Evan Zhou
Senior Analyst (Infrastructure), Private Markets
University Pension Plan
Evan Zhou has been selected as a candidate for the NextGen to Watch List, recognizing young professionals (32 and under) in the pension and investment industry who demonstrate strong commitment and exceptional performance. In this interview, Evan discusses his role at University Pension Plan (UPP), his approach to seeking new opportunities and navigating challenges as a senior analyst. He also shares advice for young professionals on building leadership skills, entering the industry, and his thoughts on potential disruptions in the investment field over the next decade.
Evan Zhou: I believe it’s important to always seek new opportunities and step outside of your comfort zone. With the vast resources available today, such as the internet and AI, it has become much easier to approach new challenges by simply asking the right questions. Personally, maintaining a positive mindset helps me manage stress when facing roadblocks in a project or in my career.
At UPP, the culture fosters openness and ensures that developing professionals receive the necessary support and guidance. This creates a strong support network and encourages taking on new tasks, recognizing that facing challenges is a natural part of career growth.
For myself, I make a conscious effort to solve challenges on my own before seeking help, which pushes me to think critically and develop skills through hands-on experience—a key factor in my personal growth. Perseverance has been crucial for me. When confronted with obstacles, I focus on staying adaptable, taking full accountability, and viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than sources of discouragement.
Evan Zhou:I believe leadership starts with your own actions and demonstrating that you’re dependable, proactive, and accountable. These qualities build trust with colleagues while also building self confidence in your own abilities in different situations.
Strong communication is an essential leadership skill. Whether you’re in a formal meeting or an informal discussion, it’s important to research and articulate your thoughts with confidence to ensure your message is clear and understood. Make sure to take every opportunity to present or write in professional settings, as these experiences will help you hone your ability to convey ideas clearly.
Evan Zhou: At the start of your career, it’s important to stay open-minded to unexpected opportunities, as they can provide invaluable perspectives and help clarify your long- term career goals. Be proactive: if you’d like to join an investment team, take the initiative to understand its sectors and key companies and learn to articulate a strong investment thesis. Demonstrating your ability to communicate logical investment ideas is essential when engaging with internal or external industry stakeholders.
Additionally, invest time in professional development on your own time. Whether through reading or taking courses, continuous learning in your field is crucial. Stay informed about upcoming projects and be proactive about learning essential skills in advance. That way, you’ll be better prepared to execute effectively, even under tight timelines.
Evan Zhou: Technology remains the most significant disruptor across industries, including investments. This disruption compels investors to rethink their strategies, incorporating technological advancements in their target sectors. It is expected to reduce cost barriers, enabling mass commercial adoption of innovations like sustainable fuels, space commercialization, and other emerging trends. Additionally, increasing accessibility of private market opportunities for larger investor groups, including retail investors, will bolster private markets growth, which stands to enhance deal flow activity and broaden the investment landscape for all investors.