The 11th annual Careers in Finance Panel that took place on March 24 offered UVM students the opportunity to learn about the extensive finance industry and explore career questions with panelists from all facets of the financial world.  

As in the past, this signature event hosted by the Grossman School of Business was moderated by UVM alumnus and Grossman Board of Advisors Member Jamie Flicker ('87), CFA and Managing Director of DC Advisory. The event kicked off with two tracks for students to choose from – one focusing on hedge funds, and another on running a private family company – before a formal Q&A with panelists and a networking lunch. 

Elite Expertise 

UVM students heard from a group of panelists, several of whom are UVM alumni, from all spectrums of the finance world including a local bank, a global hedge fund, a family business, an expert in market data delivery, and a specialist in international investing. The event extended throughout the morning and into the afternoon, offering students various venues to hear from and interact with the panelists, including:  

  • Alison Abry, CFO/COO, Bank of Burlington 
  • Don Droppo Jr., President & CEO, Curtis Packaging 
  • Jim Haskel, Partner & Senior Portfolio Strategist, Bridgewater Associates LP 
  • Mary Langevin, CFA, VP and Head of Marketing Data, Concertiv Inc. 
  • Claire Walton, Director/Trustee, Multi-Asset Funds, BlackRock Funds 

Panelist Claire Walker chats with a UVM student about career pathways in finance

Sound Career Advice 

Students gained some important advice and takeaways, including using your network, focusing on what you like and good things will happen, seeking mentors, chaos creates opportunity – be ready to take advantage of it, luck will come your way, and being prepared to take a chance. The event was also an opportunity for students to make connections that could help job and internship searches.

“Another year, another great panel. The students truly relished their ability to interact with the panelists in a small group setting,” said Jamie. “This event was one of the best turnouts we’ve had with more than 60 students in the room, all glued to everything the panelists had to offer.” 

Student Success 

Acting Dean Barb Arel made opening remarks and introduced Jamie and the panelists. “Finance is a popular concentration for business undergraduates at GSB and a competitive field with many paths to take which can seem daunting to business students. Opportunities like this are important for our students to explore the finance industry, ask questions and better understand the paths that lay ahead,” said Dean Arel.

“Our many successes and accolades are in large part due to the engagement and support of our dedicated alumni, including events like this,” added Dean Arel. “For the past eleven years, Jamie has organized, supported and served as moderator for the Careers in Finance Panel volunteering numerous hours to GSB. We thank both Jamie and the panelists for their time and for sharing their expertise with our students.”