Hi! My name is Jessica Wilson and I currently work in Richmond, Virginia at the London Company doing equity research. I am a generalist who focuses on US-listed stocks across a spectrum of market caps and industries. I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2019 where I received a BSBA in Economics, with a concentration in finance, and a BA in Italian Studies. During the summer of my junior year I interned at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in their Sales & Trading division. After pursuing the summer internship I decided a research position would be a better fit for me. I have always had a curious and analytical mind and conducting in depth research is intriguing to me. To complement my work in equity research I am also pursuing a CFA charter. I recently passed Level II and will be taking Level III at the end of the year. It was certainly not easy getting to where I am today and I believe that is largely due to there being a lack of resources for people who didn’t grow up in a finance household. Don’t let this dissuade you from following your passions. I hope I can be a mentor to anyone, who like me, knows their strengths but just needs help finding their way.

Hi, my name is Kolby Williams. I am currently a Senior Underwriting Analyst at Freddie Mac in their Targeted Affordable Housing (TAH) group. Prior to Freddie, I worked at The Warrenton Group, an affordable housing development company in Washington, DC. I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2019 where I received a B.A. in sociology and played football. I pursued a career in real estate finance and particularly affordable housing because of my interests in real estate and helping people at mass scale. As a candidate who didn't major in business/finance/accounting and was a student-athlete, I see myself a resource for those with similar backgrounds/interests and would be happy to provide advice on how to leverage non-traditional backgrounds to get a foot in the door and navigate the real estate finance industry.

Hi, my name is Kaylen Williams, and I’m currently an Investment Banking Analyst at Wells Fargo, where I focus on CLO and direct lending products that support private credit and sponsor-backed clients. Prior joining Wells Fargo, I worked in Distressed Credit within the Lev Fin division at Bank of America in Charlotte, NC. I earned my B.S. in Economics from Clemson University, where I also worked full-time at a small tech startup as a financial analyst. During my senior year, the company was successfully acquired, sparking my first real exposure to the world of banking, finance, and deal-making. 

As a lateral hire from a non-traditional background, I understand the challenges of breaking into banking without a direct pipeline. I’m passionate about helping others navigate that process - feel free to reach out for any advice related to lateral hiring, recruiting, and interview processes.

Hello! My name is Joe Wen, and I’m currently an Associate in the Strategic Equity Solutions group at Bank of America, located in NYC. Prior to joining Bank of America, I was an analyst in the Equity-Linked Origination group at RBC Capital Markets. I graduated from Washington & Lee University in 2019 with a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Computer Science. I decided to pursue a career in finance because I wanted to be in a work environment where I can be given significant responsibility at a junior level and also be surrounded by intelligent and driven people. From my own experience, I understand the importance of mentorship given how daunting and exhausting the recruiting process can be, and I would love to chat with you about career aspirations / networking tips / interview prep / or anything else that’s helpful to you, at any point of your journey.

My name is Ben Wen, and I am a first-year Analyst at the Jefferies SF Technology team. I originally grew up in China and recently graduated from Babson College with a concentration in Finance. I decided to start my career in investment banking because of the fast-paced nature and broad base exposure the position offers. However, I didn't go through the conventional "internship to full time" path because I started recruitment late. I'd love to help you with your full-time recruitment journey, from networking strategy to interview prep.

My name is Maxwell Wang and I am currently a private equity associate at The Carlyle Group within the global infrastructure private equity team. I began my career at Citigroup as a project finance analyst, where I focused on structuring debt instruments for infrastructure projects. I graduated from Cornell University in 2021 with a B.Sc. in Industrial and Labor Relations. I pursued a career in finance after learning about the industry from peers in various student organizations on campus, and am excited to help others pursue their own career path.

I am currently a third-year student at USC Marshall. I interned as a sophomore summer analyst with Credit Suisse's Financial Sponsors group and will be joining Ares Management's Direct Lending IR team in NYC for my junior year summer. I am pursuing a degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance and a minor in legal studies, and have benefitted tremendously from the Trojan Alumni network, along with the PFF platform. I went through recruitment as an underclassman and would love to chat about the interview process and best practices from an undergraduate or international student's perspective. Feel free to reach out via email, and I will help in any way I can!

