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Finance Focus

Two members of the Barnard community discussing careers in finance

Launched in 2019, Finance Focus recognizes both the importance of creating educational opportunities for students — particularly from backgrounds that are under-represented in financial services — to learn about the industry. Capitalizing on the energy of a range of firms to recruit Barnard undergraduates, Finance Focus is a semester-long program that increases exposure of students to the financial services industry generally, while providing Employer Partners with the opportunity to connect with Barnard's exceptional student body.

In addition to traditional information sessions, Finance Focus events share practical information with students about the ins and outs of financial services, as well as about trends and hot-button issues in the industry. Students benefit from direct contact with investment practitioners, alumnae, and human resources/people & talent professionals, while also connecting with each other and building a sense of cohort. Finance Focus concludes with a reception for student and employer participants in the program.

Thanks to partnership with the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being, Finance Focus offers programs that center questions about financial well-being. Programs in Finance Focus help students think about managing their money, budgeting, investing, and thinking about their career well-being and financial well-being as connected.

Questions about Finance Focus can be directed to BeyondBarnard@barnard.edu.

Finance Focus will kick off with an introduction to financial services careers, held on January 31 at 1PM at Beyond Barnard (Elliott Hall, Second Floor). The semester-long series of events will include a keynote conversation with Soofian Zuberi, Global Head of Equities at Bank of America, Chairman & CEO of Bank of America Securities, Inc. Additional events will be listed on this page and — for students — in Handshake.

  • January 24: Deutsche Bank Investment Banking On-Site — an introduction to Investment Banking for Sophomores
  • January 31: Industry Introduction to Finance Careers
  • February 11: Parthenon Capital
  • February 14: Morgan Stanley Campus Ambassador Conversation with Jasmine Bose Partridge '25
  • March TBD: Finance Focus Keynote Discussion with Soofian Zuberi, Global Head of Equities at Bank of America, Chairman & CEO of Bank of America Securities, Inc.
  • April 16: Negotiating Your First Job Offer for Seniors
  • April 25: Budgeting Your Summer (Professional Development Event Targeted to Students in Campus Roles)

Registration links to specific Focus Series events are available to students in Handshake. Questions about attending can be sent to beyondbarnard@barnard.edu.

Spring 2024 Finance Focus Series Kick Off | Friday, January 26, 10:00am - 10:45am

Considering working in finance? Learn about investment banking, wealth management, buy side, sell side, and everything in between. We'll discuss typical internships and entry level roles, recruitment processes and timetables, and the rewards and challenges of working in finance.

This event is the kick-off session for Finance FOCUS, a series of events this semester with companies from across the finance sector. Each event in the series will give you a chance to connect and hear from company representatives sharing information on hiring trends, how to create a strong application, and how to thrive in the industry, as well as answering your questions.

Finance FOCUS: JP Morgan Chase Sales and Trading Information Session | Monday, February 5, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Are you interested in Sales & Trading? Join a virtual session hosted by Armani Davidson ’23 and Janice Fong ‘17 to learn more about JPMorgan’s 2025 Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB) Markets Summer Analyst application process. Barnard students will learn about the recruiting timeline, available internship programs, and other available resources. We will also hold a Q&A at the end to answer any questions.

Finance FOCUS: Bank of America Alumni Panel Discussion | Thursday, February 8, 5:30PM - 6:30pm

Bank of America is pleased to participate in the Finance FOCUS Series, where we will host a panel of Barnard Alumni. In this interactive discussion, alums will provide insight into their career path, opportunities for women in financial services, and how Bank of America has shaped their careers. They will share their journey in the corporate world and the obstacles they faced along the way. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with our panel through Q&A, as well as hear more about 2025 internship opportunities at Bank of America. As part of the Finance FOCUS Series a number of employer partners including Bank of America will be reviewing submitted student resumes. If you would like to have your resume reviewed, please complete the following form.

