New York Finance Professionals Offer SU FMA Members Lessons from Wall Street and Beyond
SALISBURY, MD---Some 28 students in Salisbury University’s chapter of the Financial Management Association (FMA) recently traveled to New York to visit financial institutions and learn from finance professionals in a variety of roles.
Accompanied by Dr. Ani Mathers, FMA advisor and associate dean of SU’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, their trip continued a tradition with the organization spanning more than 30 years.
Among the institutions visited were PIMCO, one of the world’s largest management firms, with some $2 trillion in assets. There, they heard from account manager Christopher Bellatoni, head of global design Alison Congdon, portfolio manager David Braun, economist Allison Boxer and head of public policy Libby Cantrill. All shared insights and advice for students, and answered questions about the market and current events. The visit was possible thanks to the support of The Mason Companies.
At Fox Corp. students learn more about corporate finance in practice from Fox News Media chief financial officer and chief operating officer (and SU Foundation, Inc. board member) Joe Dorrego ’96, and Fox Corp. chief investor relations officer Gabrielle Brown. Among topics covered were business and revenue streams, NFL rights, and media trends, including online streaming. The visit also featured a tour of sets for several popular shows at Fox Studios and a spot in the control room to view a live broadcast.
An SU alumni networking event at JPMorgan Chase & Co., sponsored by Ron McGann’88, vice chairman of J.P. Morgan Private Bank, and organized by Jayme Block’97, M’99, provided opportunities for speed networking, and lessons about working and living in New York and transitioning from students to business professionals.
In the Financial District, students visited the offices of Goldman Sachs, where divisional sales manager Jim Neiland and market strategist Grant Zangwill provided insights into how the firm analyzes macroeconomic and market trends to create actionable investment advice. They also discussed how these insights relate to client engagement and relationship management. In addition, students were allowed to observe one of the establishment’s trading floors.
“We thank Robert Jeter ’12 for connecting us with Lauren Slavin, Regional Director at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, who kindly arranged the visit,” said Mathers.
Students had free time to sightsee that afternoon before reconvening for their final experience of the trip: the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). There, NYSE regional head for the northeast Joe Tama discussed the history of the exchange and escorted the SU group to the balcony overlooking the trading floor to watch NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks ring the closing bell.
Afterward, they were allowed on the trading floor, followed by the opportunity to ask questions, and learn about the role of market makers and the NYSE’s competitive advantages.
“We are grateful to Ron McGann for facilitating the visit and being a longtime supporter of the trip,” said Mathers.
In addition to the annual trip, the student-led FMA provides its members with professional development opportunities, and the ability to learn more about the finance industry and careers in finance. The organization also hosts speaking events throughout the year that help students explore opportunities in finance, network with peers and professionals, and gain additional knowledge prior to starting careers.
Students interested in joining the FMA are encouraged to sign up through the SU FMA webpage or email Mathers.
Learn more about opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.