Terrence Cummings
Guild
Costa Mesa, CA USA
"It matters to me as a human that people feel like they have the same opportunity as other people."
Career Roadmap
Terrence's work combines: Business, Education, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Listing your skills on a resume necessary but not sufficient. You need to show potential employers those skills. Do the job, in whatever small way you can, before getting the job. For example, if you want to get into sales, show that you're persistent and persuasive enough to get into that office. If you want to get into web design, take a screenshot of a company's website and send it back with your critiques it and suggestion to showcase your work.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Finance
University of Colorado Boulder
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Growing up in an environment with scarce resources, I learned the importance of a strong foundation early on.
2.
At eight years old, I moved to live with my aunt who instilled in me the value of coaching through questions and critical thinking.
3.
Inspired by reading "The Intelligent Investor," I developed a passion for finance and understanding the power of capital.
4.
I faced financial obstacles in college, but a friend’s father co-signed a loan, allowing me to continue my education at the University of Colorado.
5.
While working at Red Robin, I met Jim Collins, a renowned business author, who offered me a job after frequent discussions about values and business.
6.
My journey took me to McKinsey & Company where I navigated the corporate world, thanks to mentorship and a backdoor opportunity.
7.
I experienced setbacks, including starting a company that put us in debt, but these challenges reinforced my resilience and strategic thinking.
8.
Now, as Chief Opportunity Officer at Guild, I focus on eliminating the wealth gap and driving economic mobility for marginalized communities.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I grew up in an abusive household, with financial struggles, and my dad was in jail. I had to figure out a way to circumvent the path that society seemed to already lay out for me.