From Classroom to Wall Street: Investment and Advisory Recruiting Trips

During the fall 2025 semester, the Investment and Advisory (I&A) Network participated in networking and recruitment trips in Houston and New York City, funded by the Hodges Capital Financial Markets Center. The purpose of these trips was to gain exposure to investment banks and meet key individuals at these firms.

In October, the entire sophomore class participated in the second annual Houston trip, where Baylor has a strong recent history of investment banking placements. Over two days, the group visited TD Securities, Wells Fargo, Piper Sandler, Citi, Houlihan Lokey and Jefferies. In addition, the group visited Main Street Capital, a publicly traded investment firm focused on private equity and private credit investing.

In November, a smaller group of sophomores, juniors and seniors participated in the first-ever New York City banking trip. This trip was planned to coincide with the networking event the Office of Investments hosted for NYC-area alumni, which allowed students to interact with alumni in a more casual setting, in addition to formal meetings. With opportunities for sophomores being the highest priority, the leadership team organized visits for five sophomores to meet with JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Centerview Partners, Kudu Investments, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, Citi, Jefferies, ECP and BMO. 
 

The New York trip particularly demonstrated the value of the I&A network. Senior I&A members used their personal networks, along with the organization’s broader alumni connections, to secure access to top firms with only two weeks’ notice. This created opportunities that would not be available to students at a typical non-target university. Seniors also played an essential role in guiding underclassmen throughout the visit. They helped students understand the culture of each firm, identify key factors in early-stage recruiting, and ask questions that would lead to meaningful and informative conversations.

Another important outcome of the New York trip was the greater depth of engagement students achieved by meeting bankers in person rather than by phone. Walking through the offices, talking directly with analysts and alumni, and hearing how recruiting decisions are made from the firm’s perspective gave students a clearer understanding of how to present themselves and how to prepare moving forward. The professionals they met consistently expressed that in-person visits demonstrate commitment, improve relationship-building and help Baylor students stand out. Alumni also shared that having students physically present in New York allows them to support and advocate for Baylor more effectively.

Overall, both trips demonstrated the strategic importance of the I&A Network as a bridge between Baylor students and leading financial institutions. Continued collaboration with alumni, stronger university support and a larger student presence in New York will help expand the program’s impact, improve recruiting outcomes and build a more robust pipeline for future Baylor students pursuing careers in high finance.