Leaving the Fast Track: Why I Traded Investment Banking for Startups

The decision to quit was not impulsive. During her time at Morgan Stanley, Jiang recognized that the rigid structure of banking would not provide the practical experience needed to run a business. She had already begun laying the groundwork for her clothing brand, SofSet, by documenting her life on TikTok, where she cultivated an audience of over 30,000 followers. This digital presence served as both a creative outlet and a bridge to her future customer base.

Following her departure, Jiang pivoted to a VC-backed startup, leveraging her personal network to secure a marketing role. She later transitioned into the fashion tech sector by cold-emailing industry leaders and investors, a strategy that eventually connected her with her current employer. Although her base salary dropped from her previous $110,000 earnings, she prioritizes the long-term potential of her current work. By balancing a full-time marketing position with her side business, Jiang is betting on the skills she acquires today to pay dividends for her future career as an entrepreneur.