Zachary Harber

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

“Entrepreneur and former wealth management analyst who forged an unconventional path into investment banking.”

Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina

Fun Fact About Yourself: Sports enthusiast who travels internationally and growing interest in watchmaking and design.

Undergraduate School and Major: Towson University – Finance Major

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Owner, Quantis Investment Group

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? When I first thought of Notre Dame, I pictured a community defined by excellence, integrity, and collaboration, a place where rigorous academics intersect with meaningful personal growth. The iconic “Play Like a Champion Today” captured my imagination early on, and I view it as a sacred symbol of the university’s commitment to excellence in both sports and academics.

My experiences in the Mendoza program have reinforced and deepened these impressions: The collaborative spirit among students and faculty has challenged me to elevate my own thinking, while the practical, values-driven approach to business has shown me that ethical leadership and ambition can coexist. Mendoza hasn’t just met my expectations; it has made me more intentional about the kind of leader I want to become.

Aside from your classmates, what was the one key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The aspect of the Mendoza MBA that most influenced my decision was Experiential Learning, which emphasizes hands-on application through real projects, global immersions, and leadership initiatives. From consulting engagements to signature experiences like Grow Irish, Mendoza allows students to translate classroom concepts into real business and societal impact.

This semester, I was competitively selected for the Applied Investment Management (AIM) program to manage the University’s endowment capital, applying advanced valuation and portfolio analysis in real time. Experiential Learning ensures that I am not just learning theory, but developing the practical skills, judgment, and confidence required to lead in complex, real-world situations. It is this combination of applied learning, values-driven insight, and immersive leadership opportunities that made Mendoza the right choice for my MBA journey.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? The experience I’ve enjoyed most so far at Mendoza is collaborating with peers in the Finance & Investment Club. Together, we spend significant time exchanging technical information and preparing for internship interviews, which has been invaluable for deepening my understanding and building confidence. This semester, I was selected to represent the club and the University at the UVA Investment Competition, where I applied advanced valuation analysis and refined my presentation skills. The combination of peer learning, hands-on technical work, and real-world application has made this experience both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment to date has been founding and leading Quantis Investment Group LLC as Owner and Senior Portfolio Manager. Building the firm from the ground up — designing investment strategies, managing client portfolios, and driving measurable performance — has been both professionally and personally transformative. Delivering strong, consistent results for clients has strengthened my confidence as a strategic leader and disciplined investor, and reinforced my commitment to creating value through rigorous analysis, disciplined risk management, and principled decision-making.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment has been building a network that spans professors, alumni, industry leaders, peers, and mentors. Through classes, clubs, experiential projects, and internship interview preparation, I’ve connected with technical experts and leaders at top firms while learning directly from professors who challenge and inspire me. Equally important, I’ve developed deep friendships with peers, collaborating, supporting each other, and sharing the MBA journey. This combination of professional guidance and lasting personal connections has been transformative, creating a community that will endure well beyond the MBA experience.

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? My mission is to build a career in investment banking that combines technical excellence with ethical, purpose-driven leadership. Mendoza will allow me to realize this mission by providing the tools, frameworks, and experiential opportunities to make thoughtful, high-impact decisions in complex financial environments. Through Experiential Learning, the AIM program, Finance & Investment Club projects, and collaboration with professors and peers, I will refine my analytical and leadership skills while learning to balance ambition with integrity. Mendoza’s focus on values-driven business will prepare me to create meaningful impact in investment banking and beyond.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory as an MBA so far has been securing my summer internship with Deloitte Corporate Finance. The moment was the culmination of months of preparation, networking, and collaboration with peers, professors, and alumni who shared their guidance and insights. Celebrating the offer reminded me of the power of hard work, perseverance, and the supportive Mendoza community. It was both a professional milestone and a personal moment of pride, reinforcing my excitement for the path ahead in investment banking.

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