Spring 2025 Site Visit Program: New York City

PwC 

The Spring 2025 Site Visit Program kicked off at PwC’s New York City office on Madison Avenue. During the visit, students engaged in a high-impact conversation with a panel of Columbia alumni spanning roles from Associate to Partner within the firm’s Strategy& Consulting teams. Hosted by Tommy Tieu (Talent Acquisition Manager), the visit featured:

• Arjun Patel SEAS ’01 (Partner, Operations Transformation)
• Drew Harger CBS ’14 (Strategy& Director, Enterprise Strategy& Value)
• Sarah Meltzer, PhD, GSAS ’20 (Strategy& Manager, Enterprise Strategy & Value)
• Danielle Greirson BC ’13, CBS ’23 (Strategy& Senior Associate, Private Equity Value Creation)
• Sarah Wilson GS ’24 (Strategy& Associate, Enterprise & Value) 

Panelists reflected on their career journeys, PwC’s global reach, and the firm’s strong culture of mentorship and learning. “Consulting is an apprenticeship model—learning from those above you, while also mentoring those below,” said Harger, echoing the collaborative ethos shared by the group.

The panel shared timely advice on standing out in consulting interviews, emphasizing storytelling, data interpretation, and a clear “Why Consulting?” narrative. With over 370,000 employees across 149 countries, PwC remains a leader in innovation, notably through its $1B investment in Generative AI and robust pro bono initiatives. The team also highlighted key pathways to join the firm, including the Advance Internship and Associate roles, encouraging students to apply early and stay curious. “Your first job doesn’t define you—your career will evolve in unexpected ways,” shared Danielle Greirson, reminding students to embrace growth with confidence.

AlphaSights 

Students visited and toured three levels of AlphaSights’ vibrant office, where they learned about the internship and associates program. Dedicated to unlocking human knowledge and empowering success, AlphaSights is a great company for anyone seeking a fast-paced environment, direct client-facing experience, and project ownership from the start of their career. The associate role serves as a springboard for career growth, with opportunities for advancement within the company or the chance to apply the skills developed in other professional settings.

AlphaSights hires about 300 interns each summer and about 300 associates for their two-year full-time program. Recruitment for the summer of 2026 will begin in May 2025, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply by January 2026, as spots are typically filled by early March. The interview process includes three rounds, including a case study. 

We heard from the following panelists: 

• Alexandra (Alex) Thrower, Associate, Talent Acquisition
• Gretchen Greeby, Coordinator, Talent Acquisition
• Marissa Reyes, Manager, Talent Acquisition, BC ’19
• Vivian Qiu, Associate Product Manager, CC ‘21
• Maxence Genouville, Research Associate, GS ’24

Check back in May for summer 2026 internship opportunities, and see where you can meet AlphaSights recruiters at upcoming events: AlphaSights Early Careers Page.

Cornerstone Research

Students explored the world of economic and financial consulting during their visit to Cornerstone Research’s New York office. The session opened with insights from Odd Maeland (Manager), who shared his career journey from investment banking to economic consulting. Maeland emphasized that the firm’s work is rooted in finance, spanning securities, bankruptcy, real estate, and more. He explained that the firm is designed to support attorneys and experts in high-stakes litigation. He highlighted Cornerstone Research’s collaborative culture and the analytical rigor required for success across their multidisciplinary cases.

A panel of Columbia alumni, including Xiaochu Ma GSAS ’19 (Research Associate) and Robert Gao CC ’23 (Analyst), discussed their experiences working as Analysts, conducting academic research, analyzing complex datasets, preparing expert reports, and growing into client-facing responsibilities. Panelists also shared tips for navigating the interview process, such as practicing case questions, brushing up on finance and economics fundamentals, and clearly articulating one’s thought process. 

Students learned about Cornerstone Research’s early career programs, like the First Year Foundations and Sophomore Summit, designed to introduce students to the firm’s work and consulting culture. As Gao shared, “The ability to synthesize dense material and focus on what matters most is key to thriving here.” Cornerstone Research will be recruiting for 2026 Analyst and Summer Analyst opportunities in the Fall. Be sure to check their careers page for more information as the Fall approaches. 

