Laura Chen’s journey to securing an Investment Banking Analyst role at Black Arch Partners is a testament to her ambition, strategic planning, and the robust resources available at Vanderbilt University’s MS Finance program. Moving from Changchun, China, to the United States in 2017, Chen pursued her academic and career aspirations with unwavering focus, culminating in her impressive achievement within just two months of starting her Master’s program at Vanderbilt Business.
Chen’s interest in finance sparked in middle school, listening to her father’s business conversations. This early exposure led her to a Bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Florida in 2021 and subsequently to Vanderbilt’s Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program in 2022. Her passion for investment banking solidified through diverse internship experiences. Prior to Vanderbilt, she gained valuable experience at Bain & Company in Shanghai, Founder Legacy Partners in Los Angeles, and MD Global Partners in New York City. These roles offered her a panoramic view of the finance sector, from consulting to private equity, ultimately guiding her towards investment banking. “My internship at MD Global partners really solidified my interest,” Chen stated, highlighting the hands-on exposure to deal-making and company scaling as particularly impactful.
Upon joining the Vanderbilt MSF program, Laura Chen proactively engaged with the Career Management Center. Recognizing the importance of a strong resume, she collaborated with career coaches Brook Meissner and Ginny Ling. “Brook and Ginny were very helpful,” Chen recalled, emphasizing their meticulous approach to resume refinement, aiming for excellence rather than mediocrity. This dedication to detail proved crucial in making her application stand out to firms like Black Arch Partners.
Beyond resume building, Vanderbilt’s collaborative environment played a significant role in Chen’s preparation. She participated in mock interviews with peers and a Transition Coach, a valuable peer support system unique to the program. Chen appreciated the collaborative spirit, noting, “We don’t see each other as competition… Instead, we want to support each other through the whole process.” This supportive network fostered a learning environment where students shared resources and experiences, enhancing everyone’s job search.
Networking proved pivotal in Chen’s success. Attending coffee chats early in the program, including one with Black Arch Partners, provided her with direct access to industry professionals. Connecting with analysts and associates at Black Arch Partners led to a first-round phone interview in late August. Impressing the team, she was invited to a Super Day at their Charlotte office in early September. This fast-tracked process culminated in a full-time Investment Banking Analyst offer from Black Arch Partners.
Chen attributes her positive experience at Black Arch Partners to the firm’s culture and people. “The people and overall culture of the firm were huge factors for me. If you have to work long hours you want to be around people who you enjoy working with,” she explained. This emphasis on company culture aligns with the values sought by many top finance professionals today.
The curriculum at Vanderbilt Business further complemented Chen’s career aspirations. Courses like Corporate Valuation stood out for their practical application. “We have a lot of real-world cases presented to us that really solidify what we learn in the lectures,” Chen noted, appreciating the hands-on approach to learning skills directly relevant to her role at Black Arch Partners.
Ultimately, Laura Chen credits Vanderbilt Business School’s reputation and resources for her rapid success in landing a coveted role at Black Arch Partners. She recounted feedback from Black Arch Partners professionals who emphasized Vanderbilt students’ consistent high performance as a key reason for their continued recruitment from the university. Chen’s journey exemplifies how Vanderbilt’s MS Finance program, combined with student initiative and a focus on firms like Black Arch Partners, can pave the way for significant career achievements in investment banking.
