Hi, I’m Michael Ukrainskyj. I studied finance and economics at the University of Richmond and am currently a sell-side M&A analyst at Harris Williams, a middle-market investment bank in Richmond, Virginia. I came into college unsure of what I wanted to study. Through my courses and speaking with school alumni, I chose finance and eventually investment banking because of responsibility and work-ethic instilled directly out of college. Recently going through the interview process myself, I understand the importance of having a college-aged mentor to help along the way. Breaking into the world of finance can be daunting, but I can provide guidance every step of the way. Through my experiences in equity research, private equity, and investment banking, I’m happy to chat about different career paths / networking / and interview prep. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of mentors along the way and would love to help anyone else get into the world of finance.

My name is Aakash Tummala, and I am currently a senior at Rutgers University studying Finance and Real Estate. This past summer, I was an Investment Banking Summer Analyst at Piper Sandler in their Financial Services Group, and I will be returning once I graduate. I pursued a career in finance because I enjoyed the fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and I wanted the opportunity early on to develop the skills, both soft and technical. Coming from a non-target school, I can answer any and all questions regarding IB, networking, and the recruiting process. I am happy to chat & be a resource in whatever way possible!

Hello! My name is Kyle Trammell. I am an analyst on the Truist Securities Technology, Media & Telecom Corporate Banking team based in Atlanta, GA. My role is focused on providing strategic advisory to corporate clients on a broad range of banking solutions, including debt issuance (investment grade and high yield), hedging and derivative strategies, working-capital financing, and both ordinary and accelerated share repurchase programs . Prior to my role in Corporate Banking, I spent roughly two years on Truist's Credit Delivery team, underwriting credit approval memos as well as monitoring the credit quality of clients in the FIG industry. After gaining critical technical skills in Credit Delivery, I was eager to transition to an advisory role in Corporate Banking. After growing up in the Baltimore, MD area, I attended the University of South Carolina with a double major in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance where I graduated in May 2023. As someone who attended a “Non-Target” university and did not have strong connections into “high finance”, I can provide a unique perspective on what it will take to break into the industry. I am also active with my firm’s recruiting initiatives, so I can provide specific insights into our talent acquisition process.

If you’d like to chat or learn more, please feel free to reach out to me at kyletrammell3@gmail.com.

Hi, my name is Jack Statfeld. I am currently a 1st year Associate for ING Capital on their Infrastructure Project Finance Team in NYC. Prior to joining ING, I worked at Siemens as an Analyst in their Leveraged Finance Group in NYC and at Wells Fargo as an Analyst in their Energy & Power Group in Houston, TX focusing on Exploration & Production Companies. I graduated from Tulane University in 2019 with a BSM in Finance and an Energy Specialization. I have always been passionate about the broader energy/infrastructure sector but wondered how these capital-intensive projects are financed. Tulane presented me the opportunity not only to learn about the capital raising aspect of a business but to focus on the energy/infrastructure industry as well. I understand how daunting and competitive breaking into finance can be and am here to help you. Whether it be networking tips to technical questions, the PFF Team will make sure you are prepared and well situated in pursuing a career in finance.

My name is Keshav Sota and I am originally from Parsippany, New Jersey and attended NYU Stern where I graduated with a degree in Finance. I am currently an Associate at EQT Partners in the Active Core Infrastructure Group, and was previously at BlackRock in their Global Infrastructure Fund and at Citi in the Global Industrials Group. 

I would be more than happy to help in any capacity, whether it's understanding the basics of what a career in finance looks like to helping with resume development & interview prep. 

My name is Matt Cory. I am currently a second-year investment banking analyst in the Syndicated and Leveraged Finance (LevFin) Group at Truist Securities in Atlanta where I support the Healthcare and Consumer teams. Prior to transitioning into the LevFin group, I spent two years working for the Healthcare Credit Delivery Group at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. I grew up outside of Atlanta, GA before attending the University of Georgia where I graduated with a B.B.A in both Finance and Real Estate. Entering college, I wanted to become a doctor, intending to major in biochemistry and pursue medical school. Over time, my interest in pursuing finance grew, and by my junior year, I officially changed my major to finance. Ultimately, I wanted to pursue a career that was both challenging and rewarding in an environment where I would be surrounded by smart and determined people. The finance and specifically, banking world can be intimidating to break into out of college; I'd be happy to connect with you and speak about my experiences, my decision to change majors, strategies with networking and/or any interviewing tips I have so that hopefully, through working together, we can achieve your goal of landing a great job in the world of finance!

