MU Business Students Visit Wall Street during Crisis

 
While in New York, business students met
with executives from AIG and JPMorgan Chase,
and took part in a job-shadow program.

As the nation’s current financial crisis accelerated last September, 14 students from the Trulaske College of Business participated in a field trip that had been planned during the previous several months. Visiting Wall Street in New York City, the students learned firsthand about the daily operations of the financial firms that are crucial to the global economy.

Highlights of the Mizzou Tigers on Wall Street trip were touring the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange; meeting with JPMorgan Chase executives, including Wall Street legend Alan “Ace” Greenberg; and having lunch at AIG with MU alumnus and AIG’s executive vice president and CFO, David Herzog.

Additionally, the students were able to gain insight about working on Wall Street through a job-shadow experience. The students were paired with MU alumni at various corporations, including CBS, Goldman Sachs, and Prudential.

“Considering the recent developments involving AIG, Washington Mutual, and many other financial firms as well as the so-called government bailout, this trip provided a unique and timely glimpse into the financial world,” said Mary Beth Marrs, assistant dean of strategic initiatives and undergraduate programs. “Mizzou Tigers on Wall Street exemplifies the professional-development opportunities available to Trulaske College students,” Marrs added.

When the students arrived at JPMorgan Chase, they were greeted by vice chairman emeritus, Ace Greenberg. An MU business school alumnus, Greenberg has funded a number of scholarships at MU and the college.

“Each day’s experiences were challenging and rewarding,” said Brenna Noble, a junior finance student. “I gained a much better understanding of the realities of Wall Street. The opportunity to network and talk with successful alumni of the Trulaske College of Business was priceless.”

Mizzou Tigers on Wall Street was proposed by Meredith Aslin, a 2002 graduate of MU’s business school who is now working with a private equity firm in New York. The college endorsed the idea and planned the trip, which received financial support from Aslin’s father, Mick Aslin, former CEO of Gold Banc Corp., and Harvey Eisen of Bedford Oak Advisors. “I have always known that MU business students get a great education,” said Mick Aslin. “Now, some companies on Wall Street know that as well.”

“These students are future Wall Street stars,” stated Phil Barkett, vice president at Entrust Capital and an MU alumnus. “They did an outstanding job of asking the tough questions, and it was very obvious that they were well prepared. They made MU look great!”

“Dedicated alumni provided the impetus and support for our students to go from Main Street to Wall Street,” said Bruce Walker, dean of the Trulaske College of Business. “It is our hope that Mizzou Tigers on Wall Street will be an annual field trip. As exciting as it was for our students to be on Wall Street during the financial crisis, I hope that the participating students will find more stability on Wall Street next year, which should mean even more opportunities for post-graduation positions.”

Another trip took place March, when MU students went to Dallas to visit several corporations, including Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and AT&T. Similar to the Wall Street experience, students met with the leaders of some of the organizations, such as the CEO of Comerica, Ralph Babb, an MU alumnus. Students were also paired with alumni in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for a job-shadow opportunity.