2017 Best & Brightest: Casey Rhode, Emory University (Goizueta)

Casey Rhode

Goizueta Business School, Emory University

“Track runner, but slow; workaholic, but always smiling; investment banker who actually enjoys investment banking.”

Fun fact about yourself: I’ve been inside the White House

Hometown: Blue Bell, PA

High School: St. Joseph’s Prep

Major: Finance & Accounting

Minor: None

Favorite Business Courses: Corporate Finance, Illiquid Alternative Investments, Business Law

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

  • Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field:
  • All-Academic All UAA each year
  • Emory Coach’s Award Senior Year in Cross Country
  • Emory Impact Investing Group, CEO
  • Organization focused on improving economic vitality in Atlanta by providing low-interest loans to entrepreneurs from economically underserved areas without access to capital.
  • Helped the organization raise $30,000 to date and make loans to three entrepreneurs around Atlanta.

Where have you interned during your college career? Perella Weinberg Partners, Investment Banking Summer Analyst, New York (both sophomore and junior year)

Describe your dream Job: My dream job would be the General Manager of an NBA franchise. I grew up in a sports family and have an uncle who is an assistant coach in the league. Being a GM would enable me to unite my love of sports with my interest in finance and statistics.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? From studying business, I’ve learned the value of integrity and forming relationships. By never compromising on my values and treating people accordingly, I have formed more than a network, but a support system for the years to come.

Where would you like to work after graduation? I will be working at Perella Weinberg Partners as an Investment Banking Analyst

What are your long-term professional goals? I want to work with brilliant people in a dynamic, value-driven work environment.  The opportunity to learn every day, to make a difference – even if in the life of just one person – and to be continually challenged are of the utmost importance.

“I knew I wanted to major in business when…my dad attended Wharton’s MBA program while I was in high school.”

“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…likely studying economics at a school that did not have a business major.”

“Before I entered business school, I wish I had known…the importance of asking for help.”

What was the happiest moment of your life? Traveling through Europe.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? Running a new personal best time in Cross Country my senior year with my dad watching.  I was injured over the summer and my training suffered, but I tirelessly worked myself back into shape even while working long hours during my internship.  I ran the race through injury and pushed myself harder than I thought possible.  Even though I was never one of the top runners, I performed to the best of my ability and will leave college proud of what I accomplished.

What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? Pocket mouse: it’s my nickname on the Cross Country team and it also speaks to my personality. I take my work very seriously, but I don’t take myself very seriously. I’m hardworking and meticulous, but I also love to joke around and enjoy the company of my peers, friends, and coworkers.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? The utmost recognition would certainly go to my family for always supporting and believing in me, but I would especially like to thank Andrea Hershatter, the BBA Program Director.  While everyone around me was congratulating me on my accomplishments, Andrea pushed me to do more, to never be satisfied, and to maximize my potential.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I don’t want to be remembered for my academic or professional accomplishments.  I want to be remembered for my personality and the way I treated people.

Favorite book: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Favorite movie: Remember the Titans

Favorite musical performer: Queen

Favorite vacation spot: Prague, Czech Republic

What are your hobbies? Running, watching basketball, travel

What made Casey such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2017?

“Without fanfare or expectation of recognition, Casey has amassed an astonishing array of accomplishments. I don’t think the many faculty who are struck by his intellect and work ethic are aware of how much time he devotes to economic development as CEO of a student organization that raises funds and provides microloans to entrepreneurs in under-served communities. Similarly, I doubt that his varsity track & field and cross country teammates, with whom he trains daily,  know that he is finishing three concentrations in finance, strategy and accounting, along with a Spanish major in Emory College. Casey represents Goizueta, not only as a four year, two team varsity athlete, a principled leader dedicated to service, and a student who has taken full advantage of every educational opportunity, but also as our most accomplished academic scholar, with a perfect 4.0 over his academic career.”

Andrea S. Hershatter
Sr. Associate Dean       
Goizueta Business School, Emory University

DON’T MISS: THE FULL HONOR ROLL: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2017