I started my career in private equity at Kayne Anderson and spent four years with the firm before coming to business school. It was critical to pursue an MBA at this point, because the field is changing and expanding rapidly, and there’s a lot to keep up with. I knew Yale SOM would give me a solid grounding in finance and private equity trends.
Location was also important. I wanted to have a college town experience during my MBA, and New Haven has met my expectations. It’s small enough to feel connected and big enough to offer diverse opportunities. It’s also conveniently located between New York City and Boston—both major finance hubs, which made recruiting a lot easier.
Professor Josh Cascade’s Private Equity Leveraged Buyouts class has been so helpful throughout the recruiting process. As a practitioner, Professor Cascade brings real-world experience and examples into the classroom. His industry insights are so valuable. Some of the case studies we discussed in class actually came up during several of my interviews!
Also, during the recruiting process, I had a chance to connect with several Yale SOM alumni in private equity. Two of them in particular, Doni Perl at Charter Oak Equity and Bob Davis at Nebrodi Partners, have been so helpful in providing feedback, insights, encouragement, and career advice throughout the difficult recruiting process. I truly appreciate the time, energy, and effort these gentlemen spent supporting me in my career.
Among all the organizations and activities I’ve been involved with at Yale SOM, my favorite has been the Christian Fellowship Cub. I’ve particularly enjoyed the guest speakers who share their perspectives and experiences regarding how to balance work and faith, in both professional and personal settings. I’ve also enjoyed the events hosted by the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship chapter and by Yale’s Rivendell Institute. I would highly recommend these organizations to new students coming to Yale. Our Yale SOM student clubs, and other groups across Yale, offer such diversity. There is something for everyone.
