What was your path from Bishop's to your current position?
I attended Rice University in Houston, where I majored in Sports Management and was a member of the varsity soccer team. Upon graduation, I accepted a position at GMR, a sports marketing firm in San Francisco. It was a great first job out of college, as the role allowed me to travel frequently to the various major sporting events around the country and globe. One of my most memorable trips was when I spent three months in Russia working at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
After a couple of years in the industry, I ultimately decided that the unpredictable lifestyle of being contracted from event to event wasn’t providing the career development and trajectory I knew I was looking to establish. I made the switch to finance when a friend (fellow Bishop’s grad Sarah Peluso ’08) referred me to the associate development program at SVB. This rotational program is offered to associates so that they can get exposure to different sectors within the bank to see which one they like best. Upon completing the program in San Francisco, I secured a position with the Life Science team in San Diego. I always had an interest in healthcare (both of my parents are physicians) and I knew I wanted to get back to Southern California, so it was the perfect opportunity!
How did you know you wanted to pursue this career?
The short answer is, I didn’t! I never would have predicted a career in finance for myself, as I had always gravitated toward classes like literature and history when I was in school. Now having been in the industry for several years, I’ve learned that the relationship/sales skills that I developed during my time working in marketing are just as important (if not more important) than the technical/financial acumen required for the job.
What sparked your interest in this field?
I work specifically in the Life Science sector at SVB, which means we support clients that are developing therapeutics, innovative diagnostic techniques, and medical tools (among others). I am fascinated by the disruption that is occurring in this space, specifically how the convergence of technology and science has the potential to change healthcare as we know it. It is rewarding when our team can help finance the development of these innovations, as they are improving the quality of life for so many people affected by various diseases/medical conditions.
How did Bishop’s lay the groundwork for your current career?
There are certainly the obvious skills I developed at a school as academically demanding as Bishop’s, such as time management and work ethic. Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of Bishop’s is how the environment allows students to cultivate an intellectual curiosity through such a well-rounded experience. I recall the days where I would analyze the themes of "A Tale of Two Cities" with Mr. Mulgrew, then head to Bishop’s Singers to rehearse songs for the upcoming Christmas concert with Ms. Carmon, and end the day on the soccer pitch with Coach Quinn. Working in an industry that is constantly being disrupted means that I am also constantly learning new things, therefore I’m grateful that my time at Bishop’s helped cultivate this mindset.
Can you share a highlight of your career?
One standout moment was when I got to meet and introduce Abby Wambach at my Company’s annual conference in 2019. As a former collegiate soccer player, it was a bit surreal meeting her in person after idolizing her for so long. It was great to see how her message of teamwork, overcoming adversity, and leadership could be applied so broadly, even to a career in banking!
What advice or insights do you have for Bishop’s students interested in your career field?
A career in finance can include such a broad range of roles, so my advice would be to find a niche that combines what you are passionate about with what fits your specific skill set. I’ve also learned that a career path isn’t always linear, therefore it is important to keep an open mind for new opportunities or challenges.