First-Ever Ole Miss Finance Career Fair Connects Students, Employers

Held on Feb. 13 at Paul B. Johnson Commons, the Futures in Finance career fair was a team effort among the center, students, faculty and employers. 

“This new career fair was a collaboration between the Ole Miss Finance Club, Department of Finance and the Ole Miss Business School Career Services Center,” said Wesley Dickens, the school's director of career services. “The finance club and department helped with funding and promoting to students. Our office promoted to employers, prepared the students for the event and organized event logistics.”

Among the participating employers were:

• Stifel, Regions Financial Corp. 
• First Horizon Bank 
• Founders Advisors 
• Northwestern Mutual
• Strategic Financial Partners 
• Argent Trust
• Modern Woodmen
• Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance.

"The Futures in Finance Career Fair was an incredible opportunity to network and explore job prospects as I prepare to enter the financial industry," said Daisy Schunk, a senior finance major from Buffalo, New York. 

Schunk, who is also earning a minor in marketing and entrepreneurship, attended the event eager to explore career opportunities as she prepares for graduation.

"Having a career fair dedicated solely to finance allowed me to gain valuable insight into different career paths and helped me refine my vision for the future," she said.

Chris Claybrook, commercial banking executive at Regions Financial Corp., said he was pleased students took advantage of networking opportunities at the event. 

“We found the students motivated and very engaged during our discussions,” Claybrook said. “My best advice for students considering a career in finance is to get started early and take advantage of networking opportunities. 

“The business school has a strong alumni base, and they are willing to help our next generation of graduates enter the workforce.”

Bonnie Van Ness, chair of the finance department and Otho Smith Professor of Finance, expressed pride at the event’s attendance and the collaborative work planning it. Students and employers were both prepared and professional, she said.

“The quality of potential employers was outstanding, with a diverse representation from top financial institutions,” Van Ness said. 

“Our students came fully prepared — armed with resumes, confidence and enthusiasm — and it was clear that they made a strong impression on the employers. I am incredibly proud of how this group of finance students represented our department and showcased their potential.” 

Andrew McDonough, president of the Ole Miss Finance Club, echoed those sentiments.