Hello! I am a real estate private equity associate at Artemis Real Estate Partners based in D.C. and was previously a real estate acquisitions associate at The Carlyle Group and an investment banking analyst in Jefferies' Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging group. I studied physics at Davidson College where I was actually pre-med for my first three semesters. After deciding medicine wasn't right for me, I took econ 101 and completed UVA's business certificate over the summer, during which I decided that finance might be a good fit. I am happy to discuss how pursuing a non-traditional major (i.e. not finance, accounting, business, or economics) will affect the recruiting process and how to best leverage your unique perspective to earn an offer. I am also happy to discuss how to catch up if the recruiting process is in the near future and you've only just decided finance is something you want to pursue. Just because you don't have directly relevant prior experience doesn't mean you can't land a great internship if you're willing to work hard!

My name is Chelsea Dunlap and I am the COO and Business Manager for the Global Industrials, Municipal Finance and Private Capital Advisory Investment Banking teams at Jefferies. I am heavily involved in the daily operations and build out of these three teams, including responsibilities across Operations, Finance and HR. Prior to my role as COO, I was a banker on the Healthcare Investment Banking team for four years, also at Jefferies. I graduated with a B.A. in History from Yale University, where I was also the captain of the Women’s Swimming and Diving team. I enjoy working with bankers on their professional development. If you’d like to chat, please reach out to xx and the team will coordinate a call.

Hi - my name is Aneesh Bhattacharya and I am an investment professional on the Controlled Environment Foods team at Equilibrium Capital, a sustainability-driven investment firm.

Prior to joining Equilibrium, I worked at the Forest Road Company where I focused on a structured investment strategy which provided capital to early-stage renewable energy developers. Earlier in my career, I was a member of the investment team at Union Capital, a lower middle market private equity firm focused on investments in the food manufacturing, business services and franchise restaurant spaces. In this role, I worked across investment, portfolio operations, and fund management responsibilities for Union Capital's first institutional fund. I began my career in the Industrials investment banking group at Jefferies.

I hold an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and a B.A. from Vanderbilt University.

I’ve been lucky enough to have mentors in both banking and PE who have helped me to grow and develop and I would like to help others do the same. If you have an interest in private equity, private credit, sustainability, or business school, I'd be happy to chat!

Alena Antigua is a Senior Vice President in the healthcare group helping co-lead the healthcare information technology practice at Jefferies. Alena has been with Jefferies for over 10 years, prior to which she spent roughly one year at Truist in the healthcare group. Alena’s passion for financial services come from her immense intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. Alena holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Occidental College and a Masters from University of Chicago. Alena comes from a diverse family of immigrants with a mother who is a political refugee of Chile and a first-generation Greek father; she is fluent in Spanish and can read and write in Greek. If you'd like to chat, please reach out to proformafutures@gmail.com and the team will coordinate a call.

My name is Henry Johnson and I am currently a Senior Private Equity Associate at The Carlyle Group based in Washington D.C. I support our U.S. Buyout strategy within Corporate Private Equity, focusing on investments in the Aerospace, Defense and Government Services sectors. Prior to joining Carlyle in 2019, I spent three years in Investment Banking at Jefferies in New York, focusing on transactions in the Aerospace & Aviation sectors. Originally from New York City, I attended Wake Forest University for undergrad, where I majored in Economics. I have pursued a career in finance as I have found the high-velocity, strategy-intensive nature of the work to be intellectually stimulating and rewarding. I have also greatly enjoyed the relationships I have been able to foster professionally and therefore look forward to hearing from others in/entering the finance career path. If you are considering a transition from investment banking into private equity or simply would like to hear more about my experiences in either role, please reach out to proformafutures@gmail.com and the team will coordinate a call.

Hi there! My name is Ben Peacock, and I’m an investment banking vice president in the Global Industrials Group at Jefferies. I joined the firm in 2017, and prior to that, I spent five years in sell-side equity research covering industrial stocks across several platforms. I studied finance at Miami University (in Ohio) where I also played on the men’s golf team. Over the years, I’ve been extremely fortunate to lean on the advice, experience and guidance of others who have been willing to share their insight. As such, I’d be thrilled to connect and share any perspectives that may be helpful. Whether you have specific questions or would simply like to make an informal connection, please reach out to proformafutures@gmail.com and the team will coordinate a call.

