On Nov. 3 the Charles F. Dolan School of Business welcomed professionals from Bank of America’s Global Corporate & Investment Banking team for an engaging presentation that introduced students to the dynamic world of corporate banking, capital markets, and investment banking.
The presentation featured three Fairfield alumni who now work for Bank of America and provided students with an inside look at the structure of Global Corporate & Investment Banking (GCIB), the role of Debt Capital Markets (DCM), career opportunities within the industry, and the skills and professional qualities needed to succeed in investment banking.
Presenters
- Joan Brachmann ’17, Vice President, Global Corporate Banking
- Brendan Callow ’22, Associate, Debt Capital Markets
- Sean Timmeny ’01, Managing Director, Head of Short-Term Fixed Income Origination
Reviewing Real-World Applications
The event included a selection of case studies highlighting Bank of America’s role in major financing transactions and offered students the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics in their areas of interest.
“These activities allowed me to expand my knowledge, better understand industry concepts, and gain insight into how different companies operate,” said Fairfield Dolan student Eva Weyman ’27, an accounting and finance double major. “I found the event both educational and influential. I walked away from the event having learned so much and gained valuable insight that I can carry with me as I continue exploring my future career.”
Tips for Success
Throughout the presentation, the Fairfield alumni shared practical advice for succeeding as an analyst or associate in investment banking, emphasizing skills that extend well beyond the financial industry: taking ownership of one's work, paying attention to detail, communicating effectively, building trust, and remaining open to learning.
For Brandon Rovito ’29, the event furthered his interest in the industry. “One of my biggest takeaways was learning about the different career paths within the industry and the importance of remaining adaptable and open to new opportunities. I was particularly interested in hearing how professionals were able to transition between different divisions, such as Debt Capital Markets, Leveraged Finance, and Corporate Banking, while receiving support from the firm along the way,” said Rovito. “The event reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in finance and showed me that success in the industry is not only about technical knowledge, but also about building relationships, continuously learning, and being willing to embrace change.”