My name is Jimmy Wang. I am currently an investment banking analyst at Oppenheimer & Co. in New York within the FIG and Real Estate group. Prior to OpCo, I was an analyst senior intern and analyst intern in the valuation & opinions group at Lincoln International in New York. I graduated from the University of Rochester in 2022 with a BS in Business finance. I developed an interest in business through the complexities of a board game: Monopoly. The intelligence required to organize, plan, and execute motives on a plain board coincides with the way our capitalistic economy works. Through my experiences, I developed an affinity for entrepreneurship and leadership. My college experience taught me the importance of dedication, passion, and imagination, and, in retrospect, these values encouraged and supported me to pursue a career in investment banking. Looking back, I would not have made it in without all those cold emails and networking, and I hope to pay it forward.

Hi! My name is Jack Wang, and I’m currently a Private Equity Associate at H.I.G. Capital (Advantage Fund) in San Francisco. Prior to joining H.I.G., I was an investment banking analyst in the M&A group at Greenhill & Co. in NYC. I graduated from NYU Stern in 2023 with a B.S. in Business Administration (concentrations in Finance and Data Science & Computing with a minor in Math + CS). I ultimately pursued a role in investment banking for the start of my career because I believed it was the perfect platform to learn the fundamentals of finance and gain early exposure to management teams’ decision-making processes before I transitioned to an investing role. I wouldn’t be in my current role today had it not been for the various mentors that helped me navigate the nebulous / highly daunting recruiting processes. I want to pay forward their kindness and would be happy to chat through any aspects of recruiting, interviewing, career planning, etc. Even if you have no idea what you want and simply want someone to lend an ear, I’m your guy! Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Hello! My name is Sabina Vohra. I am currently an investment banking analyst in the Aerospace and Defense Group at Stifel in their Bethesda, MD office. I graduated from the University of Richmond in May 2022 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. My interest in Investment Banking began at the end of my first year at college after talking to upperclassman who were entering the industry. I was drawn to the learning curve that was offered to twenty-two year olds and it is unparalleled to many other industries. I worked in the political realm for much of my high school and early college experience to understand how challenged and fast-paced I wanted to be in the professional setting. As a woman coming from a non-target school, I understand how sometimes you must carve out the experience you need to understand what you want. I can help advise on how to look at different options, how to craft your story, and provide tips for preparing efficiently for technicals that will help set you apart. I would not have been able to get this far in my career without the wonderful mentorship and support I had over the years, and I am passionate about paying it forward. I would love to share the insight and advice I received and learned to help anyone land their first job or internship!

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 there! I’m Pjay Togunde. I am a business strategist in the Athletes & Entertainers client segment at UBS Wealth Management, based in the New York City area. Prior this role, I was a wealth management rotational analyst. I am from Atlanta, GA and I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2019 with a Business Administration degree, with concentrations in economics and finance. I decided to pursue wealth management because I found it to be a perfect combination of two of my passions: financial management and helping people. For those who are thinking about wealth management but don’t know much about it and want to learn more, I would be more than happy to talk to you about the type of work, roles and career opportunities available, along with how to prepare for interviews. Additionally, as a woman and a minority, I understand the challenges underrepresented students can face with breaking into the finance industry, so I would love to be a resource and mentor for those who need support or guidance.

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.

I am currently a private credit analyst at Bain Capital. I started my current role after graduating from Notre Dame, where I studied Finance and Economics with a minor in History. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs but now live in Boston. I entered college as an undecided business major and originally recruited for consulting before finding my way into buyside finance. As I discerned where to start my career, I was fortunate to find informal mentors with experience navigating similar courses, recruiting cycles, and analyst programs. I would be happy to be a similar resource and talk about deciding between consulting vs. finance, breaking into buyside out of college, moving to Boston, networking, and the day-to-day of life on the job. I look forward to connecting!

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 Ben Smith and I am currently an Investment Associate at Access Industries, having previously worked as a Senior Investment Analyst at Spider Management Company. I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2020, with a BA in Business Administration and concentrations in Economics and Finance. While it might be difficult to access out of college, a career in Investment Management offers you the unique opportunity to jump right into a ‘Buy-Side’ role and take on significant responsibility investing large pools of capital to support meaningful causes. I’d be more than happy to talk to you about my work experiences, or even the CFA program if that is something you are considering. Don’t be a stranger!

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!