First-Gen Student Charts His Path in Finance
In the heart of Rutgers Business School, senior student Bryson Morales embarked on his journey through the Road to Wall Street Program. As a sophomore, he discovered invaluable mentoring resources that encouraged him to embrace his uniqueness. This mentoring model allowed him to gain significant summer internship experiences in the finance sector.
Embracing Uniqueness in a Competitive Landscape
Morales, who comes from a family of Guatemalan immigrants, initially thought that blending in was the safest strategy for success. However, he soon learned through his mentors in the Rutgers Road to Wall Street that standing out was key to his success. This program provides students with a unique opportunity to connect with professionals and alumni in the finance industry, thereby facilitating their career aspirations.
The Power of Multi-Tiered Mentoring
One of the program's most remarkable features is its multi-tiered mentoring approach. According to Morales, having three layers of mentorship provided him with diverse perspectives and guidance on important career decisions. Senior mentors helped navigate big-picture career choices while recent alumni and upperclassmen provided essential support in class selection, recruitment strategies, and crucial interview preparations.
Pathway to Professional Success
Each year, the Road to Wall Street Program selects approximately 60 students from hundreds of applicants, showcasing its competitive nature. Participants receive firsthand exposure to leading Wall Street firms, significantly impacting their ability to secure success in finance. The program boasts a remarkable 95% internship success rate since its inception, with many graduates landing roles at prestigious firms such as Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Morgan Stanley.
A key component of the program is the three-credit course taught by Managing Director, Ken Freeman. This course blends technical training with practical experience, fostering professional growth. Morales actively participates as a teaching assistant, delivering complex concepts and supporting new students in technical interviews. The philosophy shared by Freeman resonates deeply with him: "Where you start is not where you finish."
Inspiring Others Through Leadership
Freeman has commended Morales not only for his intelligence and dedication but also for his relatable nature, which makes him an inspiration for fellow students. He continually encourages others to reach their goals and maintains a humble perspective on his achievements by conveying, "If I can do it, you can do it." This mindset enhances the learning atmosphere in his classrooms.
Morales also contributes to the Rutgers Student Managed Fund, where he applies his academic knowledge to real-world investment decisions, assisting in managing a $420,000 equity portfolio.
Balancing Responsibilities and Pursuing Excellence
Managing his commitments requires exceptional time management. While commuting 50 minutes to the RBS-New Brunswick campus and dedicating over 20 hours weekly to his family’s restaurant, Morales emphasizes the importance of communication. He keeps his professors and internship supervisors informed about his busy schedule, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Morales’s excellence was recognized early in his academic career when he was selected for the RBS Business Student Transition Access & Retention (B-STAR) Program, aimed at supporting high-performing students. His diligent efforts culminated in receiving a scholarship provided by a generous alumnus from Rutgers Business School.
Gaining Practical Experience in Finance
His internships in prestigious finance firms have solidified Morales's career path. After an impactful summer at Soros Fund Management, he completed a summer analyst internship at Moelis & Company, a leading global investment bank. Morales is thrilled to have received a full-time job offer from Moelis, affirming that the finance industry is where he excels.
Aside from his academic responsibilities, Morales has a background in boxing, which has also influenced his approach to education and work. He believes that success stems from discipline and consistency and always strives to improve each day.
Advice he offers to fellow first-generation students aspiring to forge their paths in finance is to embrace their uniqueness and share their stories confidently. He encourages them to include every experience, including part-time jobs, on their resumes, as they contribute to creating a memorable personal narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Road to Wall Street Program?
The Road to Wall Street Program at Rutgers Business School offers mentoring and practical experiences for finance students aiming to succeed on Wall Street.
How does mentorship work in the program?
The program features a multi-tiered mentorship system, providing students access to senior industry mentors, recent alumni, and upperclassmen for guidance.
What are the internship success rates for participants?
The program boasts a success rate of over 95% since its establishment in 2011, with many students securing roles at top financial institutions.
Who leads the educational component of the program?
The program is anchored by a three-credit course taught by Managing Director Ken Freeman, focusing on technical skills and professional development.
What advice does Bryson Morales have for students?
Morales encourages students to take pride in their differences and leverage their personal stories to stand out in competitive environments.