Hi - I’m Chris Ellan and am the head of M&A for Frontline Education, a K12 administrative software company. Prior to Frontline, I spent over a decade within the investment banking industry in various roles spanning from supporting an exotic derivatives desk at Morgan Stanley to a tech banker at Jefferies. Most of my time in banking was spent with Wells Fargo where I held roles in DCM and TMT. An entrepreneur at heart, I’ve also founded a few (mostly failed...) businesses in the past. Most notably, I co-founded ReporterSuite, a software company that ultimately sold to Stenograph. I had a somewhat unique entry into the world of finance. Having been inspired by my families’ military heritage, I shipped off to the Navy after high school. After leaving the Navy, I trekked back to my hometown of Tallahassee and attended community college before transferring to Florida State, then again to Emory University to finish out a BA in finance with a minor in applied mathematics. Given my unconventional entrance into finance, I’m excited by the idea of helping folks navigate the process of getting into and staying in the industry. If you'd like to chat, please reach out to proformafutures@gmail.com and the team will coordinate a call.

I am an Associate within H.I.G. Capital’s Infrastructure Private Equity fund in New York City. Prior to my current role, I was an Investment Banking Analyst within Jefferies’ Consumer & Retail Group in Charlotte, NC. I received my B.S., Summa Cum Laude, in Finance from Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. I initially became interested in pursuing a career in finance after speaking with numerous mentors, which included family members, professors, upperclassmen, and folks at various firms that I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to network with across many years leading up to my graduation from Wake Forest. These individuals held roles across the financial industry ranging from Investment Banking to Wealth Management to Private Equity, along with many others, all of which provided me with valuable insight into my decision-making process. I developed a passion for this industry due to the fact that it provided me with an opportunity to be people / client-facing, work within a fast-paced environment where you are encouraged to challenge yourself by making personal judgment calls, gain a vital skillset for long-term career optionality whether that be in finance or another industry, and to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Growing up, I spent a lot of time working with fundraisers and contributing to various charitable initiatives. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to spend countless years getting to know individuals from diverse backgrounds and these experiences have instilled the passion in me to help provide the appropriate resources and guidance for others to accomplish their goals. Just as I was fortunate enough to have mentors guide me down the path that led me to where I am, I strive to be that motivator/adviser in the lives of many others. Having started my career in Charlotte, NC in Consumer & Retail IB and switching to NYC to work within the Infrastructure sector in PE, I can provide valuable insight for those deciding between different cities or sectors as well as those considering a geographical or sector-focus transition.

Hi! My name is Donna Wong, and I’m an associate at Zenyth Partners. Before Zenyth, I was in Jefferies’ Healthcare Investment Banking group based in NYC. I’m originally from Hong Kong and I graduated from Tulane University in December ’21 with a BS in Economics. During college, I also took on leadership roles within CHAARG (Changing Health, Attitudes and Actions to Recreate Girls) and Consult Your Community. I decided to pursue healthcare investment banking for its exposure to all kinds of public/private transactions across the healthcare universe and the various learning opportunities. As a former international student who did not formally intern in banking in the summer prior to graduation, I encountered all the usual obstacles during the recruiting process due to my visa status, on top of limited openings in the full time cycle. I can be most helpful in discussing recruitment strategies as an international student, breaking into banking from a liberal arts background, and/or full time recruiting.

I am currently in the BizOps and Strategy team at Handshake, a late-stage tech unicorn. Before moving into tech, I spent the first five years in TMT investment banking at Moelis, Jefferies, and Nomura, and in corporate development. I started my career in finance because I wanted to build a solid foundation in financial analysis, and develop a skill set in providing data-driven insights that will impact a whole organization. I made my switch into tech to get more hands-on operational experience and implement the strategies and recommendations I've formulated. Outside of work, I am an avid poker player, traveler, and self-described foodie. Happy to chat about anything investment banking related (internships, full-time, lateraling, etc.) or transitioning from finance to big tech.

Hi, my name is Josh Elman and I’m currently a Vice President at Arrowhead Investment Management – a private credit firm in Greenwich, CT. Prior to joining Arrowhead in 2018, I spent two years as an investment banking analyst in the Global Industrials Group at Jefferies in New York City, primarily focused on the Automotive and Building Products sectors. Originally from Bergen County, NJ, I attended Vanderbilt University where I majored in Economics. I was interested in middle market investment banking and private credit due to the opportunity to advise and support growing American businesses as well as the ability to work with highly talented, smart, and motivated colleagues. I still remember my endless questions and second guessing while recruiting for IB and buyside roles. There were so many people who helped me along the way – I’d love to pay it forward and help you. I’m happy to answer ALL questions as well as provide interview advice. I can also provide insights on working at a firm with <10 people or on reverse commutes. If you'd like to chat about my experiences or ask me questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

My name is Sam Lampert. I’m currently a private equity associate with ORIX Capital Partners in New York. Prior to OCP, I was an investment banking analyst in the global industrials group at Jefferies in NYC. I graduated from The University of Colorado at Boulder in 2017 with a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. Growing up in Denver and staying in the state of Colorado for college, investment banking and working on Wall Street were not on my radar as a potential career path when I started at university. I secured an internship at Jefferies my junior year and fell in love with the level of exposure I had to management teams and the amount of responsibility I was given. After two years at Jefferies, I found myself wanting to work with companies on a longer-term basis and made the switch to PE. I’m happy to hop on the phone to discuss career aspirations or share more about my journey to banking from a “non-target school”.

