My name is Olivia Schilsky and I am currently a second year Private Equity Analyst at PA Capital in Richmond, VA. I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2019, with a BA in Business Administration and Leadership Studies and a concentration in Finance. As the daughter of a small business owner and entrepreneur I had always been drawn to the business world, but until attending college I knew nothing about finance. I chose to pursue a career in finance because I wanted to be challenged and surrounded by like-minded, intellectually curious, and determined people. I understand how intimidating the intricacies of the finance world can be, and I'm here to help! I can help you decide if finance is for you or guide you towards which career path may be the best fit. Happy to connect about school (lessons learned and most valuable classes taken), internships, recruiting, interviews (how to tell your story), private equity career paths (traditional and non-traditional), networking, and different ways to get your foot in the door. Can’t wait to chat!

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 research analyst at Point72 and was previously an investment banking analyst in the healthcare group at Jefferies. I studied finance, economics, math, and physics at the University of Richmond. I pursued a career in investment banking because I have always been fascinated by the physics of financial markets, and decided investment banking was the best way to gain valuable exposure to a wide variety of different aspects of these markets. If you want to learn more about the hedge fund space, please feel free to contact me!

Hello! My name is Mitch Beller and I am currently a private equity associate at JLL Partners based in New York City. Prior to my time at JLL, I was an investment banking analyst in the Global Industrials Group at Jefferies in NYC. I grew up just outside of Kansas City before attending and eventually graduating from the University of Kansas in 2017 with BSc degrees in both finance and accounting. I got into finance for the challenge, caliber of people, and optionality (if you start your career in investment banking, you can do almost anything you want in business afterwards; the skill-sets are that valued). I have been fortunate to have had people from various backgrounds extend their hand and time to me in helping me piece together my short career thus far. I know the process can be daunting and continuously exhausting. Each of you has what it takes to pursue whatever it is that intrigues you. Myself and the rest of the PFF team are here to help you craft the streamlined story of how each of your experiences are connected, and rightfully convey you are the person the company is looking for, whether that is in finance or another field of your passion. We are here to help in any way we can, and I look forward to being a part of your process.

I am currently a private equity associate at Littlejohn & Co in Greenwich, CT. Prior to my current role, I was an investment banking analyst in the Energy, Power & Infrastructure Group at Harris Williams. I am originally from the Minneapolis, MN area and graduated from Colgate University with a B.A. in Economics while playing on the NCAA Division 1 lacrosse team. After graduating from Colgate, I received my Master's in Finance from the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. I pursued a career in finance because I enjoyed the fast-paced and team-oriented environment that was similar to my experience as a student-athlete. I'm happy to be a resource and answer questions on recruiting, the interview process, networking, or anything else you might find helpful. In particular, I can provide insight on grad school, moving to new locations, and leveraging a background in athletics.

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!

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.

Hello! My name is Rachael Overland. I am currently an investment banking analyst in the Industrials Group at Stifel in NYC. I graduated from the University of Richmond in December 2018 as part of the Class of 2019 with a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Management. My journey to finance took a roundabout route, from international relations and Arabic to sports development, corporate finance, sales & trading and finally investment banking. I ultimately pursued banking because I wanted a challenge. Very few other industries provide the same level of experience, responsibility and exposure as banking provides within the first couple of years. As a woman coming from a non-target school without a specific picture of what post-grad would look like, I can provide advice on how to look at different options, help you think about what fits you personally and tailor your answer to “why banking” based on your skills and experiences. I am very lucky to have received fantastic mentorship and support so far in my career, I hope I can pass along some of what I have learned.

My name is Justin Huang and I am currently an analyst at BDT & MSD Partners, where I work on transaction analysis and execution of investments and strategic advisory assignments. I graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. I'm originally from Sydney, Australia, and moved around a few different countries, so I'm able to speak to recruiting as an international student. Happy to chat about recruiting, interviewing, and career paths in general.

My name is Michael Likogiannis and I am currently a Strategy Consultant at Bank of America covering Global Markets and the Private Bank. I began my career at Bank of America as an analyst in the Mergers & Acquisitions group focused on technology companies, initially based out of the Palo Alto office and later transferred to the NYC office. My interest in investment banking was driven by my desire to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment that taught me a strong foundational skillset I could later use as an investor, operator or founder. I graduated from Rowan University magna cum laude in 2020 with a B.S. in Finance and Accounting. Despite attending a non-target school, I creatively found a way into the industry. I would be happy to share my playbook or discuss various career topics such as recruiting now that I’ve been on the other side of the process – just reach out!

My name is Matthew Kushner and I am currently a private equity associate at Brynwood Partners, a private equity firm based in Greenwich, CT, which focuses on leveraged buyouts of middle market consumer businesses. I started my career in the Relationship Lending Group within the investment banking division at Goldman Sachs where I focused on underwriting syndicated corporate debt. While I initially began my career with Goldman Sachs in the Salt Lake City office, I transferred to the New York City office in the same role, and later transitioned to the Healthcare investment banking coverage group in New York City. I attended Elon University and graduated magna cum laude in 2018 with a B.S.B.A. in Finance and B.S. in Accounting. I pursued a career in finance because I wanted the opportunity to develop the skills, both soft and technical, required to manage a business as a founder, owner, or investor. More than happy to discuss all things recruiting and day-to-day for Private Equity and Investment Banking. Additionally, pleased to discuss navigating an untraditional path to investment banking based on my own personal experience mentioned above.