Sam Robinson '12
The Day in the Life program, organized by the Center for Career Services, provides students the opportunity to visit alumni where they work. I have participated in the program for the past three years, and it has solidified my interest in a career in finance.
In early January, I had the pleasure of spending a week at
Cahn Capital Corp., a New York City–based boutique investment bank run by founder and president
Stewart Cahn ’61. Mr. Cahn graduated from Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Business with a MBA degree in finance following Colgate and has more than 40 years of experience in investment banking. The firm specializes in the private placement of senior debt, subordinated debt, and equity.
On my first day, I was given a desk and folder of research. I spent the morning reading about six different companies seeking capital in fields ranging from biotech to green technology to Internet social media. I discussed the positive and negative aspects of each company and learned the history of each project by talking with different team members. I attended meetings with prospective clients and observed the firm’s evaluation process. I also contributed by asking questions and voicing my opinions.
Mr. Cahn extended a unique experience through the Day in the Life program. I learned how investment banking firms like Cahn Capital operate and select corporate clients for structuring and placing capital to assist in their growth. This experience helped me realize that investment banking is an interesting and challenging field to pursue. Without the program and the efforts of alumni like Mr. Cahn, I would not have as clear a perspective of the financial world or my career options upon graduating.