My name is Spencer Korek and I am a private equity associate at New Mountain Capital. Previously, I was an investment banking analyst at Jefferies in NYC where I worked in the Global Industrials Group, primarily focused on Services. I graduated from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, concentrating in finance. I pursued a career in finance because I enjoy learning about different types of businesses / business models and love the fast-paced nature of the industry. I’m happy to chat about preparing for an interview, an internship, resources to learn more about finance and various career paths within the industry.

Hello! My name is George Kang and I am currently a private equity senior associate at BRS & Co. in NYC. Prior to my time at BRS, I was an investment banking associate in the Global Industrials Group at Jefferies in NYC where I also spent three years as an analyst. Prior to Jefferies, I spent two years as a credit risk analyst at UBS in NYC after graduating from Cornell University in 2012 with B.S. degrees in Finance and Marketing. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in finance but was unclear what I was exactly looking for. I look forward to sharing the lessons learned from my serpentine journey, offering advice on how to navigate the path from the middle-office to the front-office to the buy-side and helping identify where to even begin the process. Additionally, I am currently pursuing my part-time MBA at Columbia Business School and I am more than happy to answer any questions around the business school application process and what business school entails.

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.

Hello! My name is Mike Mikkelsen and I am currently an Investment Banking Associate at Jefferies in the Global Industrials Group in New York. I grew up on Long Island and graduated from Boston College in 2017 double majoring in mathematics and economics. I started my career in Operations at Barclays, and from there switched to the Equity Capital Markets group at Jefferies as a lateral hire. Most recently I internally transferred at Jefferies into the Global Industrials Group. It has taken me a few years of research and networking to reach the position I am in today, and that is largely due to the lack of publicly available resources about the many different paths you can take within finance. I’m more than happy to share my path and chat with anyone about networking, interview prep, life, etc.

My name is Anja Mandic and I am from Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am currently in my final year at the University of Richmond where I am majoring in Economics. Most recently, I interned as an investment banking summer analyst at Jefferies in NYC where I will be returning as an analyst in their Metal & Mining group after graduation. I decided to pursue a career in finance as I always wanted to pursue a fast-paced career that would allow me to learn in a challenging environment surrounded by high-caliber professionals. As an international student coming from a non-target school, I can provide helpful insight on how to build a network, learn about different careers within finance, and identify a career path. Moreover, I can help you overcome several obstacles international students typically face relating to visa processes and provide advice on how to succeed in a competitive job environment.

My name is Dino LaValle. I am currently a private equity associate at The Jordan Company based in New York City. Prior to my time at The Jordan Company, I was an investment banking analyst in the Global Industrials Group at Jefferies in New York City. I grew up on Long Island just outside of NYC before attending and graduating from Brown University in 2017 with a B.A. in Business Economics and where I was also a member of the varsity lacrosse team. For anyone out there coming from a liberal arts background or who is an athlete with no familial or educational ties to the finance industry, I would be happy to speak about my path breaking in and assist with any part of the recruiting process.

My name is Andy Kleinlein and I am currently a private equity associate at Bessemer Investors in New York City. Prior to joining Bessemer, I was an investment banking analyst in the Leveraged Finance Group at Jefferies in NYC. Before Jefferies, I spent a year at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey (now Truist) as an analyst in the Syndicated & Leveraged Finance Group, where I interned the prior summer. I grew up in St. Louis, MO before attending and eventually graduating from Washington and Lee University in 2017 with a BS in Accounting and Business Administration. During my time at W&L, I played four years of basketball. I pursued a career in finance to develop a foundation, network and skill set that would be applicable to any career path. I can be of particular help to anyone who: i) goes to a liberal arts college and is looking to pursue a career in finance, ii) wants to make the leap from investment banking to private equity, or iii) needs advice on how to use your experience as a former student-athlete to your advantage. I'm happy to be a general resource for any other topics, as well.

I am a private equity associate at Shoreline Equity Partners. Prior to joining Shoreline, I was an analyst at Jefferies in the Industrials Group. I graduated with a B.S. in Human & Organizational Development and minors in Economics and Corporate Strategy from Vanderbilt University in 2018. I pursued a career in finance for the challenge, variety of work, and high levels of responsibility. You should reach out to me if you are interested in learning about recruiting, the work associated with IB and PE, both as a whole and specific to junior-level roles, and the upsides and downsides of different geographies (I grew up in San Francisco, went to school in Nashville, did IB in Manhattan, and now work in Ponte Vedra, FL).