Senior Analyst 鈥� Goldman Sachs
Former Running Back for the CU Buffs
Why did you decide to come to Leeds?
During my football recruiting process, I knew I wanted to major in business. When it came down to it, Colorado offered a unique opportunity to compete at a high level on the field in a major football conference, while at the same time offered a great education and overall collegiate experience. I fell in love with Boulder and all that it had to offer on my official visit. I decided then that I wanted to be a Buff.
What is one thing you learned at Leeds that you will never forget?
Social capital and building relationships are important to success.
How did being a part of the Buffs football team influence your college experience? How did it influence where you are now?
Football had a major influence on my college days. I came to Colorado because of the challenge and platform it offered. Being a student-athlete at a major university exposed me to various life fulfilling experiences, which I would not have encountered if I did not have a dual purpose for attending the university. Competing on the football team is a major grind. On top of attending classes, studying, working on projects and taking exams, Division I football requires dedication of several hours a week. It was important for me to learn how to balance being a student and an athlete. As a result, I was better prepared to work in the business world. Time management, ability to prioritize, attention to detail are just a few skills that were enhanced while I was in Boulder that have helped me now in my professional career.
What was your favorite game or memory from your time on the field?
My favorite game was easily during my first year of college when I set the school record for the most rushing touchdowns by a freshman. It was my first start, and it was a great team (home) win. The record still stands today.
My favorite memory is split between post game against Utah at Folsom when we celebrated our first Pac-12 South Championship and the following week running out of the tunnel at Levi鈥檚 Stadium, the home of the San Francisco 49ers, as Pac-12 South Champions. Bringing championship football back to Boulder was a big deal for the guys in my recruiting class (2013). We made it our business to win at CU.
What lesson/learning did you take from being a varsity college athlete into your life today?
鈥淥ne Snap and Clear,鈥� meaning line up on the ball and attack the next challenge ahead. The previous play is over. Focus on the next opportunity at hand.
Tell us about a particular professor or mentor that influenced you while you were at Leeds.
Mary Beth Lewis. Mary Beth was my Marketing Instructor my sophomore year at Leeds. Great mentor and friend during my time at CU and someone I still stay in touch with today.
When I declared finance as my area of emphasis, Mary Beth introduced me to the Burridge Center and the great people there. I spent quite a bit of time there and in the Bloomberg Lab, which truly enhanced my experience at Leeds. Many days were spent hanging out with Mary Banks and Roberto amongst others in S347. Those have been monumental relationships and experiences which curated my love for finance and the world of business. I am very grateful for those relationships.
Where has life taken you since you graduated Leeds?
Prior to completion of my MS Accounting program at Leeds, I accepted an offer to join Goldman Sachs (GS). I have since been with GS for ~2.5 years in a corporate finance seat.
What advice would you give to students and young professionals?
Establish a solid foundation and stay grounded. Accept new opportunities, challenges and experiences. Live in the moment. Don鈥檛 be complacent. Keep putting things in your box.
What do you miss most about Boulder?
The atmosphere/vibe. Boulder is a special place.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
The CU family is truly great; can鈥檛 beat it. Happy I chose CU.
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