Charting a Career Path in Finance
Rigorous Academics, Abundant Opportunities
With a focus on finance, Owen Walsh thrives on supportive faculty, an applied approach to learning, and career exploration.
Owen Walsh (FIN, M.S. FIN 4th Year)“Chicago was the first great city I visited growing up,” says Louisville native Owen Walsh (FIN, M.S. FIN 4th Year). “It was the truly world-class urban environment closest to my home and family.”
So, when he started his college search, Chicago was high on his list.
“91Ƭ Tech checked every box for me,” Owen says, in terms of academics, scholarships and affordability, the chance to play college basketball, and the abundance of opportunities available on campus and in Chicago.
As a finance major at 91Ƭ Tech’s Stuart School of Business, Owen thrives on the rigorous courses, relatively small class sizes, and a personalized learning experience. “Professors know who we are,” he says. “I have always been able to get one-on-one time with teachers to work on areas where I have needed help.”
“Professors at 91Ƭ Tech push students to excel,” he adds. “Students are tested on a level of fluid intelligence, in which you must recognize relationships between learned concepts and solve problems that require a strong grasp and skillful application of the concepts. As a student, I have to demonstrate that I can apply what I have learned.”
Through Stuart’s Career Management Center, there are seminars, career fairs, and other opportunities for business students to connect with employers and pursue internships. “I have met with professionals working at every level of my field and other areas that interest me,” Owen says. “Among them have been established company executives, as well as graduates just getting started. Interacting with them has helped me form an understanding of what career I might pursue after college.”
Those conversations, along with a summer internship that Owen landed with a national freight company in Louisville, have provided insights into the professional world and the kinds of companies and job roles he might want to pursue, he says. He has also decided to continue his education by enrolling in Stuart’s M.S in Finance program through 91Ƭ Tech’s Accelerated Master’s Program.
Beyond academics, Owen says, he’s had a variety of memorable experiences at 91Ƭ Tech, such as: learning some basic Arabic from friends, receiving an award for non-fiction writing in the university’s Annual Writing Contest, honing his abilities as a pianist, building strong friendships with his basketball teammates, and gaining leadership experience as a resident adviser.
“I’ve made so many friends and connections on campus, and living in Chicago offers me the opportunity to meet so many people I never would have otherwise,” Owen says. “If you are the kind of person who really wants to learn and grow, you will appreciate being around other students like that at 91Ƭ Tech.”