2019 Best & Brightest: Nadege Emefa Adanou, Rutgers-Newark

Nadege Emefa Adanou

Rutgers Business School – Newark

Willing to take risks but will stick to her favorite restaurant for eternity.”

Fun fact about yourself: I speak three languages, English, French, Ewe.

Hometown: Lomé, Togo

High School: Belleville High School

Major: Finance

Minor: Mathematics

Favorite Business Course: Fixed Income Analysis

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

Extracurricular Activities & Leadership Roles

  • Co-president of the Rutgers Finance Society
  • Corporate Relations Director, Women B.U.I.L.D.
  • VP of Member Relations, National Society of Collegiate Scholars
  • Rutgers Student Managed Fund – Junior Analyst
  • Business Forum Teaching Assistant
  • Busines Student Transition at Rutgers (B-STAR) Program Participant
  • Participant in SEO (Seizing Every Opportunity)
  • Awards
    • Recipient of Rutgers University Dickson and Chancellor Scholarships
    • Dean’s List
    • NABANNJ Scholarship Recipient

Where have you interned during your college career? J.P. Morgan Chase, New York City, Global Finance & Business Management Summer Analyst

Where will you be working after graduation? J.P. Morgan Chase, New York City, Global Finance & Business Management Analyst

What company do you admire most? I really admire J.P. Morgan for their commitment to improving the communities where they operate. Through initiatives such as advancing black pathways, J.P. Morgan creates opportunities in underserved communities. I am very proud to be joining a company that is committed to accelerating economic equality.

Who is your favorite professor? I’ve been fortunate enough to take classes with many great professors. It is so difficult to pick one. My two favorites are Professor Lisa Kaplowitz, who teaches corporate finance, and Professor Fred Hoffman, who teaches financial institutions and markets. I appreciate their ability to integrate their own experiences on Wall Street into the courses, which helps students get a better understanding of the material.

What did you enjoy most about your business school? What I enjoy most about Rutgers Business School is the diversity in experiences and backgrounds of the students. This diversity helps create a strong learning environment. Being exposed to different perspectives has engendered my creativity. Moreover, with companies becoming more diverse and global, attending Rutgers Business School which is one the most diverse campus in the country, has prepared me for the real world.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I gained from studying business is that integrity is more important than anything else.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Get involved on campus and start networking from day 1! Try building connections with professionals, professors, and your peers. These connections will come in handy when you start looking for internships. Also, use your time in college to explore different opportunities and to figure out your passion.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? I am most surprised by how huge an impact business has on the world. Many firms give their employees the opportunity to make an impact through philanthropic programs and volunteerism.

If I didn’t major in business, I would be majoring in or studying…Math because it has always been my favorite subject.”

Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college? My brother who also attended a business school influenced my decision to pursue a business degree. He taught that a degree in business opens the door to a myriad of opportunities.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? One of my proudest accomplishments is receiving two scholarships from Rutgers University that will help me to graduate debt free.

Which classmate do you most admire? I really admire and look up to my friend Sofiya Nedelcheva. Sofiya and I are co-presidents of the Rutgers Finance Society and it’s been amazing working with her. She’s a brilliant student, a great leader, and most importantly, is very passionate about mentoring and giving back to the younger students at the Rutgers Business School.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? Both my parents. They sacrificed a lot and left everything they knew behind and moved to the United States to be able to provide a better life for me and my brother.

What are the top two items on your bucket list? To tour Europe after graduation and to start an education non-profit that will promote learning and professional development for young girls in my home country Togo.

What are your hobbies? Cooking, Soccer, Shopping

What made Nadege such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2019?

“I met Nadege during the summer of 2015 when she was an incoming student participating in Rutgers Business School’s Business Student Transition at Rutgers (B-STAR) program. Since then, I have seen great maturity and growth from her. She demonstrates a desire to learn and lead, and her work ethic, attention to detail and desire to serve others have made her a standout Rutgers Business School student.

Her academic and professional successes are direct results of her hard work and strong focus. Nadege actively participates in many professional development initiatives offered by the Office of Diversity Programs and quickly became a popular and sought after talent among our corporate partners. Nadege is professional, eloquent and innovative young woman who is destined for greatness in whatever she endeavors. I’m excited about her future.”

Charles A. Brown
Assistant Dean
Rutgers Business School – Newark and New Brunswick

 

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