Finance Graduates

Success Stories

We like to tell our students, prospective students, and their parents, that earning a business degree with a major in finance from New Mexico State University will set that student on the path toward a great career and a wonderful future. Here are just a few examples of finance graduates who are already on that path to success.

Justin A. Sims, Class of ‘07

Hello Aggies! I graduated from NMSU in May 2007 with bachelors degrees in Finance, Marketing and German. I started with ConocoPhillips in June of 2007, and after going through an intensive finance training program, I began my first rotation as a Commercial Credit analyst. In this role, I utilized much of what I had learned about financial statement analysis at NMSU in determining the credit worthiness of large, international counterparties in setting open terms trading limits for the various products that ConocoPhillips trades. These open terms trading limits ranged in size from $25 million to over $1.5 billion. I have since transitioned into my second rotation as a Team Lead in the Lower 48 Cost & Investment group, where I am responsible for a group of associates tasked with, among other things, setting up upstream exploration and development projects correctly in SAP.

Though you may hear this time and again, your educational experience at NMSU will do much to set you apart from your peers as you start and progress through your careers. As I previously mentioned, the education I received helped me from day one on the job. I cannot stress how important having classes that were not simply muddled in theory and terminology from textbooks, but rather delved into real world examples and applications has been for me. Not having that real world learning curve of performing analysis of a company’s financial statements, for example, allowed me to concentrate my efforts on learning how I could improve specific processes in my job function, which in turn did much to set me part from others. I can directly attribute my on the job success to the quality of the faculty and curriculum offered by NMSU, and I am sure this is a sentiment that many other Alumnus would echo.

I would encourage you to be active on campus in various clubs and activities that interest you, and to seek a leadership role in those organizations. I would also take advantage of the career fairs offered on campus, and to be open to the various employment opportunities that they offer. The opportunities that you have in mind may not always be the best fit, and it’s important to keep an open mind when exploring career opportunities.

Lastly, I would strongly encourage you to use the open door policy that many of the professors maintain to glean from the wealth of knowledge and experience they possess. While what you learn in the classroom is important, the relationships and advice you receive outside of the class setting can be invaluable to your educational experience.

I wish you all the best in you scholastic and professional endeavors, and please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Contact information: Justin.A.Sims@ConocoPhillips.com

Updated: Nov. 16, 2009

Morgen Wright, Class of ‘08

Morgen Wright joined First Command Financial Services as a Financial Advisor in January 2009.

Previously, she served as an intern for Merrill Lynch, where she researched companies and stocks for advisors.

A 2008 graduate of New Mexico State University with a degree in finance, insurance and risk management, Morgen holds Series 6 and 63 securities licenses plus state life and health insurance licenses.

A member of Gamma Iota Sigma Fraternity and Legends of the Southwest Racing Club, Morgen enjoys racing her legend car at the Southern New Mexico Speedway and El Paso Speedway Park.

Updated: Nov. 16, 2009

Maria Schick, Class of '98

Maria Schick, Class of ‘98

Maria is a Director of Commercial Development and Planning in the Gas & Power Marketing business at ConocoPhillips in Houston, TX. Maria provides long-term fundamental analysis on the natural gas market to identify and support commercial opportunities for storage, transportation, power as well as for acquisitions and other corporate initiatives. Maria began her career with ConocoPhillips 11 years ago in the Finance Function and has worked in various roles within Finance, Treasury, Upstream, Human Resources and most recently in Commercial. She graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelors degree in Finance and Economics in 1998.

My advice to students is to take advantage of all NMSU has to offer, both in and out of the classroom. Get to know your professors and advisors as individuals. When it is time to look for a full-time position, be aggressive and know what you want by doing your research. And lastly, don’t take a job on the basis of money alone, but take a job on the basis of the career you can see yourself building from it.

Contact information: Maria.Schick@conocophillips.com

Updated: Nov. 12, 2009.

Sam Castaneda, Class of '06

Sam Castaneda, Class of ‘06

Hello fellow Aggies! I was a part of the May 2006 graduation class from the Business College. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance along with a Minor in Accounting. I began employment with The Vanguard Group immediately after holding the position of Client Relationship Associate, Retail Investor Group Division. I have since transitioned over to Vanguard’s Flagship Services, focusing and managing clients who have $1 million+ in Vanguard assets. In addition, I’ve also enrolled myself in Kaplan’s Certified Financial Planning Program to increase my investment knowledge to pursue a career of providing financial advice.

Currently, upcoming graduates are faced with the daunting task of finding employment in a difficult economic environment. With that being said, keep an open mind with any opportunity that you see which could be appropriate for your ultimate career path. Don’t be afraid of taking an entry level position with a reasonable compensation level. After being hired, show determination and the willingness to learn and grow within your company. Positive results are likely to follow.

I wish you luck in developing a successful career and continuing the success of many NMSU alumni in the workforce.

Contact information: samuel_j_castaneda@vanguard.com

Updated Nov. 6, 2009.

Kristin Grassham, Class of '08

Kristin Grassham, Class of ‘08

In February 2009, I joined Lockheed Martin’s Financial Leadership Development Program, which is a three-year curriculum comprised of job rotations, leadership training and a requirement to complete a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA).

