yourself with." I'll make sure to focus on the technical side of the business and on being a great listener for clients.

Would love to grab coffee in the city!

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

@Bethazor1 @UCBerkeley It was so great meeting you at Runningman Fest, Beth! I really appreciated your advice and looking forward to staying in touch

[Ghost @GhostofGarbers]

Crunched the numbers and under the following scenario, if Cal:

Beats UCLA
Beats Cuse
Beats Wagner
Beats Clemson
Beats UNLV
Beats Va Tech
Beats Wake
Beats SMU
Beats NC State
Beats Virginia
Beats Stanford
Beats Pitt
Wins the ACC Championship
Wins the Quarterfinal
Wins the Semi Final
Wins the Title Game

The California Golden Bears are National Champions

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

@GhostofGarbers Always great to catch up with a Legend!

[Cal Football @CalFootball]

Back in the saddle.

#SmartAndTough #GoBears

[Cade Uluave @cadeuluave]

I will be forever grateful for Coach Wilcox and the impact he had on me. He gave me an opportunity that changed my life and helped me become a better player and a better person. I’m truly thankful for everything he gave to us

[victory cannon enthusiast @RyanJosephData]

Go bears!

[Rino Monteforte @RinoMonteforte1]

Hey @ACCFootball it is pretty insane that you won’t allow our non-travel players on the sideline for the Big Game this Saturday. What is the problem? We wanna take the field as a FULL family and team as EVERY PERSON puts in work every day to make Cal successful.
Go Bears🐻❤️

[Jeffrey Johnson @JeffreyAJohnson]

@GhostofGarbers 🫡

[Benji Palu @BenjiPalu_Cal]

SWITCH HAS FLIPPED BEAT STANFURD!!