My name is Chris Silver, and I am currently a private equity associate at Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) in West Palm Beach, FL. Prior to NEP, I spent two years in Piper Sandler’s consumer investment banking group in Charlotte, where I primarily focused on sell-side M&A transactions across food & beverage, restaurants, and multi-unit health & wellness. I grew up in Raleigh, NC, and graduated from North Carolina State University in 2022 with a major in finance and minor in accounting. As someone with zero family connections to finance and a limited alumni network to leverage, I am more than happy to be a resource for anyone interested in investment banking or private equity roles by discussing how to position yourself effectively, interview preparation, working in the south/southeast, navigating various exit opportunities, and finance/investing more broadly.

I am Peter, and I am an analyst at Deutsche Bank, working on companies in the Healthcare sector. Previously, I was at NYU Stern pursuing a B.S. in Finance and Econometrics. While in college, I tried many different career options, interning at a venture capital fund, at a startup in the Silicon Valley, and in sustainability consulting. Eventually, I landed my interest in investment banking, and being able to work with and understand these companies powering Corporate America has truly kept me going. My investment banking experience prior to Deutsche Bank was at Credit Suisse as a 2023 summer intern - a complex situation, but also a great story to tell! I am more than happy to share about my journey so far to investment banking, or to discuss anything that may be helpful.

My name is Pranjal Sheth, and I am currently an incoming analyst with Moelis & Co, in their Houston Global Energy Investment Banking Group. Before joining Moelis, I interned with Mizuho Securities in their Power, Utilities & Infrastructure Group in NYC and with Hastings Equity Partners, a Boston- based private equity firm working out of their flagship fund on LBOs of middle-market companies in the business services, infrastructure, or renewables space. I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston in Fall 2024 with a BBA in finance. I came from a background in medicine but moved over to finance when I realized it was something I had a true passion for, and the difference was easily clear after switching my major and trying different opportunities in the space. I went through non-target recruiting and so understand the struggles there. I am happy to have a conversation on how to approach recruiting from a non-target perspective, as well as understanding the broader high-finance landscape and how to break in when you come from a different background.

Hi, I’m Rohan Sharan. I recently graduated summa cum laude from the University of Illinois where I double majored in finance and accounting. This July I’ll be heading to Centerview Partners in New York. At Illinois I explored a range of career paths (consulting, IM and IB) through campus organizations and case competitions. I ultimately prioritized my efforts towards banking after being admitted to the Illinois Investment Banking Academy. I have had several leadership and mentorship roles throughout my upperclassmen years that were extremely rewarding and fulfilling. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who supported my personal and professional growth and I would love the opportunity to pay that forward. Outside of work I enjoy playing tennis, trying new restaurants and watching Curb Your Enthusiasm.

My name is Harsh Shah, I am an investment banking analyst at Barclays in the Toronto office. I studied Medical Science during my first two years and Business Administration for my last two at Western University and the Ivey Business School. I found a passion for business through my first part-time job selling Canadian Tire credit cards at their gas stations. Prior to IB, I interned at a tech VC fund. I’m convinced you can achieve anything as long as you believe you are capable of it. Feel free to reach out to me for recruiting advice (I’ll be particularly helpful to those recruiting from a science background) or even if you just want to chat about life!

Hi all! I am currently an investment banking analyst at Barclays based out of New York City. I graduated from Vanderbilt University where I studied economics and helped lead the undergraduate finance and investment clubs. Prior to my current role, I gained internship experience in asset management, real estate private equity, public finance, and debt capital markets at a variety of different firms. I am happy to speak with you about my different experiences, offer any advice I can, or just be a sounding board for your career decisions / anything at all! Diversity in the workplace can present itself in many different ways and regardless of your background, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic status I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue the careers of their choice. Please do not hesitate to reach out, even if it's just for Nashville bar and food recommendations.

