William & Mary Students Discover Finance Through Wall Street Program
For Sully Naef ’28, a finance major with a minor in biology, a recent trip to New York City offered more than just a change of scenery—it provided clarity and inspiration for his future career. Naef joined 19 other sophomore students from William & Mary as part of the university’s 24th Annual Wall Street Program, organized by the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement.
This three-day immersive experience offers students the opportunity to explore the world of finance firsthand, visiting some of the industry’s most prestigious firms and connecting with over 60 alumni working in the field. The goal: to expose students to real-world finance environments while fostering mentorship and networking opportunities.
Exploring Top Financial Institutions
During their time in New York, the students visited 13 financial institutions, including heavyweights like JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, and EY. These visits provided not only a glimpse into the daily operations of major firms but also a chance to engage directly with William & Mary alumni working in a range of financial roles.
“I went on the trip to figure out if that world is for me,” said Naef. One key discovery he made during the trip was the Capital Markets Pathways Program at the Royal Bank of Canada, a professional development initiative for undergraduates. Naef is now a participant in that program, crediting the Wall Street experience for opening the door.
“That all stemmed from the Wall Street Program,” he said. “I probably would never have had that exposure otherwise.”
Building Confidence and Connections
For many students, the program is as much about building confidence as it is about professional exposure. Caroline Herath, director of business careers at the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement, emphasized the program’s role in enhancing student readiness for competitive finance internships and entry-level roles.
“The program exposes students to opportunities, networking, and confidence-building experiences with major Wall Street firms and alumni,” said Herath. “Over its 24-year history, more than 500 students have participated, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in finance.”
Beyond professional gain, students also form meaningful bonds with peers and alumni. “Knowing that those alumni are out there is nice. They’re all very willing to help,” Naef shared. “I met a lot of people at William & Mary I didn’t know before, and now I’m good friends with some of them. Just meeting new people was the most fun part of the trip.”
Alumni Pay It Forward
At the heart of the Wall Street Program are William & Mary alumni who dedicate their time and resources to enrich the student experience. Andrés Ramos ’12, a senior marketing specialist at Nasdaq, played a pivotal role in organizing the program’s first-ever visit to Nasdaq headquarters. Students had the unique opportunity to witness the closing bell ceremony and saw the William & Mary cypher displayed on the Nasdaq tower in Times Square.
“The students were really great—answering our questions, raising their hands, bringing their own questions,” Ramos said. “I was really impressed by their intellectual curiosity and what they already knew about the industry as sophomores. It just shows the quality of a William & Mary education.”
Another alumna, Lauren Finikiotis ’21, a senior associate at JPMorgan Chase & Co., helped coordinate the company visit. She emphasized the importance of mentorship and giving back. “When I first started at JPMorgan, I had people who supported and mentored me, so I think it’s important to pay that forward,” she said.
Finikiotis relishes her role in helping students transition from uncertainty to confidence in their career paths. “What I love most about being part of the Wall Street Program is helping students go from not knowing much about banking or their career path to landing analyst roles and really finding their footing,” she added.
Looking Ahead to the 25th Anniversary
With the program nearing its 25th year, plans are already underway for a special celebration in October 2026. Alumni and supporters interested in participating are encouraged to contact Rachael Carberry, senior director of development for career initiatives, at recarberry@wm.edu.
From eye-opening company visits to meaningful alumni connections, the Wall Street Program continues to be a transformative experience for William & Mary students. As they return to campus with new knowledge, friendships, and inspiration, the program’s legacy of opportunity and mentorship grows stronger each year.
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