Recent Alumni Spotlight: Eli Fabens

The folks in 3CE recently caught up with Eli Fabens to hear more about his experiences working at Oreninc, an independent financial services provider for companies, institutions, and investors in the junior commodities space. Eli, originally from Ithaca, New York, graduated from Lewis & Clark in May 2011 with a degree in Economics.

Q: What is your job title? Can you tell us a bit about your day-to-day experience?

I currently work for a small startup, Oreninc, and because of this my job title is fairly flexible however Research Analyst or Director of Research is what I would say if forced into a box.  On a day-to-day basis, I create reports for clients, work with my co-workers on new product development, and do research for other company projects.  One thing is definitely true, few days are rarely the same and are never boring.…

3CE: How did you find out about this opportunity?

EF: During my senior year, I did a lot of networking.  I spoke with everyone on campus that I knew well to see who might know someone that would have and possibilities for me.  I got a lot of good feedback and a variety of different opportunities came up and in the end Oren Inc. was what worked out.

3CE: What do value about your L&C liberal arts education now that you’re out there in life beyond college?

EF: The liberal arts education and L&C required me to think beyond just the most obvious answer and to try and dig deeper when finding solutions.  This has been critical in my current position because sometimes the first answer is not the best or most useful answer for our clients. 

3CE: What job search advice would you give seniors and other recent grads?

EF: People want to help you find jobs and help you network.  You will never learn about the opportunities if you don’t ask. Lewis & Clark has all sorts of resources including 3CE but also beyond.  Make connections with people, personal networks fostered on campus were my greatest asset in finding a position after college.

3CE: What would you tell students, if anything, about 3CE?

EF: 3CE provides a lot of different services and ways to think about finding career opportunities but it still requires a lot of work on the part of the student.  It is never too early to talk with 3CE and use their resources to begin working on pursuing opportunities.