Paul Kirkpatrick

Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management

“Competitive, driven, sarcastic, self-deprecating, and even-keeled. I enjoy pushing myself while keeping things light.”

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Fun Fact About Yourself: I played for the Savannah Bananas, which means I have danced in front of ten thousand fans. I also recorded the second-ever win in the World Baseball Classic for Team Great Britain after beating Pakistan.

Undergraduate School and Major: Western Kentucky University, Economics and Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Goldman Sachs, Senior Associate, Global Markets Asset Services

What has been your favorite part of Nashville so far? Why? The music scene has been my favorite part of Nashville so far. It reminds me a lot of my hometown, Austin, where live music is part of the culture. One of the best things about Nashville is that a simple night out with classmates can quickly turn into a live concert shared with friends.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One aspect of the curriculum that really stood out to me was the strong preparation for careers in finance and investment banking. Through the Finance Club, Owen provides the structure and support needed to prepare for recruiting while building the technical skills required to succeed in the industry. Owen also having its own building makes the late-night study sessions a little easier.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Vanderbilt Owen? While the Golf Club has been a lot of fun, I have spent most of my time involved with the Finance Club. Recruiting was definitely challenging, but going through it alongside close friends made the experience memorable. We spent a lot of time working together, supporting each other, and keeping spirits high throughout the process. Closing Bell has also been a great way to step away from recruiting and reconnect with classmates.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: After spending three years playing professional baseball overseas, transitioning into finance and beginning my career at Goldman Sachs has been my biggest accomplishment so far.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment so far has been securing a summer internship with my top choice, Wells Fargo’s M&A group in Charlotte.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? It feels like new memories are being created every week, but my favorite part has been getting to know my classmates and hearing everyone’s different backgrounds and experiences. Whether it is at football tailgates, between classes, or out in Nashville, those moments have made the experience special. I am looking forward to spending time at Vanderbilt baseball games this spring and getting to know even more classmates.

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