A successful finance career begins with exposure to the industry, meaningful connections and opportunities to engage with top professionals. The Vanderbilt Career Center is dedicated to providing its students with these crucial experiences through immersive programs designed to prepare them for the competitive finance landscape. Two standout initiatives—the Vandy in Finance Preparation Pathway and the NYC Finance Trek—give students the opportunity to learn firsthand from experts and build relationships that could shape their future careers.
Vandy in Finance Preparation Pathway: A launchpad for success
The Vandy in Finance Preparation Pathway is a comprehensive experience that connects students with industry leaders, alumni and potential employers. The event includes technical training, career panels and networking opportunities.
Students gain firsthand knowledge of the finance industry’s inner workings and learn from experts who have successfully navigated the recruiting process.
NYC Finance Trek: Firsthand exposure to top firms
In January, 41 Vanderbilt students traveled to New York City for an exclusive Finance Trek hosted by the Vanderbilt Career Center. Participation in this trek required completion of the Vandy in Finance Preparation Pathway program.
The trek provided students a powerful opportunity to engage directly with top financial institutions. Students gained insights into investment banking, asset management and other finance sectors while making meaningful connections with industry professionals. Students connected with more than 15 Vanderbilt alumni.
Brian Schorr from Private Wealth Solutions at Blackstone praised the trek.
“The drive and attentiveness that these students had was palpable throughout the entire discussion, and it truly felt that all eyes and ears were on the panel,” Schorr said.
“Everyone in the room can and will be successful if they put their mind to it—you just need to follow three basics: staying hungry intellectually, casting a wide net in making connections and learning about different parts of finance, and never giving up,” he concluded.
Nathalie Larson, one of the student participants, reflected on the impact of the trek.
“The NYC Finance Trek was an invaluable experience that gave me direct exposure to different firms, helped me refine my career interests, and allowed me to connect with professionals and other students,” Larson said. “The opportunity to visit top banks in person made a huge difference in my understanding of finance careers.”
Firms visited during the trek included:
- Goldman Sachs
- Citi
- Evercore
- Morgan Stanley
- Wells Fargo
- Blackstone
- Barclays
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- JPMorgan Chase
Why these experiences matter
These programs are more than just events—they are crucial career-building experiences. Students who participate in them develop key industry knowledge, receive mentorship from experienced professionals and build relationships that could lead to internships and full-time positions.
Vanderbilt students position themselves ahead of the curve through these events. By engaging in hands-on learning, networking with top-tier firms and taking advantage of Vanderbilt’s deep alumni network, they set the stage for future success.
To learn more about treks hosted by the Career Center, visit https://www.vanderbilt.edu/career/immersive-experiences-treks/