My name is Kush Shah and I am currently an investment banking analyst at BMO Capital Markets’ Middle Market M&A team which focuses on industry-agnostic sell-side and buy-side for middle market clients. I studied Finance with a minor in Real Estate at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. I pursued a career in investment banking because it is the greatest platform for a young finance graduate to understand the nuances of a business while combining the aspects of being on the fore front talking to clients and processing analytical information. Prior to my current experience, I worked with the public finance team at Piper Sandler. For those who are thinking about a career in general with finance, I would be more than happy to walk through my multiple internship and full time experiences, along with how to prepare for interviews.

My name is Hanna, and I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama. I am currently an undergraduate studying finance and history at Boston University. Previously, I interned as a sophomore in Corporate & Investment Banking at Wells Fargo and as a junior in Generalist M&A Investment Banking at Guggenheim Partners. I have also spent time in venture capital and with startups at Halogen Ventures and Leland. I am passionate about supporting women and individuals from non-traditional backgrounds break into finance. I'm happy to connect - please feel free to reach out via email to discuss topics related to recruitment and investment banking.

Hi, my name is Aris Sevastianos. I was born and raised in a Greek-American household in metro St. Louis, and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Minor in French. Before my current work in venture capital, I spent time in strategy consulting (Strategy& - Retail & Consumer Private Equity Value Creation) and investment banking (Truist Securities - Power & Renewables coverage). In college, I co-ran and sold a Forbes-featured EdTech startup as CFO and did internships at a hedge fund and public accounting firm. Having formally navigated the VC, strategy consulting, IB, and public accounting recruitment processes, I can provide candid insight on each process, as well as my transition between the respective fields. Finally, I can help you build a valuable network from the ground up (something I had to do quickly). I’d love to pay it forward as a friend and mentor while combating such a pressing issue in our society.

I am currently a private equity Vice President at Tarsadia Investments and, prior to that, I was an investment banking analyst at Jefferies. I graduated from Villanova University in 2018 with a BS in mathematics. I pursued a career in finance because I always wanted to surround myself with hard working and smart people, and I felt that it was the industry I encountered during my time at school that had the hardest working and smartest people (by the way: I can now say from personal experience, for all of the job's challenges, there certainly are a lot of driven and intelligent people in finance). I am happy to help anyone who wants to break into the industry, and I can be of particular help if anyone is interested in restructuring / distressed finance.

My name is Morgan Rosia and I am currently an analyst at Wells Fargo in NYC working in Leveraged Finance Syndication. I started my career in the Private Wealth Group at Morgan Stanley, which exposed me to the various opportunities that existed in the world of finance. After establishing the desire to take my career in a different direction (and relocate from Houston to NY), I spent countless hours studying different industries, strengthening my technical skillset, and networking with professionals in the industry. I attended Texas A&M University and graduated as a student athlete in 2023 with a BBA in Management Consulting. If you are considering a career in banking, new to the industry, or seeking a career change, please do not hesitate to reach out! 

Hello, my name is Rick Roebuck. I am currently an investment banking analyst at Shot Tower Capital in Baltimore, Maryland. Shot Tower is a boutique investment bank covering the media and entertainment industries, with a specific focus on music. I graduated from the University of Richmond in May of 2020, where I studied business administration with concentrations in accounting and finance. I decided to pursue a career in finance because I wanted a challenging role that would expose me to a wide variety of industries and business models. I would be happy to provide advice on anything related to the investment banking industry, and can specifically help with the interview process and understanding what entry level roles will entail.

I am currently an analyst in the legacy Credit Suisse LevFin / Sponsors / M&A group at Santander LA. While earning a double major in Finance and Philosophy, I collected a diverse set of experiences working as an EMT, in agriculture, non-profits, private equity, and investment banking – developing an interest in impact private equity along the way. Coming from a non-target, I secured a middle market healthcare coverage investment banking analyst role, and have since lateraled to a top LevFin / Sponsors group. I am happy to discuss my experiences navigating the lateral process with top tier groups, along with the extensive networking and technical prep that is necessary especially coming from a non-target.