Hi, my name is Jack Plocica. I graduated from Wake Forest University in the summer of 2017. I’m currently an Analyst at Truist Securities in the Investment Bank. Specifically, I’m in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications vertical of the Syndicated & Leveraged Finance group. My interest in finance sparked from networking, as you are doing now. I found that I learned a great deal from speaking to young professionals. My goal in joining the Pro Forma Futures team is to pay this forward by sharing my knowledge and experiences with you all. My experience in the industry has truly been rewarding thus far and hopefully we can encourage you to be excited about your future as well.

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.

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!

I am a Private Equity Senior Associate at Ancient. Previously, I was an investment banking analyst in the Media and Communications group at Morgan Stanley and was previously an investment banking analyst in the TMT group at UBS. I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2020 with a BA in Business Administration with concentrations in finance and accounting. I decided to pursue a career in finance, and more specifically in investment banking, after many discussions with helpful mentors and peers. If you would like to discuss the recruitment process, networking, investment banking or different career paths in finance, please reach out!

Hi, everyone. My name is Nicole D’Onofrio – I am a private equity investor with Astira Capital Partners in Boston, MA. Astira was founded in 2023 as a software and tech-enabled services private equity firm. Prior to joining Astira, I was an M&A Associate and Analyst with Harris Williams where I spent time across E&P, technology, and business services.  

I was inspired to start my career in investment banking after attending the Harris Williams Women’s Leadership Summit during my sophomore year of college. I pursued internships with Harris Williams, BB&T Capital Markets, and EisnerAmper prior to accepting a full-time role with Harris Williams upon graduating from the University of Richmond. I graduated with a dual degree in International Business and Italian Studies.

My areas of expertise include recruiting from non-traditional majors, leveraging diversity programs, evaluating opportunities across geographies, and private equity pivots among other topics. I have found my career to be incredibly exciting and rewarding – so I look forward to connecting and supporting you all in your next steps!

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!

Hi. My name is Joey Duffy and I am an investment banking analyst at BMO Capital Markets in New York. I grew up in Boston, MA, and studied finance, economics, and international business at Villanova University. I pursued a career in finance because I find the subject matter inherently interesting and I value the opportunity to take on significant responsibility in a team-based environment. At BMO I’m in the Healthcare group, covering Healthcare Services, Life Sciences, and Healthcare IT. I’m happy to speak with anyone interested in Investment Banking, BMO, or the Healthcare industry, and we can cover school, internships, recruiting, or interviews. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, or if you just want to talk about Boston sports.

Hi. My name is Joey Duffy and I am an investment banking analyst at BMO Capital Markets in New York. I grew up in Boston, MA, and studied finance, economics, and international business at Villanova University. I pursued a career in finance because I find the subject matter inherently interesting and I value the opportunity to take on significant responsibility in a team-based environment. At BMO I’m in the Healthcare group, covering Healthcare Services, Life Sciences, and Healthcare IT. I’m happy to speak with anyone interested in Investment Banking, BMO, or the Healthcare industry, and we can cover school, internships, recruiting, or interviews. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, or if you just want to talk about Boston sports.

Hi, my name is George Politis. I’m currently an Investment Banking Analyst in the Financial Institutions Coverage Group at Truist Securities. In May 2021, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Business Administration with majors in Finance and Legal Studies. My experience in Investment Banking so far has been incredibly rewarding and educational because at Truist we're constantly looking to communicate our clients' value to the best of our abilities. I can be a resource to you when it comes to presenting yourself in interview situations, learning the material at hand, or just any general industry questions.

Hello, my name is Prashant Bishwakarma and I am a Manager of Corporate Development at Capital One. Prior to Capital One, I was an investment banking analyst at Dickinson Williams & Company, a boutique investment bank serving companies in the lower middle market. Prior to DW&Co. and graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University, I interned in public investment banking at B.C. Ziegler in the Senior Living group. I am happy to talk to any prospective student looking to get into finance, but I can be particularly helpful to students who attend a non-target university in secondary markets. I can also provide insight into F100 Corporate Development. Finance is a great career path for building a foundational understanding in business. I chose finance because it brings great visibility to management teams early in your career.

