Chase Johnson '15
— Analyst, UBS
“From an early age, I always had an interest in financial markets. Rather than spend my allowance on toys, I would invest in the stocks of companies that I liked—Apple, Nintendo, and Disney. During the early part of my college career, as my interest continued to grow I interned in wealth management at UBS to gain experience in finance. ”
Personal/Professional Journey
How did you find your way to where you are today? Share a little about your professional journey.
From an early age, I always had an interest in financial markets. Rather than spend my allowance on toys, I would invest in the stocks of companies that I liked—Apple, Nintendo, and Disney. During the early part of my college career, as my interest continued to grow, I interned in wealth management at UBS to gain experience in finance. While I enjoyed helping clients grow, I decided that I wanted to focus on finance at the company level rather than the individual level. During my junior year, I interned at Watermark Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm in downtown Greenville. Through this experience, I decided that I wanted to pursue investment banking as a career, and secured a position as a summer analyst in the Private Funds Group within UBS' investment banking division. At the end of the summer, I received an offer to return as a full-time analyst after my senior year. I've worked in the UBS Private Funds Group ever since.
Was there a catalyzing experience be that critical meeting, research or discovery, being recruited, failing, starting over, or major event, that shaped your career? What advice would you offer someone in the same situation?
During my sophomore year, the Furman Investment Club organized a seminar with finance professionals who had ties to Furman. One of the speakers was a managing director at a regional investment bank who inspired me to pursue investment banking as a career path. I didn't know anything about IB, but I dove into everything about it that I could find. I would encourage students who are unsure about their career path (like I was at the time) to attend events like this whenever possible. You never know where it might lead!
Within the field
When providing advice for professional development, what are some tools or resources one should consider?
I would recommend MergersAndInquisitions.com and WallStreetOasis.com. Both were (and continue to be) tremendous resources for my career development. The IB Interview Guide from Breaking into Wall Street (an affiliate of MergersAndInquisitions.com) was especially helpful when I was interviewing for internships.
How would you recommend someone interested in the same career/vocation pursue a similar path?
Networking is extremely important in finance. By leveraging your personal and alumni networks, students can better position themselves in regard to internships and jobs.
How have mentors impacted your professional development? How did you develop those relationships?
Mentors have provided me with invaluable advice as I have progressed in my career. During my internship with UBS, I was appointed formal mentors that guided me through the internship. Once I started working full-time, I developed my own informal mentor relationships with people that I worked with.
For someone just getting started
How could Furman help with getting someone started?
By connecting students with alumni in new ways, Furman could make the existing network stronger than it already is. The Loop is a great step in the right direction.
Furman University
How has your liberal arts background shaped your career path or supported your success?
When people think of finance jobs, they usually assume that it involves crunching numbers all day. While math skills are essential, the writing, speaking, analytical, and creative skills developed at a liberal arts institution lead to long-term career success.
What extracurricular activities helped you develop professionally?
The Investment Club was very important in my development while at Furman. Not only did I learn an incredible amount, but I was also able to connect with other students that were interested in finance. It was actually at an Investment Club meeting that I decided to become an economics major!
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