Finance FOCUS: Barclays Pizza With Friends | Thursday, February 20, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Get ready to do work in one of the world’s top-tier Investment Banks. To discover new ways to empower our clients in today’s fast-changing world. And to develop your potential in an internationally-focused role that will challenge and inspire you, day in and day out. We are excited to partner with Barnard to invite students who are interested in 2025/2026 Corporate Investment Banking Internship opportunities. This is an exciting networking event where you can meet business representatives from Barclays. Join us to get more insights into the world of banking and learn more about the opportunities! Bring a friend who’s also attending Barnard College and interested in 2024/2025 internship opportunities at Barclays!

Finance FOCUS: Ardea Partners: How to Secure a Full-Time Job in Investment Banking | Friday, March 1, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Join us for an insightful event designed for aspiring investment bankers: “How To Secure a Full-Time Job in Investment Banking”. This session will include an introduction to Ardea Partners and investment banking industry followed by a panel discussion on navigating the investment banking recruitment process, making the most of your internship(s) and securing the full-time role. Whether you are exploring career opportunities, gearing up for the recruitment season or you are a soon-to-be intern aiming to secure a full-time position, this is your opportunity to learn from seasoned investment banking professionals who have successfully navigated the competitive landscape of investment banking recruitment.

Finance FOCUS: Castle Oak Securities Information Session | Friday, March 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

What it’s like to work for a boutique investment bank. Join three Castle Oak Securities panelists who will cover the following topics: What a typical boutique Investment Banking day looks like. What skills or programs are used on a regular basis. What classes or experiences the panelists experienced in college that are relevant today. Learn about the working environment at Castle Oak Securities as compared to the panelist prior work and internship experiences The event will conclude with a q&a session and networking for students.

Finance FOCUS: Adams Street Partners - What is Private Equity & Private Debt? | Wednesday, April 17, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

What is Private Equity & Private Debt? Attend this session to learn how private equity and private debt creates value, the different methods of investing in these alternative assets and why investors choose to invest in these asset classes. In this event we will also discuss the opportunities available for students at Adams Street Partners, including the recruiting process for internship and full-time roles, and discuss what you can gain from working in private market roles.

  • February 13 (5:30PM): Citi: Women in Finance 
  • February 15 (5:00PM): Adams Street Partners: What is Private Equity & Private Debt?
  • February 17 (9:00AM): Girls who Invest Conference 
  • February 17 (10:00AM): The Equity Collective: Career Skills for Financial Services and an Introduction to the Industry
  • February 21 (5:30PM): Goldman Sachs: Exploring Careers in Finance 
  • February 22 (5:00PM): BNP: Careers at BNPP from the Barnard Alumnae Perspective
  • February 24 (1:00PM): The Equity Collective: Networking Luncheon @Morgan Stanley
  • February 28 (5:30PM): Venture Capital Industry 101
  • March 2 (5:00PM): Bank of America: A Day in the Life of an Analyst
  • March 3 (1:00PM): JPMorgan Chase: What to Know about Managing Debt
  • March 8 (5:00PM): PEAK6 Capital Management - Proprietary Trading: Equity Options 101
  • March 10 (1:00PM): JPMorgan Chase: Working at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Spring 2022

  • February 4 (12PM): JP Morgan Women on the Move: Tools for Your Financial Future
  • February 9 (5:30PM): Waterfall Asset Management
  • February 15 (4:30PM): Introduction to the New Pathways Bridgewater Scholars Program
  • February 25 (11AM): Adams Street Partners: What is Private Equity?
  • March 1-4: BNP Paribas ASCEND Virtual Summit (Sophomores)
  • March 3 (3PM): Lord Abbett Discover Day
  • March 4 (12PM): 100 Women in Finance
  • March 8 (12PM): Bank of America Women in Banking Lunch & Learn
  • March 23 (5PM): Bank of America Spotlight Event
  • March 29-April 1: BNP Paribas Summit for Accelerating Career Exploration
  • April 22: Barnard Alumnae Panel — An Introduction to ESG Investing (co-hosted with the Athena Center)