Building a Career in Corporate Finance with Baylor’s MBA in Dallas Program

Early Career Foundations

Back in 2006, Dice Nakamura, MBA ’12, got his first real exposure to the world of private capital and entrepreneurship. At the time, he was working at an e-commerce software startup called MerchantAdvantage, Inc., which was backed by a family office with ties to the ownership of American International Group. This early exposure sparked his interest in pursuing a career in corporate finance. 

“It was my first experience as an operator supporting a sponsor-backed company and I was hooked,” Nakamura said. “I knew I needed to build a solid foundation in financial analysis and strategic thinking. The best way to pivot was through an MBA.”

Choosing Baylor for His MBA

Nakamura enrolled in the Hankamer School of Business MBA in Dallas program in 2010. As a full-time working professional, the program’s structure allowed him to continue advancing his career while investing in his future.

“I chose Baylor for its national reputation, strong alumni network in Dallas-Fort Worth and its emphasis on ethical leadership,” Nakamura said. 

His goals were clear: strengthen his financial acumen, gain confidence when engaging with C-level executives and ultimately break into investment or corporate banking. 

Transformative Learning and Community

The Baylor executive MBA experience proved transformative, both through the skills Nakamura developed in the classroom and the connections he made within the community. 

“I developed the ability to analyze 10-Ks, synthesize data and form my own perspectives on company performance,” Nakamura said. “These skills enabled me to speak intelligently with financial professionals and decision-makers.”

Beyond the classroom, it was the Baylor community that shaped his professional trajectory. In 2012, Nakamura met fellow Baylor MBA alumnus Ernie Cote, MBA ’11, through JL Radford-Williard, who was program director at the time.

At the time, Nakamura was seeking hands-on experience at another sponsor-backed company, and Cote, then CEO of Vertical Nerve, Inc., brought him on board. The company, backed by 42 Ventures, was later acquired by The Dallas Morning News.

When Cote transitioned to Chemical Info, a Glendon Todd Capital portfolio company, Nakamura joined him there as well – an experience that ultimately opened the door to a pivotal conversation with the president of Bank of America.

Building a Career in Banking

Impressed by Nakamura’s technology background and MBA training, the Bank of America executive encouraged him to apply for the inaugural Middle-Market Banking Relationship Management Development Program. 

“Despite knowing little about the role at the time, I leaned into the opportunity,” Nakamura said. 

Nakamura was one of just 12 selected out of 2,800 national applicants. He credits the Baylor MBA program with helping him build the confidence and communication skills that carried him through both the interview process and the program itself.

Nakamura built a successful career in Bank of America’s Middle Market Banking division over the next decade, where he was later selected as the firm’s first global commercial banking senior relationship manager focused on technology.

In 2022, Wells Fargo’s Technology Banking Group recruited Nakamura to help build its North Texas practice. Today, he serves as executive director and senior lead business development officer for Wells Fargo’s Commercial Bank. 

In this role, he supports middle-market, mid-corporate and specialized industry bankers across North Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Working closely with CEOs and CFOs at both private and public companies, he develops customized financial strategies that drive growth, optimize liquidity and create long-term value.

“I think of myself as a point guard for the commercial bank,” he said. “I’m bringing the right solutions at the right time to the right teams.”

Reflecting on the Baylor Experience

Looking back, Nakamura credits Baylor’s MBA in Dallas for Executives and Professionals program with helping him build the skills and confidence that have guided his success. 

“The confidence and communication skills I developed at Baylor were instrumental in getting me where I am today,” Nakamura said. “I thank God for directing my path through Baylor’s MBA program and alumni network. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

What’s Next?

Are you ready to see if an MBA is the next step in your career? Our MBA in Dallas for Executives and Professionals program is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers without putting them on hold.

Fill out this form to learn more about how you can grow your skills, expand your network and accelerate your career with Baylor.