2020 Best & Brightest: Sarah Goldberg, Texas Christian University (Neeley)

Sarah Goldberg

Texas Christian University, Neeley School of Business

“Some say I’m tall and capable; I’m not sure what tall has to do with it.”

Fun fact about yourself: My friends have come to know my family as the ‘fit family’; we train and compete in triathlons together for fun.

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

High School: Shorewood High School

Major: Finance & Political Science

Favorite Business Course: TCU Educational Investment Fund

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

  • TCU Educational Investment Fund (Chief Administrator, Portfolio Manager)
  • TCU Neeley Fellows Honors Program
  • Neeley Fellows Student Organization (VP of Membership & Programming)
  • TCU Student Body Director of Mental Health and Wellness
  • Student Government Association (Representative of the Neeley School of Business)
  • TCU Student Foundation (Chancellor’s Host & Campus Tour Guide)
  • Chi Omega Sorority (Assistant Treasurer)
  • Chancellor’s Scholar; TCU Scholar
  • Club Triathlon and Soccer Teams
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Field Advocate

Where have you interned during your college career?

Baird | Milwaukee, WI | Equity Research Analyst Intern

Baird | Milwaukee, WI | Finance Rotational Program

Office of Representative Matt Krause | Fort Worth, TX | Public Policy Intern

Where will you be working after graduation?

Baird | Milwaukee, WI | Equity Research Analyst, Softline Retail Coverage

What did you enjoy most about your business school? The Neeley School of Business provided a community of people who were not only willing to stand behind me, but propel me forward. Students, faculty, and staff: together, I am a product of their hard work, sacrifices, and encouragement. From an early age, I have valued having a team; at TCU, my team has been the Neeley Fellows Honors Program. The members of my cohort have challenged and humbled me, but also motivated and inspired me. Moreover, my professors have taught me far more than accounting or finance; they have also taught me the importance of perseverance, balance, and thoughtfulness. I am a better person for having been a student in their classrooms.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The most important lesson I have learned from studying business is that there is so much more to it than a P&L; done ethically, business has the power to change lives. I have learned that there are ways to make the world a better place, there are ways to help other people, to serve and to mentor, far beyond what I had imagined four years ago. I came to TCU wanting to study law one day so that I could help others. I have learned in these last four years that my desire to make an impact can and will happen by aligning my strengths and passions with the right organization.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Discover what you are passionate about, determine why it matters, harness your unique talents, and then find a field or a company that will let you chase your dreams. It has taken me nearly 22 years to learn that I have a passion for fashion, but a brain best suited for analytics, logic, and reasoning. I feel so fortunate to be pursuing a career after graduation in an industry that will allow me to combine these and I am optimistic that the same outcome could be achieved by others.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? The diversity of thought and personalities that can be encompassed by business majors is astounding. I am continually impressed by the wide range of abilities and interests embraced by my peers. From coding and app development to graphic design to art and languages, I am amazed by the unique aptitudes embodied in our school and intrigued by the influence these skills have on groups I have worked in and ultimately learned from.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? During my time at TCU, I am most proud of my role as Student Body Director of Mental Health and Wellness. While academics have always been incredibly important to me, the community fostered at TCU is what makes this school so unique. Yet, in a community so high achieving, it is a difficult battle for those struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health illnesses. Having lost my younger sister to suicide shortly before coming to college, I was well aware of the stigma associated with mental health as well as the difficulties many face in accessing the necessary resources. After spending two years working on many different initiatives surrounding mental health on college campuses, I was honored to be appointed the Directorship by our Student Body President. I worked diligently to develop and implement campaigns, workshops, and programming in order to increase the awareness of mental health related issues within the student body, connect students to TCU’s incredible resources, and foster a stronger community.

Which classmate do you most admire? I most admire my friend and classmate, Andrea Carrasquilla. Andrea lights up any room she enters with her welcoming attitude and genuine nature. Her unbridled curiosity challenges me to be a deeper thinker and a more compassionate friend. Her adventurous spirit landed us living side-by-side for a semester in a tiny apartment room in Madrid, Spain, where we traveled the world, learning to understand different cultures while developing a greater appreciation for our own.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would like to thank my whole family, but most notably, my mother is my role model both professionally and personally. I have never met someone who is more hard-working and dedicated to her career, while also finding the time to serve people and causes she is passionate about. I aspire to bring the same tenacity and focus to everything that I do, strengthened by the infectious smile and warm personality she is known for.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

  1. I would like to pursue an MBA in order to continue my pursuit of learning, while ultimately utilizing my financial acumen to influence public policy.
  2. I hope to develop an international focus in my professional life in order to learn more about different market dynamics and foster cross-cultural relationships.

What are your hobbies? I love to spend time with my friends, travel, read, try new restaurants, and stay active, whether it’s training for triathlons, half marathons, or just a pickup game of basketball.

What made Sarah Goldberg such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2020?  

“Sarah Goldberg is a poised, focused, exceptional young person with a maturity and professional presence that helps her stand out among her peers. Sarah is a natural born leader; passionate about and committed to the causes that she champions. She takes initiative to have a positive impact on her community. Observing need, she goes the extra mile to pursue a solution, even if it requires her to venture outside her comfort zone. Sarah’s legacy to TCU and the Neeley School of Business has been her tremendously positive influence on and leadership in the Student Government Association, Educational Investment Fund and Neeley Fellows.”

Meg Lehman, Program Director
Neeley Fellows
TCU Neeley School of Business

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