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.

My name is Rafael Payano, and I’m currently a Management Consultant at Deloitte. I originally hail from the Dominican Republic and grew up in the South Bronx before moving to Western New York to attend SUNY Buffalo, where I majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. In my current role, I help our financial services clients address their most complex challenges around Finance Transformation, M&A Integration, and overall Performance Improvement. Outside of work, I dedicate my time to my family and being a mentor to students and junior colleagues. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions regarding consulting, the finance industry, or the overall recruiting process

My name is Noah Richard, and I am currently an investment banking analyst at SC&H Capital, a boutique bank based in Columbia, MD, that focuses primarily on sell-side M&A for family- and founder-owned businesses in the lower middle market. My interest in investment banking and finance began in high school when I participated in an M&A case competition through a company called Youth About Business, and I carried this interest into college at the University of Maryland, College Park. At UMD, I became involved in and eventually led the business school’s largest finance club, where I organized case competitions and helped underclassmen with networking and securing summer internships in investment banking. I graduated with a degree in Finance and Information Systems, as I believe having a basic understanding of coding and data is helpful in the ever-evolving finance industry. I am happy to discuss networking or insights into the investment banking scene in the DC-Baltimore area.

Hi, my name is Giorgio Gayleard! I am currently an investment banking associate with KPMG Corporate Finance, advising on sell-side M&A transactions of middle market companies primarily in the Industrials and GovCon spaces. I previously worked at Tower Partners, an industry-agnostic lower middle market investment bank that advises on both sell-side and buy-side engagements. Prior to Tower, I interned with SC&H Capital on their sell-side M&A team. I attended Loyola University Maryland and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2023 with a B.B.A. in Finance and Economics. I was also a member of the Varsity men's soccer team! After graduating from Loyola, I continued my education at Dickinson College while participating on the soccer team there too. After school, I began working at Tower Partners and joined the KPMG team about a year later. I pursued a career in finance, but more specifically investment banking, because I wanted to work in a stimulating high-growth environment where I could learn a lot at a fast pace. I find fulfillment in challenges and the financial services industry is the perfect place to be for such. I am more than happy to discuss the industry, my career thus far, and provide advice for those who want to learn or, simply, chat! Being a first-generation Hispanic college graduate, I am extremely willing to help those with untraditional backgrounds for investment banking in search of guidance.

My name is June Park, and I am currently an analyst in the Software and Services group at Intrepid, a boutique investment banking firm based in Los Angeles, California. Intrepid primarily focuses on middle-market sell-side M&A for founder-owned and sponsor-backed businesses and I have had the pleasure working in this dynamic and rewarding environment. I previously interned at Cowen's M&A group based in San Francisco, but decided to join Intrepid for full-time after graduating from UC Berkeley with a B.A. degree in Economics. I started my career in Finance, because I wanted exposure to the intersection of technology and businesses. I have a passion for technology companies and my current role exposes me to new businesses and innovative founders everyday. I am more than happy to discuss my journey and all things related to recruiting for Finance.

I’m Zura Dzuliashvili, originally from Georgia, and currently a senior at the University of Richmond, where I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics. My internship experience spans various roles in quantitative research, risk management, equity analysis, trading/structuring and so on. I’ve had the opportunity to intern at Credit Agricole NYC, Barclays Investment Bank NYC, and Thompson, Siegel, and Walmsley. I have also worked internationally. Navigating the finance industry as an international student has had its unique challenges, and I’m always happy to share my experiences—whether it’s insights into quantitative research, tips for interview preparation, or advice on the recruitment process in the U.S.

My name is Sam Jacobson and I am currently a private equity associate at Warburg Pincus based in New York. Prior to joining Warburg, I spent three years in investment banking at Centerview Partners and Moelis & Company, working across M&A, restructuring and strategic advisory engagements for large-cap companies. I grew up in Orlando, FL and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX in 2019. I came from a non-traditional background and understand first-hand the nuances of recruiting for various positions and navigating the world of finance. I'm happy to discuss all elements of the recruiting process (internship, full-time, lateral and buyside recruiting), or more broadly, serve as a general resource and share my story. Throughout my career, I've benefited from the mentorship of others and am excited to pay it forward however I can!

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. 

I currently work as a private equity associate at H.I.G. Capital in the Boston office. Prior to joining H.I.G., I was an investment banking analyst at Bank of America in the New York office, where I worked in the M&A and FIG groups. I studied Economics with a Minor in Computer Science at the University of Chicago, where I was also President of the Club Tennis team. 

I pursued a career in finance as I was intrigued by the "macro" view that it provides on how businesses interact with the economy and society as a whole, and I also wanted to be in a role where I could develop both my technical and soft skills. I can provide insights on my experiences in banking (coverage vs. product group), private equity, all stages of recruiting (internship, full-time, lateral, PE, etc.), interviewing, and broader career advice. Always happy to chat so don't hesitate to reach out!

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.

My name is Viboosh Chandrasekar and I am currently a senior manager of business operations at Love Health. Previously, I was working various finance and strategy roles at Takeoff Technologies. Prior to joining Takeoff Technologies, I was a management consultant at KPMG. Originally from Boston, I graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Finance and Economics. After trying my luck at professional sports, I pursued a career in finance as I was looking for a fast-paced and high-intensity environment. I view myself as a ‘player-coach’ and am more than happy to help with recruiting, resume reviews, case interviews and interview prep. I’m also available to chat about career paths and different roles in finance.

