From Tuck To Wall Street: A Tuck MBA’s Journey Into Investment Banking

At Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, we know that pursuing a career in finance takes a village.

With the world’s most responsive alumni network, the highest ratio of MBA career advisers to students, a rigorous and relevant curriculum, and more, Tuck provides the personalized support that sets our graduates apart.

Each year, a quarter of our MBA graduates embark on careers in finance, securing roles at leading investment banks and financial institutions. We sat down with Sarah Nelson T’23, who recently transitioned from Tuck to investment banking at Guggenheim Securities, to discuss how her Tuck MBA prepared her for the role and her advice for those considering a career in finance.

Name: Sarah Nelson T’23

Quote: “Throughout banking recruiting, the Tuck network is imperative. The beginning conversations are all funneled through alumni at respective banks and it’s nice to have connections with fellow Tuck MBAs who have shared experiences and keep an eye out for each other.”

MBA: Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth

Hometown/Home Country: Concord, Massachusetts

Current Title/Role: Investment Banking Associate at Guggenheim Securities

MBA Internship: Summer Investment Banking Associate at Guggenheim Securities

Undergrad Institution & Major: Bowdoin College, Double Major of Government & Legal Studies and Earth, Oceanographic Science

Why did you choose Tuck for your MBA, and how did it shape your career in investment banking?

I was looking for a small, tight-knit community where I could build a meaningful and comprehensive network with fellow students and alumni. Academically, I was looking for a program that would provide an interdisciplinary approach to business, while also allowing me to dive deeper into topics I was interested in. Tuck helped solidify my banking career path by providing me the necessary skills to not only land the job but also succeed in the job. Additionally, I loved being able to escape the big city for two years and fell in love with the Upper Valley and the ability to hike, ski, and swim all in my backyard!

What unique aspects of Tuck’s community & curriculum prepared you for success on Wall Street?

The ability to tailor Tuck’s curriculum to your interests really helped shape the foundation of knowledge I needed to succeed in banking. There were the stereotypical courses that had a clear translation to the job like Corporate Valuation and Structuring M&A. However, I have also found some of the qualitative courses like Corporate Strategy and Management Communications really make a difference in how I approach my day-to-day work and made me a well-rounded banker.

Can you share a defining moment at Tuck that influenced your career path?

I was a Director of Tuck Social Venture Fund, a student-run early-stage investment fund that invests in for-profit social enterprises that deliver a measurable social impact and financial return. Through my work there, I found my interest in Industrials and the opportunity to strategically and financially help these large, established Industrial companies through this new, cleaner transition.

What challenges did you face during the recruitment process, and how did Tuck help you navigate them?

One of the main challenges during the banking recruiting process is understanding where you stand with each bank. The process can feel like a black box. Deirdre O’Donnell, an adviser in Tuck Career Services, is an absolutely phenomenal resource to help provide one-on-one guidance through the process and can help provide insight on the steps needed and assist in deciphering the communication.

How have Tuck’s alumni network and resources supported your career?

Throughout banking recruiting, the Tuck network is imperative. The beginning conversations are all funneled through alumni at respective banks and it’s nice to have connections with fellow Tuck MBAs who have shared experiences and keep an eye out for each other. Additionally, the second years are incredibly helpful in preparing you for the recruiting process—they provide general advice, teach you technicals, and ensure your behaviorals are tight.

What was your experience transitioning from Tuck to New York?

It was difficult to leave the Upper Valley, but I was excited to explore a new city and start on a new career journey. The majority of my social network in NYC are fellow Tuck grads, which has helped to ease the transition. I do love going back to the Upper Valley for recruiting (and for pleasure) a few times a year to hike Cardigan, ski at Killington, and get lost in Dan & Whits.

What advice do you have for prospective MBAs considering a career in finance?

As cliché as it is, network, network, network. The recruiting process is two-sided—they have to like you, but you also have to like them. This is a very demanding industry with long hours and tight deadlines so it’s important you like where you work. Talking with people in jobs you are seeking to truly understand their perspectives is helpful to decide if this career/ company is right for you. Also approaching networking with a long-sighted view is helpful as you are making connections for the job you want right now, but also for those in future years.

Meet More Tuck Alumni in Finance

Alastair Borthwick T’93, CFO, Bank of America
Dawson Her Many Horses T’10, Managing Director & Head of Native American Banking, Wells Fargo
Sarah Ketterer T’87, Founder, Causeway Capital Management
From Poets&Quants: Meet Five Tuck Women in Finance

WATCH: Discover the Tuck MBA Experience

Amy Mitson is director of admissions, recruitment, and marketing at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and has been at Tuck since 2000. Amy serves on the admissions committee and leads recruitment and diversity-focused initiatives. Her student services and admissions experiences have helped acquaint her with Tuck’s operations, history, vibrant campus, and alumni community. Amy’s favorite aspect of Tuck is the people; working with current and prospective members of the Tuck community is a consistent source of motivation and inspiration.