Jeff Moslow, A85, A16P, A18P, interviews David Puth, A79, CEO of CLS International, at the 9th annual Finance Career Forum.
For the 9th year in a row, the Finance Career Forum continues to thrive as a signature academic and professional experience for Tufts undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in finance. Held on Saturday, September 22 and hosted by the Tufts Financial Network and the Tufts Career Center, the 2018 program brought together a record number of students for a day of active engagement, learning, and networking with Tufts alumni.
Enhancing opportunities for alumni-student interaction is an important goal of the Finance Career Forum. In 2018, alumni and parents volunteering on behalf of the program for the first time represented nearly 60% of the faculty. “It was particularly gratifying to hear about our newest participant’s enthusiasm for the landscape of Tufts and the quality of students attending,” said chief-organizer of the event Jeff Moslow, A86, A16P, A18P. “Even more exciting, though, was witnessing the Forum come full circle as recent alums, who attended the Finance Career Forum as students, returned to participate as panelists and mentors.”
For students, connecting with alumni from many different careers in finance is one of the most valuable parts of the event, said Jillian Kleiner, A20, President of the Tufts Financial Group. “I found the open panels during lunch very impactful because of its casual and friendly setting. Witnessing so many alumni come in just for this event to give back and provide advice to students of all years is especially meaningful.”
Jon Pruzan, A90, Chief Financial Officer at Morgan Stanley, offers remarks over lunch at the 9th annual Finance Career Forum.
Saturday’s agenda included seven breakout sessions (from beginner material like Introduction to Finance Careers to more specialized content like Private Wealth Management), lunch and networking opportunities, and speed learning sessions. The day began with an interview of first-time participant David Puth, A79, CEO, CLS Bank International. Over lunch, students then networked with alumni and heard remarks from Chief Financial Officer of Morgan Stanley, Jonathan Pruzan, A90.
Over the last nine years, the Finance Career Forum has continued to evolve, enhancing the preparedness of Tufts students for careers in finance, and this work is not unnoticed by the alumni who volunteer on behalf of the program. “I was genuinely impressed with the Finance Career Forum,” said the day’s keynote David Puth. “Tufts prepares students for a broad range of careers, but what I immediately recognized was a highly intelligent, equally thoughtful group of individuals. None of this was a surprise, but it was affirming of what I have come to expect when meeting with Tufts students both from the undergraduate and the graduate programs.”
He added, “financial firms today often recruit students who may not follow a traditional course of business study, and programs like the Finance Career Forum expose them to the broad range of professional opportunities available, especially if they have a strong academic background and diverse interests like Tufts students today.”
Meera Mayer, Executive Director, Portfolio Manager and Private Wealth Advisor, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, leads a discussion over lunch at the 9th annual Finance Career Forum.
Alumni investments, whether of time or resources, have played a significant role in the evolution of finance education at Tufts over the last nine years. Because of programs like the Finance Career Forum and academic initiatives emerging from the Tufts Finance Initiative, career and learning opportunities today are stronger, and students are clearly reaping the benefits.
“Tufts today has nearly 250 students employed at the end of each academic year, up from about 50 in 2013.” said Moslow. He added, “our involvement has ensured Tufts students have the knowledge to be successful in interviews and access to the right networks where they can showcase their talents. As a result, more and more Jumbos are attaining gainful employment in finance and consulting after graduation. This is something we should all be proud of.”
To view additional pictures from the event, click here.