Office for Diversity and Inclusion | The Stern Showcase

“I want to use finance and technology as tools to invest in traditionally underrepresented groups. I believe it is impossible to correct for the injustices these groups have faced historically and systemically using political avenues alone. There needs to be a combination of effective public legislation, with ambitious private action, to motivate change. For a long time, humans have relied on financial markets and trading to incentivize groups of people to do their bidding. I want to work to find ways to change incentives for the betterment of the underserved and underrepresented. 

This summer, I will join Morgan Stanley as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst.  Last summer, I interned at Ariel Alternatives as a Private Equity Summer Analyst.

I celebrate Black History Month because it reminds me of the communities, family members, friends, and historic advocates for change who have given me the opportunity to learn and fight for the things I care about.

What I love most about Stern is the exchange of cultural, intellectual, and personal experiences. Going to school in one of the most prestigious and diverse environments in the country offers Sternies the ability to fully immerse ourselves in ecosystems we were previously unaware of. I've been able to study in Madrid, experience Paris, speak to peers who grew up in Eastern Asia for the larger part of their life, and other friends who come from Abu Dhabi. Having access to their stories broadens my horizons, and in most cases gives me tools that apply to my studies or personal life in ways that I wouldn't have imagined. I think building a library of varied global and cultural experiences is imperative to relate to others and fight for the misunderstood.

I love the network and the location. I've been granted some awesome professional and social opportunities primarily due to being located in New York City, and because the Stern network is so giving to those who participate in it. Stern's alumni and student body work hard to provide all the information one might need regarding any industry, job, or recruiting timeline. For almost all my professional working experiences so far, it's always started with a Sternie opening a door for me, which I am very grateful for. Beyond that, being in New York is a great advantage for working in any business role. Through being a Sternie, I can go to class from 9:00am - 1:00pm, then catch the A-Train, meet someone for coffee to learn about their job, discuss my classes with them, or if I'm lucky interview for a role with their firm. Being in New York with such a serving network has to be some of the strongest tools Stern offers. 

Here’s my advice to my peers and those who are considering Stern to earn your Bachelor of Science degree.  Be your authentic self and talk to students who attend Stern. I initially came here feeling like an imposter as so many do. Over my time here, I've been able to join various pre-professional groups and social networks that have shown me that I am here for a reason. I think the best thing for prospective students to do is to speak to as many attending students as possible, learn their stories, learn their 'why'. I'm confident through doing that, you can find your own 'why' and place at Stern. My name is Devin Jordan Ingram.”