I went from MTV star to managing fortunes at Bank of America. It took hustle and a lowly internship to get here.

Kim Stolz, a former MTV VJ turned Wall Street advisor, has a fascinating career trajectory that exemplifies the possibility of unconventional paths to success in the finance industry. Stolz, currently a private client advisor at Bank of America Private Bank, manages the assets of ultra-wealthy families after making a name for herself on shows like “America’s Next Top Model” and as an MTV host.

In a recent interview with Business Insider, Stolz shared the story of how she transitioned from a career in entertainment to one in finance. After realizing that her days at MTV were numbered as the network shifted away from music programming, Stolz took some time off to evaluate her next steps. Despite briefly considering law school, she ultimately decided to explore a career in trading, leveraging her background as an athlete and passion for team-oriented environments.

Stolz’s journey to Wall Street began with a bold move – she secured an internship at BTIG, a smaller firm, by simply knocking on the door and offering to work for minimum wage. This tenacity paid off, as she quickly rose from an intern to a trading assistant on the equity derivatives desk. Stolz immersed herself in networking and learning the intricacies of the industry, eventually landing roles at prestigious firms like Citi and Bank of America.

After proving herself in various roles, including head of prime brokerage sales at Bank of America, Stolz sought a new challenge and joined the private client advisor team at the bank. Despite the shift from institutional clients to managing individual and family wealth, Stolz embraced the opportunity and bet on herself to succeed in this new role.

Navigating the transition during the COVID-19 pandemic presented its challenges, but Stolz found support from her colleagues and mentors, enabling her to excel in her new position. Reflecting on her career journey, Stolz emphasized the importance of harnessing the skills acquired throughout her life and career to thrive in any environment.

Stolz’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and seizing opportunities in unexpected places. Her experience highlights that with determination and a willingness to take risks, individuals can carve out successful careers in industries they may not have initially considered. To read the original article on Kim Stolz’s inspiring journey, visit Business Insider.