Senior Speaker 2021: Lauren Markey, Finance

What clubs or organizations have you been most involved with? (And mention if you held leadership positions in them)

During my early undergraduate years, I was a member of the Women in Business club. During my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Business in Italy Program in which we focused on globalization and analyzed the structure of Italian business models first-hand in a trip to multiple cities in Italy. Starting my junior year, I joined the Smart Woman Securities chapter. Each of these experiences, along with internships at Morgan Stanley and Fidelity Investments, greatly furthered my understanding of the rapidly evolving business environment and financial services industry as a whole.

What was your favorite class at Isenberg?

I have taken a multitude of informative classes at Isenberg, and have had the great fortune of being taught by so many experienced and intelligent professors. I would say that my favorite class is a class I am currently completing; Fixed Income, taught by Professor Rob Feingold. This class provides students with real world perspectives in the industry. The course helps students further develop skills in financial statement analysis, modeling, valuation, company analysis, risk assessment, and industry evaluation. The diverse skill set and knowledge gained from this course will be beneficial to any student seeking a career in the financial services industry. I also was a teaching assistant for Finance 301: Corporation Finance; this course is what had led me to declare a finance major, so it was fulfilling being able to help students that were taking it. 

What would you say was your best experience in college?

Over the course of my four years at UMass, I am grateful for so many amazing experiences. From time spent in the Isenberg atrium being challenged academically to enjoying the abundance of activities and events all across campus, I have had the pleasure of meeting and forming relationships with so many in the Isenberg and UMass community. I also had the great opportunity of studying abroad in Barcelona for two months before being sent home due to the global pandemic. All of these experiences have given me memories that will last a lifetime. 

What piece of advice would you offer to an incoming first-year Isenberg student in your department?

To a first-year Isenberg student pursuing an education in the Finance Department, the advice I would give you is to be resilient and utilize the abundance of resources at your disposal. Seek out opportunities in the various clubs and student facilitated funds within Isenberg. From the start, educate yourself on the diverse range of career possibilities within the financial services industry and pursue valuable internships. Most of all, enjoy every moment of your undergraduate career; find fulfilling and unique roles and classes that satiate your interests and goals.