The job rotations include program control, contract cost estimating, proposal pricing, program finance, investor relations, contract negotiation, auditing, and other business development areas.

My advice for obtaining a job is to thoroughly research the company you are interviewing, and have a unique passion, hobby or club to distinguish you from the rest of the applicants.

Most importantly, enjoy your time at NMSU and take advantage of all opportunities available.

Contact information: Kristin.R.Grassham@lmco.com

Updated Oct. 22, 2009.

Joseph L. Salcido, Class of ‘06

Following my graduation from NMSU in 2006 I launched my career with The Vanguard Group as a Client Relationship Associate in the mutual fund side of our business. I have since transitioned into our Brokerage division, first as a Client Relationship Associate and now currently work on the Block/Option trading desk.

I facilitate large trades, options trades and foreign trades for our clients here at Vanguard. It is a great place to begin your career as there are numerous opportunities throughout the organization and continuing education of employees is highly encouraged here. Vanguard has provided me with a stable job and the opportunity to grow and broaden my knowledge of the financial industry.

It is never too early to begin planning your next move after graduation.

The best thing you can do to set yourself up for success is to start early by networking, drafting a resume and practice interviewing. The more you are able to practice the interview process, the more comfortable you will be with prospective employers during actual interviews that count. Be active with organizations on campus and in the community by volunteering your time with local organizations not only to help others, but to build your resume and separate yourself from other prospective employees. First impressions are crucial in the business environment and you want to ensure that you start off on the right path.

Joseph L. Salcido
Vanguard Brokerage Services
Updated Oct. 22, 2009.

Miguel Marquez, Class of '05

Miguel Marquez, Class of ‘05

After graduating in 2005, my first career job out of college was with The Vanguard Group in Scottsdale, AZ. While there, I worked my way up to the trading desk as an equities trader. After a little over two years with The Vanguard Group, I decided I wanted to enter the world of financial sales, obtaining a position with Fidelity Investments as a mutual fund inside wholesaler in Dallas, TX.

Best Career Move: Taking the job with The Vanguard Group in AZ outside of my NM/TX “comfort zone.” It set the groundwork for my career and where I am now.

Advice for getting a job: Practice interviewing as much as you can using the behavioral method. Mock interviews are a great way to get you acquainted with what recruiters are looking for. And dress as nice as you can for an interview. You only get one chance at a first impression.

Favorite thing about my work: I talk to financial advisors on a daily basis that I get to know very well. I learn things from them about the industry that I could never have learned in school. I also get to listen to some of the smartest portfolio managers and analysts in the world here at Fidelity. In turn, that makes me sound much more intelligent when having those conversations with financial advisors about current market conditions.

Contact information: Personal email michaelmarquez75@gmail.com; personal phone 214.335.6759.
Updated: Oct. 22, 2009

Susan Long, Class of '76

Susan Long, Class of ‘76

I was born and raised in Carlsbad, NM and am a 1972 graduate of Carlsbad Senior High School. After obtaining my BBA in Finance from NMSU in December of 1976 I moved to El Paso, TX. I worked in banking for 25 years and then for a home health agency 3 years before retiring in 2005. In banking I worked in the accounting department starting out at the bottom as a bookkeeper and moving my way up to internal auditor, assistant controller, controller, and finally Chief Financial Officer. I was hired as the Director of Finance for the home health agency and was the Chief Financial Officer when I retired.

Advice to current students: When you get out in the work world, be prudent and pay yourself first! Set aside an amount of money into an investment account every payday and watch it grow for you and your future. I have been able to retire early and have flexibility in this stage of my life because my spouse and I did exactly that. As finance students, you know these basic principles—so practice what you’ve learned!

Best career move: There are several! Whenever I found myself working in a position in which I could obtain additional accreditation, I did. When I was in internal auditing, I became a certified internal auditor. When I transferred back to accounting as the assistant controller, I took additional accounting classes to qualify me to sit for the CPA exam and obtained my CPA. I also joined professional associations related to my work field and I was willing to serve in leadership positions in these groups. All of this gave me additional creditability and confidence for the promotions and success that I had in my business career.

Advice for getting a job: Don’t rely solely on working through career placement or employment agencies for that first job after college. The agency I was working with was not sending me to any of the banks so I went on my own to inquire about employment opportunities. While I did not find immediate employment at any of them, I was remembered by one bank officer who referred my resume to the accounting department when a position opened up. That’s how I got my foot in the door! Also, present yourself well and be willing to start at an entry level position.

Favorite thing about my work: I really enjoyed reviewing the financial statements after the month (or year) was closed and comparing results to prior periods and budget and explaining the differences. I was not just looking at numbers, but I was able to tell the story of the business as well…learning a lot in the process!

Favorite NMSU memory: Well, it is not class! Actually, learning to live away from my family and develop friendships with roommates, suitemates, and classmates is what I am nostalgic about the most. That, and going to Aggie basketball games!

Class most useful after graduation: Speech class. I was a shy person and I dreaded getting up in front of a group of people to give a speech. This class not only taught me how to do it, but also that I could do it and I actually enjoyed giving a speech or presentation once I got over the initial jitters. That’s good because in my career, I continually found myself giving financial presentations to small and large boards of directors and employee groups.

Contact information: snlbowl300@hotmail.com
Updated: Oct. 22, 2009