TIP Tuesday: Yoseph Jackson

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Yoseph Jackson and I go to San Pedro High School.

Where did you intern?
I interned at Ares Management this summer.

What have you learned at your internship?
I was in HR so I learned a lot about how to interact with different people. I think that’s really cool because I like talking to others and getting to know their story. And because I’m a really social person, I learned how to interact with people in a professional way and still be friendly. I also learned that Ares Management went public recently, so I’ve been looking into investing some money I’ve earned from my internship and I’m also reading up on how stocks work.​

​How did you become so interested in entrepreneurship?
I used to visit my family in Mexico a lot, and my grandpa would take me to this place called “Tianguis”, which is like a large, open flea market. Some of the vendors would try to hike up the prices on me because they didn’t think I could speak Spanish. So in return, I would surprise them with my Spanish and negotiate prices - I really liked that feeling! I also think that I could run my own business one day and it’s something I’m good at. I already have a business idea with my Dad that’s brewing right now, so I’m excited about that.

My dad always tells me, “You have to go out into the world and do better than me and your mom. That’s the goal.... you go somewhere and show them what you can do, and that should always be your absolute best, so give it your all.”

What do you think is the most valuable thing you've learned so far? 
I got to schedule one on one coffee meetings with some other interns and full-time staff to talk about their jobs and what they like, don’t like. I think it’s important for me to hear their experiences so I can have a better idea about the career I want to pursue. And like I mentioned earlier, it’s so important to know how to be professional. I learned that I can build a relationship and be nice or friendly to people, but I can still be professional at the same time. I think I’ve found the balance and I know that can help me in my daily life-- like my interactions with my teachers and peers.

How has this shaped what you want to do in the future?
I’ve learned that I don’t want to be in a traditional office setting. I really like being active and meeting with people, and making deals. I definitely want to be a CEO someday.

If you could give a future TIP intern advice, what would it be?
My dad always tells me, “You have to go out into the world and do better than me and your mom. That’s the goal.” So, have a positive and go-getter mindset. I was raised to always strive for excellence and to always do my best. It’s not like you go somewhere to do your worst-- you go somewhere and show them what you can do, and that should always be your absolute best, so give it your all.