In mid-October, a group of the School’s full-time MBA students took part in a four-day trip to New York City to observe banks and other financial institutions on Wall Street as part of a scholarship program organized by the School’s Ziff Graduate Career Services Center.

“Having direct contact with [human resources representatives] and alumni was extremely valuable,” said Jordan Fishfield, a first year MBA who attended the trip.  “I felt they were really interested in finding ways to help and these connections will go a long way. There is no better way to get a first-hand feel for what it is like to be a banker then to walk on the floor and talk to bankers.”

MBA students met with representatives from firms such as Bank of America, Bloomberg, and Deloitte during the trip, observing major firms in action.  A highlight for students was a visit to the trading floor at J.P. Morgan.  At the time, the large, open-space room was abuzz with news that Cisco had begun the day with another acquisition, offering $2.9 billion for Starent Networks, which makes equipment for wireless carriers.

Each of the MBA students had the opportunity to sit down with one of JP Morgan’s traders as they monitored the markets and engaged in trading activity to get an up close view of this part of the financial services industry.

During the trip, students also made personal connections with finance professionals, hoping those connections will help them land internships and jobs in the industry.

Students interested in pursuing careers in New York were invited to apply for the program, which is supported by the James W. McLamore Graduate Business Fellowship. Applicants underwent a rigorous interview and written application process to be selected for the program.  After being accepted, students had to complete several workshops as well as research the companies they would be visiting before they left for New York.

“For students interested in pursuing an internship in the financial services industry, this trip is extremely beneficial in providing direct insight and information for specific jobs,” said Jonathan Brackman.  “The trip provides the opportunity to directly network with individuals on Wall Street, ranging from associates to managing directors.  If you are selected to go on the trip, make sure you complete significant research on the companies, interested internship positions, and current market activity.”