2017 Best & Brightest: Lauren Kelly Rutgers Business School (New Brunswick)

Lauren Kelly

Rutgers Business School (New Brunswick)

“A Jersey girl at heart, aspiring to live a New York City lifestyle.”

Fun fact about yourself: I am an avid fan of coffee and cheesecake.

Hometown: Ocean Township, NJ

High School: High Technology High School

Major: Finance & Mathematics

Favorite Business Courses: Futures & Options, Investment Analysis, Advanced Corporate Finance, Statistical Methods in Business, Financial Management

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

  • Awards:
    • Rutgers Presidential Scholarship
    • Rutgers School of Business Scholarship
    • Rutgers Academic Excellence Award
    • Dean’s List
  • Extracurricular Activities / Leadership Roles:
    • LIBOR (Little Investment Bankers of Rutgers) – Co-President
    • Rutgers Student Managed Fund – Senior Analyst
    • Delta Sigma Pi, Professional Business Fraternity – Vice President of Professional Activities
    • Rutgers Business Governing Association – Class Representative
    • Rutgers Finance Department – Teaching Assistant
    • Road to Wall Street Program – Peer Instructor
    • School of Arts & Sciences Honors Program – Mentor
    • Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society – Active Member

Where have you interned during your college career?:

  • Morgan Stanley, NYC – Institutional Equity Sales & Trading Summer Analyst
  • Credit Suisse, NYC – Sales & Trading Summer Analyst
  • Bank of America Merrill Lynch, NJ – Chief Operating Office Summer Analyst

Describe your dream Job: My dream job allows me to apply my analytical and interpersonal skills to an interesting topic. I thrive in energetic environments surrounded by driven, intelligent people. My dream job challenges me every day, pushing me to get to know clients on a personal level and think deeply about their problems.

Who is your favorite professor? Professor Ben Sopranzetti finds a way to be more to his students than just a professor, also acting as their mentor and friend. “Dr. Ben” inspired me to reach for my dreams both inside and outside of the classroom, guiding me along the way to my full-time job.

Which executive or entrepreneur do you most admire? Harvey Schwartz, chief financial officer of Goldman Sachs, embodies the undeniable grit of a Scarlet Knight. Having graduated from Rutgers University in 1987, Mr. Schwartz sets an example that anyone with determination can make it to the top and give back to their alma mater along the way.

What did you enjoy most about majoring in a business-related field? Majoring in a business-related field has opened my eyes to how connected the world truly is. Business issues are impacted by political, cultural, and social events around the world. From a conflict in the Middle East to a “tweet” by a popular figure, it probably matters in some way.

Where would you like to work after graduation? I will be working full-time in Institutional Equity Sales & Trading at Morgan Stanley in New York City.

What are your long-term professional goals? While climbing my way up the corporate ladder on Wall Street, I hope to expand my horizons by experimenting with entrepreneurship and real estate investments. One day I plan to manage properties in emerging markets, and maybe, even a coffee shop or nail salon in Manhattan.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? You can’t go wrong by majoring in a business-related field. Business skills can be applied to almost every company in every industry. Maybe you don’t know what you want to do yet, but a versatile business major will set you up for whatever you ultimately choose.

“I knew I wanted to major in business when…I completed the engineering curriculum at my vocational high school. Although I enjoyed the technical coursework, I wanted to pursue something more interpersonal and high energy. I felt business was a natural choice to combine my analytical and personal skills in an applied way.”

“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…studying a purely technical field, such as math or statistics, and finding ways to apply them to business with the help of mentors and on-campus organizations.”

“Before I entered business school, I wish I had known…that developing soft skills and networking skills is equally important as focusing on your academics. Relationships are crucial to success in business.”

What was the happiest moment of your life? I’ll never forget the day I received my full academic scholarship to Rutgers University. Not only would this help me to graduate free of student debt, but it was the first moment I felt truly recognized and appreciated for my hard work and dedication to academics throughout high school.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? Working as a teaching assistant for the introductory class in Rutgers Business School Finance Department has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career, helping students succeed in the course and inspiring them to pursue careers in finance. This experience also supports my long-term plan to teach as a professor at a university.

What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? Although cliché, some sort of feline animal best represents my professional brand: calm and calculated on the outside, but playful, and carefree on the inside.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I wouldn’t be where I am today without the dedicated Rutgers alumni who have served as career mentors, giving me the guidance necessary to break into a competitive industry. I also can’t forget my parents who never failed to get me out of bed for school in the morning.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? After graduation, I hope my peers will remember me as a mentor and friend who always took the time to help them to reach their goals. I hope to leave behind an impactful legacy of making a significant difference in their professional development.

Favorite book: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Favorite movie: Gone Girl

Favorite musical performer: Luke Bryan

Favorite vacation spot: Barcelona, Spain

What are your hobbies? I am always looking to try out a new restaurant or go on a spontaneous adventure. You can usually catch me at Starbucks or relaxing near the beach.

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

“Lauren Kelly is not only super strong academically but is also one of the most poised, organized, and friendliest of students I have ever met.  Interviewers often say they want to hire students whom everyone wants to sit next to – Lauren not only fits that description perfectly but she also will be the first to help solve any technical issues that may come your way.”

Ben Sopranzetti,
Professor, Finance & Economics
Rutgers Business School

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

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