About a 5 mins read
Finding a Path at MetLife Investment Management: Growth, Purpose, and Possibility
By Sara Strauch, Portfolio Specialist, Emerging Markets
At MetLife Investment Management, LLC (MIM), we believe careers are built on curiosity, growth, and opportunity – and Sara’s journey is a great example of that in action.
In this inspiring post, Sara Strauch, Portfolio Specialist for Emerging Markets at MIM, shares her personal journey from uncertain intern to confident leader. With honesty and insight, she reflects on the challenges, lessons, and opportunities that shaped her path—and how MIM’s culture of support and growth helped her discover not just a career, but a calling. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, Sara’s story is a testament to what’s possible when you stay curious, open-minded, and committed to your own development.
Starting Out: Figuring It Out as You Go
My internship at MIM was my first real experience in finance and I remember feeling overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure if asset management was the right fit, and honestly, I didn’t know how I was supposed to figure that out at 20 years old. But what I did know was that I wanted to learn, and I was willing to step outside my comfort zone to do it.
The technical side of the job took time. There were a lot of questions, lots of notetaking, and a lot of learning from others. But what clicked much faster was how much I loved the culture at MIM. The way people here support and invest in young professionals made me realize early on: this is where I want to start my career.
“You don’t need to have all the answers at 20 years old. What matters is being open, asking questions, and trusting the process.”
A Culture That Invests in You
From day one, I felt encouraged to explore, speak up, and take ownership of my path. MIM is a large organization, but it doesn’t feel rigid. There's room to move, grow, and find your niche. Knowing that I wasn’t locked into one business unit gave me comfort. If I didn’t fall in love with where I started, there were other areas to explore, as long as I worked hard.
That kind of flexibility, paired with a culture that values development, made all the difference. It’s not just about doing the job; it’s about building something lasting. At MIM, we’re united by a shared purpose: helping build a more confident future for our clients, our communities, and ourselves.
Mistakes Happen—We Learn From Them
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to make mistakes. They’re part of being human. What matters is learning from them.
So here’s my advice: ask questions, double-check your work, and take notes. It sounds simple, but those habits will save you later when you’re faced with a similar challenge. Attention to detail and a willingness to learn go a long way.
“Being open and personable can lead to unexpected opportunities—just by showing up and talking to people, you expand your network and open doors.”
Say Yes to New Experiences
If you get invited to an event or a meeting, take a moment to think about what you can gain from joining. Maybe you’ll meet someone who becomes a mentor or connect with people you’ll cross paths with again in the future.
Being open and personable can lead to unexpected opportunities. Just by showing up and talking to people, you expand your network and that opens doors. Expertise is truly all around you.
Find Passion and Team Chemistry
For me, the recipe for success is simple: be passionate about the work and enjoy the people you work with. You spend more time with your team than almost anyone else in your life. If you’re excited about the job and feel connected to your colleagues, you’ll be more motivated to contribute and grow.
The team spirit here is real. We challenge each other, celebrate wins, and support one another through setbacks. That environment has helped me not only grow professionally but also discover what kind of leader I want to be.
Keep an Open Mind
When you’re starting out, be a sponge. Learn as much as you can about different parts of the business. You don’t want to feel stuck, and staying open allows you to explore other areas of opportunity.
You’ll have time later to narrow your focus and become an expert. But early on, broad exposure makes you a more valuable teammate—and helps you discover what you’re truly excited about.
Why MIM?
It’s not just the global reach or the impressive assets under management. It’s the people. It’s the culture of growth, the spirit of innovation, and the belief that everyone, regardless of where they start, can make a lasting impact. MIM combines the entrepreneurial energy of a startup with the scale and stability of an enterprise, creating space for bold ideas and meaningful careers.
Whether you’re considering an internship or your first full-time role, MIM is a place where you can build something meaningful. Even at a director level, my story is still unfolding, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that’s come my way.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a career defined by purpose, growth, and possibility—MIM might just be the place to start.
Learn more about early career opportunities at MetLife or apply today.
