Getting Down to Business

The program consists of a fall course that combines hands-on experience around financial concepts with professional development and a Winter Term trip to various cities to meet and learn from Oberlin alumni and friends who are leaders in the fields of business, consulting, and finance. 

As the Ashby Business Scholars program celebrates 20 years, five current and former participants share what they’ve learned from the program—and how it’s shaped their career paths.

Adrian Alvarado ’24
Major: Economics
Hometown: Chicago
Other campus activities: Intramural basketball, Los Amigos de Apoyo, Peer Career Advisor

Why did you decide to apply to be an Ashby Business Scholar?
I knew that the program would provide me with insights into many financial-related jobs in the industry. I also met many alumni who helped our cohort better understand the recruitment process and the skills that are needed to thrive in the financial industry.

What’s been the most surprising or unexpected thing about the program?
I loved the ability to interact with alums and ask them questions regarding plans within the industry, along with activities that enabled them to know themselves better, personally and professionally.

As of now, what are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I will be working in New York at Citibank in their Personal Banking rotational program.

Has participating in the program changed your career plans at all—or the classes you’ve decided to take going forward? If so, how?
Yes, I realized that there are many opportunities for all types of people within finance. I realized that I want to pursue community development-related work that combines my finance expertise in the future.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received so far in the program?
Build an environment where inquisitiveness is encouraged.

Bridget Adu-Dapaah ’25
Majors: Economics & Business concentration
Hometown: Chicago
Other campus activities: Social Entrepreneurship fellow, co-founder of Women and Non-Binary in Finance & Economics, America Reads tutor, member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Posse Scholar

Why did you decide to apply to be an Ashby Business Scholar? 
I knew it was a program focused on careers in finance and business. Before coming to Oberlin, I knew that I wanted a career in finance, so that helped with my decision. Secondly, I spoke to former scholars, and they shared how the program was life-changing as they highlighted the invaluable opportunities to network with Oberlin alums who had navigated similar career paths and emphasized the program’s role in enhancing social skills.

Now that you’re involved in the program, what specific aspect has been most helpful to you – and why?
The power of networking. Establishing connections with individuals who have experienced similar environments can be incredibly fulfilling. Through my interactions with Oberlin alums, I gained advice on career goals and recommendations on specific classes that could enhance my academic journey at Oberlin. This has helped me immensely because it opens doors to more opportunities and broader networking possibilities. Ultimately, there is always a connection to be made with someone with insights into the industry you’re interested in pursuing.

What’s been the most surprising or unexpected thing about the program?
The diversity of the financial institutions we visited. Not all were traditional banks; some were dedicated to social impact initiatives like affordable housing programs. Others were businesses that specialized in business within the entertainment industry.

As of now, what are your post-graduation plans? 
I intend to pursue a career in either wealth management or private equity and have plans to attend law school.

Has participating in the program changed your career plans or the classes you’ve decided to take going forward? If so, how?
At first, I had a preference for working on the trading floor. However, after visiting one institution and having the opportunity to ask questions and observe the floor, my perspective changed. The program also exposed me to various other areas within finance that captured my interest. Additionally, I’ve taken courses outside of my major to enhance my skills and focus on developing a well-rounded understanding.

What’s the best advice you’ve received so far in the program?
Network and try new things. Although you may be interested in a particular area, you don’t want to limit yourself, as trying new things can open other opportunities.

Samantha Gilfond ’25
Majors: Mathematics and Economics
Hometown: New York
Other campus activities: Women’s varsity soccer, Oberlin Finance & Investment Club, economic research assistant

Why did you decide to apply to be an Ashby Business Scholar? 
I was very interested in building a well-rounded skill set that I can apply after I graduate. Furthermore, the program focuses on exposing scholars to different sides of business and finance, which allows participants to discover and explore genuine areas of interest. 

Now that you’re involved in the program, what specific aspect has been most helpful to you – and why?
The program has given me access to a business and finance class with Case Western Reserve University’s Director of Investments. This class has allowed me to focus on the key aspects of business and finance that I have not been exposed to in my general classes. The class emphasizes hands-on learning through case studies, informational interviews, and group work, all of which simulate real-world experiences that we will be exposed to in the workplace.

What’s been the most surprising or unexpected thing about the program?
How intimate and hands-on it is. With only 13 people in the program, it fosters a tight-knit community. Although this surprised me, it is also one of my favorite aspects of the program. 

As of now, what are your post-graduation plans? 
I am planning on working in New York City, hopefully in a mathematics-orientated, finance-related field. I am also considering going to graduate school to continue to study either math or economics, but am excited to explore future job opportunities.

Has participating in the program changed your career plans at all—or the classes you’ve decided to take going forward? If so, how?
It hasn't changed my career plans, but has definitely solidified them through exposing me to the wide breadth of opportunities that finance has to offer. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received so far in the program?
Give 100 percent of your effort, because you never get the same opportunity twice.

