Class of 2016: Economics
Why did you choose to attend UC Merced?
When I was deciding where to go to college, UC Merced really stood out because it was new and full of opportunity. I liked the idea of being part of a growing campus where I could take advantage of opportunities that might be harder to find at larger, more crowded universities. At UC Merced, you can actually make an impact. The smaller class sizes, close relationships with professors, and being at a young campus made it the perfect place for me to learn and grow.
Was there a class or professor that left a lasting impression on you?
When I first arrived at UC Merced, I was undeclared and still figuring out what direction I wanted to take. Then I enrolled in ECON 1 with Professor Lee, and that class completely changed things for me. Professor Lee had this incredible way of connecting economic theory to real-world issues. His enthusiasm and energy made the subject come alive and helped me realize that I had a natural aptitude for economics. That experience inspired me to dive deeper into the field, and UC Merced gave me every opportunity to explore it. Students are able to grow thanks to the supportive faculty who truly cared.
Did you participate in clubs, social orgs, research, or internships while at UC Merced? How did they shape your experience?
Getting involved outside the classroom was one of the most important parts of my UC Merced experience. I joined the Business Society and eventually led the Finance Department, where I worked with some incredibly driven and like-minded students. That experience taught me a valuable lesson that if I wanted to reach the next level, I had to keep pushing myself harder and surround myself with people who challenged me to grow.
I was also a member of Sigma Chi, which gave me a strong sense of brotherhood and leadership. On top of that, as the Director of Campus Outreach for the Entrepreneurship Society, I helped connect students with opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and make a difference on campus. Those experiences taught me how to lead, communicate, and contribute.
What do you do in your current role? What’s a typical day like?
I raise capital for private market investment strategies such as private equity, private credit, and private infrastructure. In simple terms, I help connect investors to opportunities that are typically available only to large institutions or high-net-worth individuals. A big part of my role is about education. I meet with both seasoned and newer investors to help them understand how private markets work and how these investments can play a role in their portfolios.
What I love most about my job is that it combines building relationships with financial insight. Every day, I get to meet new people, learn about their goals, and provide access to opportunities that most investors don’t even know exist.
Anything you wish you’d done differently in college to prepare for your career?
If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to get involved and take things seriously sooner. When I first came to UC Merced, I was an 18-year-old with no clear direction. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do or how to get there. It took me some time to realize that every class, club, and connection was an opportunity to grow.
So my advice to new students would be to not wait until you have it all figured out to start giving your best effort. Dive in early, stay curious, and take advantage of the incredible support UC Merced offers. It can truly shape your future in ways you might not even imagine yet.
What advice would you give incoming UC Merced students?
I can tell you that the hard work doesn’t stop after graduation, it just changes. The real world moves fast, and you have to be willing to adapt. You’ll face new challenges, different expectations, and moments that test your confidence, but the one thing you can’t lose is your work ethic.
