Students Go Behind-the-Scenes on Wall Street

The excitement of the Financial District came alive during the Alumni Insider’s View…Day on Wall Street Program.

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Now in its 10th year, this event brought students from St. John’s The Peter J. Tobin College of Business to some of Wall Street’s most renowned institutions, including the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, Standard & Poor’s and an exclusive tour of the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Alumni working for major financial firms participated as panelists throughout the day, sharing their experiences, discussing job opportunities and advising students on how to make the most of their time at St. John’s.

Steve Murphy ’81CBA, Managing Director, Public Finance, Standard & Poor’s, spoke during the afternoon session and provided an overview of Standard & Poor’s Credit Market Services. He also emphasized the importance of programs like AIV…Day on Wall Street.

“There’s a big difference between ‘the real world’ and the classroom, and there always has been,” he explained. “Back when I was a student, we had no idea what went on behind the scenes at an actual company. This program allows you to come to Wall Street, see it with your own eyes and speak with alumni. You can learn from our mistakes, and that’s incredibly beneficial for students.”

At a networking reception held later that night, students were able to mingle with alumni and establish valuable business contacts.

Thomas G. Anderson ’80CBA, ’86MBA, President, Global Banking, American Express served as the evening’s Keynote Speaker, discussing the moral responsibilities of Wall Street corporations. Using American Express as an example, Anderson addressed the current economic downturn and explained how Wall Street has an obligation to help those who need it most.

He also spoke about the uniqueness of the AIV…Day on Wall Street Program.

“It’s vital that students see alumni who have walked the same path as them, who have gone through the same journey,” he said. “You have to see Wall Street for yourself, to learn about the importance of building relationships and understanding objectives. Students leave here with a renewed sense of motivation, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

After a full day of touring Wall Street and connecting with alumni, the students were excited about their future careers.

“Seeing alumni who are successful taught me that what we’re learning really does pay off,” said Jennifer Morrisey ’13TCB. “Without a doubt, interacting with the alumni was my favorite part of the program, since that’s an experience you definitely don’t get in the classroom.”

Matthew Masino ’13TCB found the tour of the New York Stock Exchange particularly interesting.

“I had never been there before, so it was amazing,” he explained. “It was a little intimidating being down there, but the people who spoke to us were so down to earth that they helped make us feel completely comfortable. The alumni were once in our shoes, so they understand our situation, and that’s what made this day so great.”