Hello! My name is Tommy Campbell, and I am currently a Private Equity Associate at THL in Boston. I grew up on Long Island, NY and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2021 with a major in Finance and a minor in Constitutional Studies. I interned with Baird in Chicago after my junior year as a generalist for the summer and returned full time in their Technology and Services Group after graduation. After two years of investment banking, I started at THL in their Technology and Business Solutions group. Frankly, I did not know much about finance, banking, or PE before college, and I heavily relied on both informal and formal mentors in order to navigate networking, interviewing, internships and school. Banking and PE have been an invaluable learning experience and have provided me with a great foundation of professional and analytical skills that can be applied to a variety of different roles. I would be more than happy to be a resource to you and talk about breaking into finance, Chicago, Boston, interviews, life, etc. Don't hesitate to reach out, and I look forward to connecting!

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.

Hey there! My name is Russell Yue, and I’m a Vice President with Tru Arrow Partners in New York City where I focus on technology and late stage venture investments. Prior to Tru Arrow, I was an investor with H.I.G. Capital, where I helped start the firm’s new late stage venture/growth investment practice. Before H.I.G., I was an investor on the growth stage investment team at Greycroft. I also previously worked in financial planning & analysis at Fastly, where I helped the company raise $75 million during its Series D fundraise. I graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Business Finance. Happy to chat with anyone about (1) entrepreneurship and working at a startup/scaleup, (2) technology and venture investing, (3) nontraditional career paths after college, or (4) anything else I can be helpful with!

Hello, my name is Eva Decker. I am currently a second-year analyst at Partners Group, a Swiss-based private markets firm. I currently sit in our U.S. headquarters in Denver, CO, where I am in a two-year analyst rotation program. I spent my first year on the Private Equity Directs side, in our business services group. My second and current rotation is in our Private Credit group on the direct lending side. I am originally from the Northern Virginia area and earned a dual degree in Finance and Risk Management from the University of South Carolina in 2023.

Having never thought about finance as a career until halfway through college, I often felt on the outside of the recruiting process. I found my way to my firm out of college in part through Pro Forma Futures, so can attest firsthand that through networking and utilizing a platform like this one, it is possible to break into finance – particularly coming from a non-target university. Happy to chat about my experience on my two teams, recruiting, post grad moving to a new place, or anything else! Don’t hesitate to reach out.

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 John Lin and I am currently a private equity associate at Bayview Asset Management based in New York. Prior to joining Bayview, I was an investment banking analyst at Citi working across M&A, capital markets, and strategic advisory engagements. I grew up in New York and graduated from Boston University in 2020. Throughout my time in college and in my career, I have benefited greatly from the support and mentorship of friends and colleagues, and I hope to pay it forward by being an encouraging and guiding resource for aspiring students who are navigating their own career paths.

I am an Associate at H.I.G. Capital’s Infrastructure Private Equity Group in New York. Previously, I was an Analyst in Stifel’s Aerospace, Defense & Government Services Investment Banking Group in Washington, DC and, prior to this, was an Analyst at HSBC’s Mid Corporate Investment Banking Team in New York. I completed my undergraduate degree at Fordham University in New York where I majored in Finance. Growing up, my family moved around constantly, giving me the chance to live in South Korea, Indonesia, Los Angeles, and New Jersey, where I spent the majority of my childhood. I believe this helped me form a unique worldview and a desire to pursue a career that allows me to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. I first became interested in Finance after speaking with professors, friends, and upperclassmen during my freshman year. Specifically, I was intrigued by the nature of the work, caliber of individuals in the field, career optionality, unique skill development, and ability to work with people from different backgrounds. My mentors, both senior and junior, provided crucial insights and advice that allowed me to break into the industry. Therefore, I’m looking to do the same for others looking for guidance. While I can speak to investment banking and private equity in general, I believe I can also add unique insights on lateral recruiting, especially to different geographies, and breaking into high finance from a non-traditional background. If you’re looking for help, please feel free to reach out!

My name is Anya and I am currently a senior at Duke University. I will be joining Goldman Sachs as an incoming investment banking analyst in the Financial Institutions Group. Previously, I interned as a sophomore in the Mergers & Acquisitions group at Bank of America, at TowerBrook Capital Partners, and in venture capital at Serena Williams' venture capital fund. I have experience with insight programs and re-recruiting between sophomore and junior summers. I am passionate about helping women and individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, such as non-target schools or first-generation students, break into finance. Please feel free to reach out to discuss anything related to investment banking, venture capital, or breaking into finance. I'm always happy to provide insights or mentorship.

My name is Love Patel, and I am currently a Senior Investment Banking Analyst in the Diversified Industrials group at D.A. Davidson, based in Boston, MA. In this role, I assist clients on both buy-side and sell-side transactions, focusing on valuations, due diligence, marketing materials, and transaction structuring. Prior to this, I was an Investment Banking Analyst in the Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT) group at Canaccord Genuity in New York, where I worked on high-profile deals, including sell-side processes and carve-outs, and collaborated closely with lean deal teams to deliver strategic solutions for clients.

I hold a Master of Science in Finance from Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Kansas. I pursued a career in investment banking to build the technical and strategic expertise needed to advise on complex transactions and drive value creation. I am always happy to discuss insights on navigating investment banking recruiting, day-to-day responsibilities, and transitioning from academic foundations to professional success, as well as sharing my experiences working in dynamic team environments.