Helena Valentine

Washington University, Olin Business School in St. Louis

“Swiss-German investment banker turned brewpub entrepreneur in St. Louis, blending finance expertise with MBA pursuit.”

Hometown: Munich, Germany & Lucerne, Switzerland

Fun Fact About Yourself: One aspect that might be surprising is that I used to play soccer in the highest league achievable for women in my age group in Germany. This athletic journey instilled in me invaluable lessons—resilience in the face of challenges, the importance of teamwork and the joy of celebrating collective achievements. Transitioning from the soccer pitch to the business arena, I bring the same commitment, discipline and collaborative spirit, fostering a unique perspective that intertwines the strategic mindset of sports with the intricacies of business.

Undergraduate School and Major: Business at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland (HSG)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Goldman Sachs, Investment Banking Associate

What has been your favorite part of St. Louis so far? What makes St. Louis such a great place to earn an MBA? My favorite part of St. Louis so far is that it offers so many diverse entertainment options, including frequent new restaurant and bar openings, the rich brewing heritage, sport activities and events, strolling through Forest Park and visiting the Art Museum, the Zoo, or grabbing complimentary beers at Grant’s Farm. I am convinced St. Louis can offer something for everyone.

You completed your Global Immersion earlier this year? What was the best part of the immersion experience for you? What was the biggest takeaway you gained? Our global immersion in Barcelona definitely stands out. Beyond working on a compelling project—expanding a St. Louis restaurant chain to Spain—we had an incredible experience as a cohort through many shared experiences like boat rides, evening programs, and sightseeing. Traveling globally with my cohort enhanced our collective learning and created unforgettable memories. In today’s interconnected world, possessing a global mindset is imperative for understanding businesses and learning from diverse perspectives across the world.

Aside from your immersion and classmates, what was the key part of Washington Olin’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? WashU Olin’s consistent recognition as the number one program for entrepreneurship underscores its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and effective problem-solving. As someone embarking on the journey of starting a business while pursuing an MBA, there could not have been a better choice than WashU Olin!

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Olin? It’s challenging to pinpoint a single favorite Olin experience, given the array of memorable moments.  For my favorite class, I would highlight Accounting—thanks to Professor Tom Fields. Tom’s approach was enlightening and enjoyable—he imparted knowledge through real-life examples and engaging case studies. The class became a dynamic and collaborative learning journey. Tom Fields’s teaching prowess further enriched the experience. Who says numbers can’t be fun?

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Reflecting on my career journey, a significant milestone has been securing a full-time position at Goldman Sachs as one of their youngest employees. A pivotal moment was presenting financial analyses to the Board of Directors and executive suite already as an analyst. This experience not only highlighted my dedication and hard work, but also demonstrated that proactive efforts yield substantial and meaningful outcomes.

Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far: My most notable accomplishment in the MBA program thus far has been successfully managing the workload of launching a business while simultaneously excelling in my academic pursuits. Adding to this achievement, I secured an MBA internship offer from PepsiCo for the Strategic Finance position in New York even before the official commencement of the program. This experience has not only showcased my ability to balance entrepreneurship and academics, but has also provided an early validation of my skills in a prominent industry role.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My most cherished memory as an MBA student has been the invaluable experience of learning not only from exceptional professors, but also from my cohort. I am genuinely grateful for the collective growth and shared moments that have defined this transformative experience.

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