Finding your career path through GBUS
By Bernard Lam
Class of 2023
BBA in Global Business & Finance
As a GBUS student, there is a lot to experience throughout the 4-year program - from case competitions and exchange; to a vibrant campus and social life. These will not only nurture you but also forge unforgettable memories. But to me, having the opportunity to intern at J.P. Morgan as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst is definitely one of the highlights among all the other great experiences.
During my internship with J.P. Morgan, I had the chance to rotate through two of their teams – Real Estate and Private Capital Markets (PCM). In Real Estate, I participated in the most extensive distressed bond restructuring in the China real estate space. In PCM, I was able to work with high-growth tech companies that are seeking early-round funding. While the experiences gained from the two teams are vastly different, it gave me a comprehensive understanding of what to expect in investment banking, and how it could add value to companies – be it early-staged or distressed.
Apart from industry knowledge and technical skills, the internship also taught me invaluable soft skills applicable to different aspects of life. Working with different people, being proactive, and managing expectations are among the many things I learned in the firm in the nine weeks. These are the things that will stick with you for life, and me being grateful for the opportunity would be an understatement.
When I was a freshman, I barely had any idea about what I wanted to pursue as a career. I didn't even understand how investment banking works, but GBUS provided me with a comprehensive platform supporting my career exploration. I still vividly remember the alumni sharings and networking sessions that allowed me to learn about different pathways and find one that suited me.
Being a part of the GBUS community has been phenomenal, and it isn't easy to put in words how much it has groomed me. It is a special place where you can truly find your passion and build life-long friendships.