Alec C, 08 Mar 2025
Working with Frank Van Buren was both a privilege and a pleasure. He went out of his way to connect with me on a deeper level, taking the time to truly understand my situation and determine how he could best assist me. Throughout the course, I learned how to network effectively and present myself in a polished, refined manner to showcase my abilities for a career in investment banking. The time we worked together was incredibly valuable, as Frank not only provided me with opportunities to learn and grow but also broke down the complexities of investment banking in a way that made me feel confident explaining it to anyone—even someone with no background in finance. At the start, I wasn’t entirely sure what my options were. Coming from a non-target school and having missed the typical investment banking recruitment cycle, I felt uncertain and frustrated. Frank was a steady, reassuring presence during this time. He reminded me that he had seen situations like mine unfold successfully many times before and was confident I would reach the finish line. His guidance was truly pivotal in my development. I could reach out to him at any time—whether to ensure I was crafting the right email to a potential contact or to seek advice on mock interviews. His dedication and support were invaluable, and I cannot thank him enough for the effort he put into my growth. Currently, I am working as a finance intern in the treasury department at Lexmark while finishing my final semester of college. I have also been accepted into the University of South Carolina’s Master of Science in Business Analytics program. Both experiences will strengthen my candidacy for off-cycle investment banking recruitment, as well as the upcoming fall recruitment cycle.