Houlihan Lokey 

At Houlihan Lokey, a leading global investment bank, students learned about the firm’s focus on providing advisory services. With over 2,500 employees across 36 offices worldwide, the company prides itself on being the #1 global M&A firm and a trusted advisor to clients. The visit emphasized the importance of financial analysis and communication skills in investment banking, where professionals use numbers to tell compelling stories that drive growth. A panel of alumni, including some listed below, shared insights into their experiences at the firm:

• Justin Abelow CC ’95, Managing Director
• Sami Stehley CC ’21, Investment Banking Analyst
• Sam Ward CC ’19, Associate, Financial Restructuring Group
• Doria Chen CC ’21, Financial Restructuring Analyst
• Sameer Shamsi CC ’99, Managing Director, Head of Secondaries
• Timothy Kang CC, Director, Financial Evaluations Group
• Charlotte Peyraud CC ’14, Director and Co-Head, Sustainability Advisory Services

The firm also presented details on its 10-week internship program, which begins recruiting in the Fall. Students were encouraged to network with bankers to explore different industry groups, and the firm highlighted its strong commitment to professional development with formal training programs and opportunities for internal career growth.

Sculptor Capital Management 

In front of an impressive view of Central Park, students heard from a variety of professionals at Sculptor Capital Management, an asset management company with three main verticals: credit, multistrategy, and real estate. They offer services in strategy and portfolio management, risk management, research, market analysis, and regulatory compliance for organizations and individuals. They have ~300 employees across four global offices and are not currently hiring, as most entry-level positions in asset management require a few years of experience in financial services. Sculptor values longevity and seeks individuals who are committed to growing within the organization.

We heard from:

• Janine Graham, Human Capital Generalist
• Udai Bishnoi, GSAS ’06, Global Head of Asset-Based Structured Credit
• Daniel Reed, CBS ’11, Executive Managing Director/Partner
• Chirag Shah, CBS ’18, Managing Director of Portfolio Risk and Construction
• Kate Lyness, Credit Analyst
• Catherine Ducote, Structured Credit Analyst

All of the speakers highlighted the importance of being curious, questioning the status quo, and possessing strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and quantitative skills. They emphasized the importance of networking, especially through in-person coffee chats. The team recommended several books for students to read to increase their knowledge of the industry as well as networking, including:

• Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant
• The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
• Distressed Debt Analysis by Stephen Moyer

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is enthusiastically expanding its investment banking division, aiming to become a top-five player in the industry. The firm has been growing strategically and hiring heavily, with 60 new Managing Directors added in the past year. The panelists emphasized that investment banking at Wells Fargo is a demanding but highly educational career path, especially in the first three years. They highlighted key sectors of strength, such as real estate and energy, with healthcare and tech as emerging growth areas. The firm also offers global opportunities in financial hubs like London, Hong Kong, and Singapore for English-speaking candidates. When hiring, Wells Fargo seeks individuals who are intelligent, hardworking, and willing to learn, viewing early career experiences as transformative.

We heard from:

• Darren Campili, CBS ’96, IB Managing Director, Healthcare Group Head
• Laura Mahmoudian, CBS, IB Associate
• Chester Pajolek, IB Director
• Baily Faller, IB Analyst

Key insights for students considering investment banking include the importance of adaptability, time management, and technical skills. The panelists shared their career journeys, illustrating diverse paths into banking, transitioning from consulting, accounting, or other areas of finance. They stressed the significance of accountability, strong relationships, and the ability to see the bigger picture in one’s work. AI tools are being used to make access to information more efficient. Success in investment banking requires a proactive mindset, ownership of tasks, and a willingness to learn. Summer analysts should be available, reliable, and ready to take on challenges, as their work, though sometimes tedious, plays a critical role in larger transactions. Check out their website to view open summer 2026 internship opportunities. 

Intuit 

Stefanie Peart, Senior Technical University Recruiter, moderated a panel of four Intuit employees who shared valuable insights about their career paths (most of which were nonlinear) and a typical workday at Intuit. There was time for Q&A, and students asked many thoughtful questions. The site visit ended with a networking hour. 

Stefanie recommended that students ensure that they have a “strong resume that is tailored to the role” and that it’s important for students to think about how to showcase their past experiences and connect them to the role they’re applying to. She provided a brief overview of the interview process for technical internships: technical assessment, technical interview, and then a final interview with the hiring manager. She shared that technical internships at Intuit open starting in August, so it’s helpful to sign up for alerts on their careers page so that you’re in the know! 

Employer Insights:

• Kevin Meija, Software Engineer 2, Quickbooks (SEAS Alum): “UI design class (at Columbia) was helpful because it’s important to build accessible experiences and experiences that make sense for what the customer is doing.”
• Devin Mercier, Staff Product Manager, Mailchimp: “Networking can be hard and feel transactional; focus on getting to know people. Try to find something you can connect on and talk about that commonality.”
• Vicki Borja, Staff Data Scientist, Mailchimp: “It’s important to get to know people; you can ask about their day-to-day.”
• Stefanie Peart, Senior Technical University Recruiter, discussing networking: “As HR people, we can tell if you’re leading with curiosity vs. looking for an opportunity.”