Willem Chojnicki ’25
Majors: Economics & Psychology with Business concentration
Hometown: Gainesville, Fla.
Other campus activities: Oberlin Finance & Investment Club, football

Why did you decide to apply to be an Ashby Business Scholar?
I wanted to learn from the best in the field of finance. The program offers a unique opportunity to tour around the country and connect with Oberlin alumni who have made remarkable achievements and contributions in their industry and I wanted to hear about their experiences and insights. Moreover, I wanted to gain valuable skills and knowledge from the program, such as financial analysis, communication, and leadership. I am thrilled to be part of this program and I am confident that it will help me achieve my career goals and make a positive impact in the world of finance.

Now that you’re involved in the program, what specific aspect has been most helpful to you – and why?
The access to a network of Oberlin alumni. They have made a significant impact on my growth and development by sharing their insights and experiences in the finance industry. I have learned a lot from talking to alumni who have taught me about financial modeling, consulting, and data analysis. To be able to talk with so many alumni in the finance industry who also went to Oberlin illustrates how small of a world we live in.

What’s been the most surprising or unexpected thing about the program?
The faculty and alumni are generous, supportive, and intellectually passionate. They have provided me with invaluable resources and opportunities, such as access to online databases, mock interviews, and internships. They have also shown their generosity, support, and passion by giving me feedback, advice, and encouragement on my projects, assignments, and career goals. Additionally, they've shared how they have overcome challenges and achieved success, which has inspired me to pursue my interests and passions, as well as make a positive difference in the world. I am proud to be part of this community.

As of now, what are your post-graduation plans?
I am excited to hopefully receive a full-time offer to work in Syndicated Corporate Finance Banking at Raymond James. It’s one of the leading investment banks in the U.S., with a strong reputation and a diverse client base with a culture of integrity, independence, and innovation, which resonates with my values and aspirations.

Has participating in the program changed your career plans at all—or the classes you’ve decided to take going forward? If so, how?
It hasn't changed my career plans, but rather confirmed and strengthened them. I've gained more confidence in the knowledge, skills, and abilities that I acquired through my classes at Oberlin. I have learned how to apply what I have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios and challenges in the finance industry. The program has also exposed me to various aspects and opportunities in finance and helped me identify my strengths and interests. I am eager to pursue a career in finance and use my education and experience to make a positive impact.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received so far in the program?
Be intellectually curious and open-minded. The world of finance is vast and ever evolving, and my curiosity will keep me ahead. I always ask questions and seek to understand how things work. With this advice, I have learned how to use different financial databases, how to analyze various types of risks, and how to communicate effectively with my fellow scholars. These aspects have motivated and led me and my peers in the program to achieve success in the future.

Michael Dinkel ’26
Major: Economics
Hometown: Silver Spring, Md.
Other campus activities: Varsity lacrosse, Oberlin Finance & Investment Club, bowling league

Why did you decide to apply to be an Ashby Business Scholar?
I first heard about the Ashby Business Scholars program at a career center information session about pursuing a career in finance at Oberlin. After the session, I talked with one of my lacrosse teammates who had participated in the program and learned how helpful it was for him. Once I knew I wanted to pursue a career in finance at the start of my second semester in my first year, I decided to apply because being able to meet with alumni and make connections within the field I wanted to go into was one of the best opportunities I could gain from Oberlin. 

Now that you’re involved in the program, what specific aspect has been most helpful to you – and why?
Getting the chance to travel and meet alumni during Winter Term this year will be the most helpful. I am looking forward to learning about different opportunities and career paths coming from Oberlin, as well as being able to get general advice from successful alums.

What’s been the most surprising or unexpected thing about the program?
The level of fun that I’ve had within the program. While still managing to be productive, I have found interacting with the other scholars during and outside of classes to be enjoyable and has made me look forward to traveling with them. 

As of now, what are your post-graduation plans? 
I’m looking to pursue a career in finance. Currently, I’m thinking about investment banking or equity research. 

Has participating in the program changed your career plans at all—or the classes you’ve decided to take going forward? If so, how?
It hasn’t changed my plans, but it has reinforced them. I applied because of my interest in finance, and participating in the program has made me more excited to pursue a career in the field. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received so far in the program?
The advice I have received on how to present myself in a professional setting has been one of the best parts of the program because it wasn’t something I have had a lot of training on in the past. I have noticed that I am now more comfortable and feel better prepared to be in these settings.

All headshots by Tanya Rosen-Jones '97, except Adrian Alvarado (courtesy of Adrian Alvarado​​​​​) and Bridget Adu-Dapaah (courtesy of Bridget Adu-Dapaah).