Navigating the Path to Investment Banking: Insights from our Finance Chair Jaclyn Christina
NAISHA DIDWANIA
As a senior studying Applied Math-Biology at Brown University, Jaclyn Christina has carved out an impressive journey in the world of finance. Jaclyn’s journey to investment banking wasn’t linear. As a transfer student, she initially pursued a Doctor of Pharmacy program before realizing her true interests lay in finance. Undeterred, she immersed herself in various finance-related clubs at Brown, including Brown Healthcare Investment Group, the Intercollegiate Finance Journal, FinTech@Brown, Bruno Finance Society, and, of course, Brown Women in Business. These experiences deepened her understanding of the industry and reinforced her commitment to pursuing a career in finance.
Her involvement with the Women in Business (WIB) club since her sophomore year has been instrumental in her growth, leading to her role as Finance Committee Chair over the past year. Jaclyn’s motivation to join WIB stemmed from a desire to be fully engaged and contribute to the organization's initiatives. "I wanted to play a role in making initiatives come to fruition so that students could benefit from them," she explains. One such initiative was the sponsorship program, which Jaclyn helped spearhead. This program focused on securing corporate partnerships, allowing WIB to host events, offer students with valuable networking opportunities, and share resume booklets to sponsors, facilitating potential employment.
Her experience through the investment banking recruiting process also further solidified her passion for investment banking in particular. She began networking in October of her sophomore year, leveraging the Brown alumni network and cold-emailing professionals to gain insights into different finance paths. Through these conversations, Jaclyn determined that investment banking was the right fit for her, citing the combination of analytical and interpersonal skills required. "I honestly did not know that I wanted to do investment banking right away," Jaclyn admits. "It was through those networking calls that I realized it was the type of job I wanted to pursue out of college."
Jaclyn’s persistence and genuine approach to networking proved successful. She secured an offer from Barclays in April of her sophomore year and completed her internship within the bank's healthcare coverage group. Reflecting on her experience, Jaclyn emphasizes the importance of fit and the supportive environment at Barclays, where everyone was "eager to help [her] learn and get up to speed." She is excited to return to the bank full-time after she graduates this spring.
For aspiring finance professionals, Jaclyn offers valuable advice: "Be yourself and be genuine when asking questions," Jaclyn says. She cautions against simply going through the motions or sounding robotic, as professionals can easily discern when a student is not truly engaged. Instead, Jaclyn encourages students to ask questions they genuinely want the answers to, rather than just trying to "check a box." She believes this approach leads to more meaningful conversations and helps students better understand the role and the firm they are interested in.
Jaclyn also stresses the importance of choosing the right fit: “Choose a job that feels right for you, and work for a company where you feel a strong connection and the best fit." She believes that, especially in high-intensity finance roles where long hours are common, a positive work environment and good relationships with colleagues can make all the difference in one's quality of life and work.
When it comes to networking, Jaclyn acknowledges that the process can feel daunting and "inorganic" at times. However, she urges students to push through the initial discomfort and recognize that professionals have been in their shoes before. "They understand we need to reach out to them in order to get a deeper understanding of the role," Jaclyn explains. She encourages students to remember that Brown alumni and industry professionals are often eager to help and share their experiences.
Jaclyn’s own networking strategies involved consistently following up with contacts, often requiring sending several emails before securing a call. She advises students not to get discouraged if they don’t receive immediate responses, noting that busy professionals may miss initial outreach attempts. Consistency, she believes, is key to building valuable connections
As a sophomore myself, contemplating the possibility of a career in finance, my conversation with Jaclyn was insightful and reassuring. This interview reiterated that despite the initial awkwardness of networking calls and the intimating recruitment process - especially with limited prior experience - it is still possible to secure a job with some of the best banks in the country. As she says, it is about consistency, persistence and leveraging the fabulous network that Brown (and WIB!) affords us.