Lucas Bernicker

Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School

“Bringing creativity, humor, and a sense of purpose to every new experience and challenge.”

Fun fact about yourself: I have been to over 50 concerts and counting!

Hometown: San Diego, CA

High School: Francis Parker High School, San Diego CA

Major: Finance

Minor: Philosophy and Computer Science

Favorite Business Course: Small Business Initiative

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

• Center for Experiential Learning Scholar
• Capital Markets and Financial Management, Teaching Assistant
• Washington University Student Investment Fund, Portfolio Manager
• Alpha Delta Phi, External Vice President
• Olin Peer Ambassador
• Olin Peer Tutor
• Student Union Senate
• Dean’s List, All Semesters

Where have you interned during your college career?

Qualcomm, San Diego, CA, Intellectual Property Licensing Intern

Brixton Capital, Solana Beach, CA, Capital Markets Intern

Washington University Investment Management Company, St. Louis, MO, Summer Analyst

Where will you be working after graduation? (Include company and title)

Brandes Investment Partners, San Diego, CA, Research Associate

Who is your favorite business professor? My favorite business professor has to be Dr. Jian Cai, who I took Options, Futures, and Derivative Securities with. Professor Cai truly cares about her students, including both their knowledge of the content as well as their future success. She is an amazing lecturer and a true master in her field, which allows her to communicate complicated ideas in an extremely accessible manner. Professor Cai always makes herself available outside of class, creates networking opportunities for exploring paths in Finance, and brings a great sense of humor to the classroom. All in all, Professor Cai is one of the kindest people I have ever met, and her dedication is incredibly motivating.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I have learned throughout my undergrad education is that the best business lessons come from putting theory into practice. A truly holistic business education balances academic frameworks with the uncertainty of the real world. I have been lucky to experience the intersection of both with my involvement in Olin’s Center for Experiential Learning (CEL), where I have worked with small businesses, non-profits, and more. My time as a team lead and then as a scholar in the CEL has taught me the importance of being adaptable, learning from failure, and believing in your ideas. By getting right to work, the uncertainty progressively turns to understanding.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? I think my main advice to a prospective business student would be to keep your options open and take the time to find what truly motivates you. College is a unique opportunity for discovery, self-reflection, and personal growth, and rushing that for the sake of professional growth can be a double-edged sword. There is a place in business for everyone and finding your unique “why” or the problems that you are compelled to solve will be a guiding light throughout your college experience and beyond. By being open to new experiences and charting your own course, you learn important lessons about what you want out of a business-related career. If you can figure that out, your professional trajectory will fall in line.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? I think my biggest surprise after four years of business education is just how interdisciplinary the field can be. A comprehensive business degree draws on social psychology, economics, and mathematics, and there is always more to learn. I’ve found interesting ways to incorporate my passions for philosophy and computer science into my business courses, and I’ve walked away a more well-rounded and unique professional. The most important skills you learn in this field are how to draw insights across industries, geographies, and subject areas, and how to apply those insights to solving a wide range of complex problems. As a result, you learn life-long lessons that transcend majors or disciplines.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of my creative pursuits as a musician. Music has played a massive role in my life growing up as a classical guitarist, and that sense of creativity has evolved over time into my current passions for electronic music, recording, and audio engineering. I have spent countless hours learning techniques, improving my sound, and studying what makes music so special, while also aspiring to share that experience with others. I think allowing yourself a creative outlet, whatever that may be, is an important part of life, and one that certainly informs the person I am today. This perspective even translates into the way I solve business problems and approach my professional career.

Which classmate do you most admire? The classmate that inspires me most is Nicole Briceno. I met Nicole freshman year, and ever since then I have been in awe of her work ethic, individuality, and care for others. Nicole always brings 110% to every project, team meeting, or internship, and her positive, infectious energy motivates everyone around her to be their best and reach for more. She takes every opportunity in stride, leads with purpose and compassion, and never gives up. Nicole has been an amazing friend to me throughout college, and I am entirely confident she will go on to do incredible things on whatever path she chooses.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? While I wish I could thank a million people for their role in my academic journey, the difficult choice would have to go to my mom, Joanie Bernicker. My mom has been an endless source of love, motivation, and counsel throughout my entire life, and her support has truly made me who I am. She has been there for the highs and the lows, and she has always inspired me to be the best version of myself. Her most salient lessons have been the value of kindness, empathy, and treating others with respect. I try to live up to her example every day!

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

1. My first professional dream is to travel the world and work in as many countries as possible! There is a special sort of curiosity and insight it takes to see the business world through a distinctly global lens, and I would love nothing more than to gain that cross-cultural experience early on in my career.
2. My second professional goal is to eventually open my own impact-investing fund and use the returns to benefit causes and partners that I care deeply about. I have always dreamed of running my own business while also making a positive impact on the world, and the opportunity to fuse that with my love for markets is a long-term aim of mine.

What made Lucas such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2026?

“Lucas Bernicker has distinguished himself at WashU through an exceptional blend of academic excellence, leadership, and global ambition. A standout in Olin, Lucas has immersed himself in some of the school’s most rigorous experiences, contributing to the Student Investment Fund, serving as a Teaching Assistant for Capital Markets and Financial Management, and playing a key role in both the Small Business Initiative (SBI) and Taylor Community Consulting Program. His selection as an SBI Scholar, a distinction he earned and sustained for three semesters, reflects his analytical rigor, leadership presence, and consistent impact.

What truly sets Lucas apart is his intentional pursuit of a global mindset. Recognizing that modern business leadership requires cultural fluency and adaptability, he sought out transformative international experiences, including a summer program in Israel and the United Arab Emirates and a semester in Madrid, Spain. These opportunities broadened his strategic perspective and strengthened his ability to lead across cultures. Lucas combines intellectual intensity with integrity and purpose. He elevates the teams around him and approaches every challenge with thoughtfulness and drive. We are confident he will continue to distinguish himself long after graduation.”

Konnie Henning, CEL Senior Program Manager
Sara Stratton, Director of Olin Global Programs

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