Program Takes Students to Wall Street for Extended Networking, Career Exploration

TD Cowen presented the group with an opportunity to meet with senior leadership in the area of equity sales and research, led by Lisa Thomas, managing director and deputy head of global research. Thomas, who earned her law degree at McGill University, began her career as a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and securities attorney. She later obtained an MBA from Columbia. SIG member Cailey Bitto summed up the group’s impression of Thomas, saying, “Wow, what an inspiring person.”

Insights into the role of institutional sales were presented by Vince Formato, managing director, and his associate Max Goldstein. Katy Hallberg also led a discussion in environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG), an area of equity research where TD Cowen stands out from its peers. 

In addition to the informative meetings, students had the opportunity to attend the opening bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange and the closing bell at NASDAQ. During their visit, NASDAQ highlighted its role in advising clients on developing and using ESG initiatives to enhance investors’ interest in their companies.  

“I am very pleased with how well this group has come together in such a short period of time,” said Associate Professor Michael Mullen, director of the SIG program and the Stonehill College Inspire Finance Initiatives (SCIFI). “It is a tribute to their character, values, and education at Stonehill. I look forward to a memorable year with this team.” 

SIG has made notable progress for the Meehan School of Business over the past decade, with many of its graduates earning top-paying jobs on Wall Street. However, according to Mullen, “SIG is all about education and professional enlightenment. Not everyone wants to or is made to go to Wall Street. Effort, commitment, preparation, and the importance of cooperative collaboration are important lessons for SIG graduates. That is why some of the best firms in all corners of finance are seeking out these students as well as the many other graduates of Meehan.”

As SIG enters its 11th year, Mullen looks forward to new educational and professional development opportunities to further benefit students. In late spring, the program joined the Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium (SMIFC), sponsored by Indiana State University. SMIFC is a group of 133 colleges and universities with student-managed investment funds that come together to share best practices in student learning and scholarship. Heading to their first SMIFC 2023 Annual Conference in Chicago in October will be SIG members senior Meghan Bean and junior Melissa Sheridan, who are excited about the opportunity to meet with other student with similar interests and gaining insights on how we can improve what we are doing at Stonehill.