I am a private equity associate at Permira in Menlo Park focusing on technology investments. Previously, I was an associate at H.I.G. Capital in the San Francisco office and, prior to this, was an investment banking analyst in the Industrials group at Guggenheim Partners, based in New York. I completed my undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis where I studied applied math, economics, and French. While at Wash U, I was also a member of the soccer team. My interest in finance originally stemmed from my search for a career path and professional environment that mimicked the competitive nature of the soccer team, and subsequently evolved into a passion for investing, which I view as one of the few fields that is interesting and truly demanding from both a quantitative and soft skills perspective. Between my experience at Guggenheim and Wash U, I bring several years of experience in helping undergrads succeed in the finance recruiting process and would be happy to chat with any students about all things related to investing, finance or academics. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about PFF, please email me!

Hi! My name is Dana Wu, and I’m currently a Corporate Development associate at WHP Global. Previously, I was an investment banking analyst within Stifel’s Leveraged Finance group based in New York City. I graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 2020 with a B.A. in Economics, a Minor in Political Economy and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Technology. I pursued a career in finance because I first and foremost wanted a challenge. I was attracted to the constant learning opportunities and responsibilities I’d be afforded in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, all while having the chance to impact a company’s future and growth. More than happy to chat and answer any questions related to exploring IB, interviewing, recruiting for the East Coast from a West Coast school, and how to navigate any other situations that may arise.

Hi! My name is Lizzie Reedy, and I am an investment banking analyst at Perella Weinberg Partners. I played golf at the University of Richmond and graduated in 2021 with B.S. in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Marketing. Coming from Atlanta, GA, I had little prior knowledge of Wall Street. However, I was hooked once upperclassmen mentors opened my eyes to what a career in finance would entail. The depth and breadth of learning opportunities that banking provides to a twenty-two year old is unparalleled. Also, the thought of mastering a new, highly marketable skillset appealed to me because as a student-athlete, I constantly strive to improve. I would not be where I am today if not for gracious mentors that selflessly guided me through my process. I want to be that person for you. As a woman coming from a non-target school who had little free time outside of classes and tournaments, I will advise on how to craft your story and how to efficiently prepare for technicals in order to set yourself apart from the stack. I am passionate about paying it forward and would love to help anyone obtain their dream internship/job in finance.

Hello! My name is Michael Zhang. I’m currently a strategic finance senior director at GoGuardian. Prior to GoGuardian, I spent time as a tech growth investor at Sumeru Equity Partners, buyout investor at H.I.G. Capital’s Advantage Fund, and leveraged finance investment banker at Nomura. I’ve always been passionate about business, and I initially pursued finance for the opportunity to interact with a wide array of companies, industries, and management teams. After spending 5 years in finance, I decided to switch over to an operator role at GoGuardian to get closer to the ground in terms of driving change and creating value within businesses. As both LGBTQIA+ and a minority, I’m excited to share my experience with you as you evaluate potential career paths within investment banking, private equity, and/or corporate finance as well as provide any help with interview prep.

Hi, my name is Hunter Jamison. I am currently an analyst at Performance Trust Capital Partners in Atlanta Georgia. Prior to working at Performance Trust, I worked at SunTrust. I graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS, double majoring in Finance and Economics. I became interested in finance when I realized that every business, from a local coffee shop to Amazon, must account for their finances to be sustainable every day. Investment banking recruiting is a very competitive process that is beginning earlier and earlier in a student’s college career. However, it is not impossible to get into investment banking out of college without an investment banking internship. It is an up-hill battle, but there are many ways to break into the industry with a non-traditional background. If you are someone who might be “late” to the investment banking process, I can be a great resource.

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 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!

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.