To quote the smash hit Hamilton, seven Scheller College undergraduates were in "the room where it happens" this spring as they toured New York’s major financial institutions and took in the musical itself. Thanks to Scheller College of Business philanthropic leader and alumnus Richard Bergmark (IM 1975), the students received an insider’s look at the city’s top financial destinations by meeting investment bankers and visiting powerhouse financial organizations.
Mr. Bergmark personally planned, led, and sponsored the unique experiential learning excursion. "I wanted to share the world where I have worked for the last 40 years, and I wanted these students to see first-hand the many career opportunities open to them,” said Mr. Bergmark.
Many students identified the visit to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and participation in the closing bell tradition as their favorite moment of the trip. “It was such an amazing experience to see the traders trading in real time, with the stock prices affected by their trades,” recalled Scheller College undergraduate Anne Gusler.
Left to Right: Students Peter Franzek, Lauren Alexander, Anne Gusler, Brett Brougton, NYSE Senior Trader Gregg Maloney, students Sarah Stebbins, Darby Foster, and Sam Medinger.
Mr. Bergmark mentored the students throughout the week, introducing them to influential leaders in the financial services industry. One of the highlights of the week was the behind-the-scenes visit to Bloomberg’s morning show Bloomberg Daybreak Americas. Students met co-anchor Alix Steel to observe her leading a staff meeting, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the future business leaders. JPMorgan, KKR, Citi, and Credit Suisse also hosted the Scheller College group, giving the students a glimpse into their New York operations.
This immersive experience proved to be an integral capstone to the students’ curriculum at Scheller College. “Given my interest in a career in Investment Banking, the visit to New York allowed me to make valuable connections to Wall Street and understand how different positions within the finance industry work together,” noted undergraduate Sam Medinger. “The trip reaffirmed my goal of a career in finance and demonstrated the application of material I have learned through my classes at the Scheller College of Business.”
Mr. Bergmark reflected, "The trip was just as fun for me as we explored the Big Apple together, got to know each other better, shared stories, and talked about career aspirations and future plans.”
Mr. Bergmark’s final gift to the students was his advice for their future careers: "Don't be afraid to take a job outside of your comfort zone, whether that is from a work content perspective or geographic perspective. After this trip, I hope you all have seen how well Scheller College has prepared you with solid financial academics applicable to so many opportunities.”