Jose Barron
Texas Christian University (Neeley)
“Easy-going Horned Frog who takes his coffee black.”
Fun fact about yourself: I once jumped into the cold ocean water in Scotland with some friends.
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
High School: Green B. Trimble Technical High School
Major: Finance & Accounting
Favorite Business Course: Investments 2, The Leadership Challenge, Team Leadership Skills, Leading in a Complex World, Business Law, and Financial Reporting 2
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- BNSF Neeley Leadership Program
- TCU Community Scholar
- TCU Neeley Professional Development Center
- Transaction and Investment Professionals Board
- Neeley Ambassador
- Fort Worth Boys & Girls Club
Where have you interned during your college career? (List Companies, Locations and Roles)
- Goldman Sachs – Special Situations Group Summer Analyst – Dallas, Texas
- Fidelity Investments – Asset Management Intern – Westlake, Texas
- Haddock Investments – Private Equity Summer Intern – Fort Worth, Texas
Where will you be working after graduation? Goldman Sachs – Special Situations Group, Dallas, Texas
What did you enjoy most about your business school? My favorite part about TCU Neeley is the personal approach that the professors and administrators take when interacting with students. They make sure that we are well attended to in our academic, professional and personal goals.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The world is complex and constantly changing. To be successful in today’s world, we must be ready to adapt with a moment’s notice. We also need to take the time to learn about the change so that we’re not left behind.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Go in with an open mind. You don’t have to know what you want to do as a career from the start, but take the time to learn about what’s out there. Also, meet people, both students and staff. They will make the experience all the more enjoyable.
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be majoring in or studying…for a career in the medical field.”
What has surprised you most about majoring in business? It’s not always about working with numbers and strategies for a company. People are what drive a business to be successful. Prior to coming to TCU Neeley, I hadn’t realized how much team experiences mattered and the importance of being able to work well with others. Relationship building is vital to your success in business.
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college? I grew up watching several of my family members, my dad included, own and run their own small businesses. As a result, I’ve always had a curious interest in business. I really owe that to my family.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? Two of my friends and I created an after-school program in partnership with the Fort Worth Boys and Girls Club tailored to mentor high school students about leadership and college.
If you were a dean for a day, what one thing would you change about the business school? I would like to see a more global component incorporated into all business courses. With a growing interconnected world, it’s important to keep up with the complex, global trends that we will face post-graduation.
Which classmate do you most admire? Deery Brooks. Her dedication to her class work, extracurricular activities, and life outside of school are unparalleled. It was surprising to see someone get as excited about going to accounting classes as she did, which could not be said about me. Thanks for all of the help and being a friend, Deery!
Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents, without a doubt. Through both of their efforts and hard work, I’ve had the opportunities to pursue my career and passions here at TCU. Although neither of them attended college, they taught me from an early age about the importance of getting an education.
What would your theme song be? “Amazing” – Kanye West. I think the song exemplifies someone still believing in themselves regardless of adversities faced. Plus, it has a great beat.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
- Visit Antarctica
- Have dinner with Jeff Bezos
Favorite book: Robinson Crusoe
Favorite movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite vacation spot: Isle of Sky, Scotland
What are your hobbies? I really enjoy running, playing tennis, reading and trying new food.
What made Jose such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2018?
“Jose has been a force for good while at TCU. He is an impeccable example of work ethic, character, and selflessness. Moreover, though understated and incredibly humble, he has unequivocally pushed himself, his classmates, and faculty to make deep, positive connections with one another and the surrounding community. As one example, Jose—inspired by his own upbringing and subsequent leadership development at TCU—co-led an initiative to introduce a leadership program for kids in the Fort Worth area Boys and Girls clubs, which in turn positively affected numerous young lives outside of the TCU campus. In short, Jose is an exemplar for transferring values to action and, consequently, has played an invaluable role in helping TCU fulfill its mission.”
Brad Harris
Assistant Professor of Management, Leadership and Entrepreneurship
TCU Neeley School of Business
DON’T MISS: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2018 — THE COMPLETE LIST
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