Thornton Tomasetti 

Thornton Tomasetti (TT) is a global engineering consulting firm that began as a structural engineering company. Many Columbia alums at the company warmly welcomed our students. We started off with an office tour in smaller groups, then  heard more about TT through a presentation and Q&A, and finally, engaged in a networking session with more employees, many of whom were Columbia alums who made the time to connect. 

Employees emphasized the importance of gaining as much field experience as possible and that the value of internships is higher than academic performance, as it shows a student’s interest and also builds their knowledge and skills. They recommended highlighting specific projects that are most similar to real-life projects, whether on a resume or during an interview, to showcase a student’s ability and interest in doing the work. One student asked if a master’s degree is needed for employment, to which the response was that it depends on the discipline, less so the employer. 

Tour group leads and presenters were all Columbia alumni: 

• Lucas Grafals, Senior Engineer, Structural Forensics Group (SEAS ’21, Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering; SEAS ’22, Master’s in Civil Engineering)
• Bryan Minarczyk, Senior Engineer, Structures, Columbia Engineering (SEAS ‘22 Master’s in Structural Engineering)
• Jillian Tamarazzo, Engineer, Protective Design and Security (SEAS ‘24, Master’s in Civil Engineering)
• Julio Tupayachi, Engineer, Sustainability and Resilience (SEAS ’23, Master’s in Civil Engineering)
• Jennifer Mahan, Associate, Sustainability and Resilience, (SEAS, Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering)

New York County District Attorney’s Office 

Students had the opportunity to visit the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office (DANY) and hear from individuals from the Analyst program, Investigative Bureau, Early Engagement Case Support Unit, Court Adjudication, and Internships. The presentations covered various roles and opportunities within the legal field and at DANY and also highlighted how DANY is a place to grow and evolve in your career. The visit concluded with students receiving an overview of the arrest to disposition process as well as an observation of live court hearings.

The recruiting process for DANY internships is competitive, with summer and semester opportunities available. Applications for summer internships are accepted on a rolling basis from April to May, with preference for juniors and seniors. The application process includes submitting a resume, cover letter, and a written response on public service interest. Interns who perform well are often considered for full-time roles after graduation, especially if they have previous experience at DANY. Students were encouraged to reapply if initially unsuccessful, highlighting the importance of persistence and specific interest in DANY’s mission.

RCI Theatricals

During the site visit with RCI Theatricals, students gained a behind-the-scenes look at the business side of Broadway productions. Led by Christian Palomares CC ’22, Assistant General Manager, students learned about the various roles and steps involved in producing successful shows, including budgeting, ticketing, marketing, and managing the consumer experience. The discussion also covered the financial complexities of Broadway productions, emphasizing the challenges of recouping production costs. Students were also provided the unique opportunity to observe a rehearsal of Glengarry Glen Ross and speak with the Associate Director and Columbia Directing Alum, Rory McGregor SOA ’17.

Employer Insights

• Christian Palomares CC ’22 emphasized the importance of getting to know people across the industry and consuming as much media and literature as you can to build your knowledge, spark creativity, and begin to see themes within the industry.

New York City Ballet 

Students had the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at the iconic New York City Ballet (NYCB), founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein. Known for its athletic and contemporary style, NYCB opened its doors for a special site visit that included an alumni panel, an office tour, and an insider look at career pathways across the organization.

Hosted by Dustin Brauneck, GS ’05, Director of Relationship Marketing, and guided by Sophia Massie, Associate in the Education department, the visit kicked off with a tour of the building, a space intentionally designed to honor the intersection of dance and design.

The panel, facilitated by Colleen Chang, Associate Director of School Programs, included professionals from multiple departments:

• Sophia Massie, Associate, Education
• Brannan Berman, Director of Major Gifts & Individual Giving
• Dustin Brauneck, GS ’05, Director of Relationship Marketing
• Ashley McDonnell, Press Assistant
• Laura Snow, Director of Media

Each panelist shared their unique path into arts administration, often transitioning from performance careers. They emphasized key skills like multitasking, collaboration, communication, writing, and a deep appreciation for the arts. Interns and full-time employees alike are expected to show a strong interest in dance and the arts, along with a willingness to work cross-functionally across NYCB’s departments, from Marketing to Media to Education.

NYCB hires summer interns with roles in multiple departments, supplemented by cross-departmental “Lunch and Learns” sessions. Students in attendance were encouraged to be specific and enthusiastic in their applications, highlighting relevant skills, experience, and passion for the arts. For roles in education, prior experience working with children is key; for marketing and media, strong writing, multitasking, and familiarity with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro are essential. Across the board, panelists underscored the importance of curiosity, cultural awareness, and authentic engagement with New York’s arts scene in both application materials and interviews. The NYCB summer internship positions will open in Spring 2026. Be sure to check out their careers page for open full-time job opportunities.