Hey there! My name is Russell Yue, and I’m a Vice President with Tru Arrow Partners in New York City where I focus on technology and late stage venture investments. Prior to Tru Arrow, I was an investor with H.I.G. Capital, where I helped start the firm’s new late stage venture/growth investment practice. Before H.I.G., I was an investor on the growth stage investment team at Greycroft. I also previously worked in financial planning & analysis at Fastly, where I helped the company raise $75 million during its Series D fundraise. I graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Business Finance. Happy to chat with anyone about (1) entrepreneurship and working at a startup/scaleup, (2) technology and venture investing, (3) nontraditional career paths after college, or (4) anything else I can be helpful with!

Hi - my name is Aneesh Bhattacharya and I am an investment professional on the Controlled Environment Foods team at Equilibrium Capital, a sustainability-driven investment firm.

Prior to joining Equilibrium, I worked at the Forest Road Company where I focused on a structured investment strategy which provided capital to early-stage renewable energy developers. Earlier in my career, I was a member of the investment team at Union Capital, a lower middle market private equity firm focused on investments in the food manufacturing, business services and franchise restaurant spaces. In this role, I worked across investment, portfolio operations, and fund management responsibilities for Union Capital's first institutional fund. I began my career in the Industrials investment banking group at Jefferies.

I hold an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and a B.A. from Vanderbilt University.

I’ve been lucky enough to have mentors in both banking and PE who have helped me to grow and develop and I would like to help others do the same. If you have an interest in private equity, private credit, sustainability, or business school, I'd be happy to chat!

My name is Henry Johnson and I am currently a Senior Private Equity Associate at The Carlyle Group based in Washington D.C. I support our U.S. Buyout strategy within Corporate Private Equity, focusing on investments in the Aerospace, Defense and Government Services sectors. Prior to joining Carlyle in 2019, I spent three years in Investment Banking at Jefferies in New York, focusing on transactions in the Aerospace & Aviation sectors. Originally from New York City, I attended Wake Forest University for undergrad, where I majored in Economics. I have pursued a career in finance as I have found the high-velocity, strategy-intensive nature of the work to be intellectually stimulating and rewarding. I have also greatly enjoyed the relationships I have been able to foster professionally and therefore look forward to hearing from others in/entering the finance career path. If you are considering a transition from investment banking into private equity or simply would like to hear more about my experiences in either role, please reach out to proformafutures@gmail.com and the team will coordinate a call.

My name is Chase Cormier and I currently work in corporate development at IES Holdings, a holding company with four operating divisions in the construction and infrastructure space. Prior to IES, I spent time as a private equity associate in New York City with ORIX Capital Partners and DFW Capital Partners. I started my career in finance with RBC Capital Markets in the Power, Utilities and Infrastructure group in Houston. I graduated from North Carolina State University in 2013 with a degree in Agricultural Business Management with a minor in Economics. I have experience helping students considering a career in investment banking or private equity and understand the challenges of coming from a school that is not heavily recruited at. If you'd like to chat, please reach out to proformafutures@gmail.com and the team will coordinate a call.

My name is Sam Jacobson and I am currently a private equity associate at Warburg Pincus based in New York. Prior to joining Warburg, I spent three years in investment banking at Centerview Partners and Moelis & Company, working across M&A, restructuring and strategic advisory engagements for large-cap companies. I grew up in Orlando, FL and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX in 2019. I came from a non-traditional background and understand first-hand the nuances of recruiting for various positions and navigating the world of finance. I'm happy to discuss all elements of the recruiting process (internship, full-time, lateral and buyside recruiting), or more broadly, serve as a general resource and share my story. Throughout my career, I've benefited from the mentorship of others and am excited to pay it forward however I can!

My name is Keshav Sota and I am originally from Parsippany, New Jersey and attended NYU Stern where I graduated with a degree in Finance. I am currently an Associate at EQT Partners in the Active Core Infrastructure Group, and was previously at BlackRock in their Global Infrastructure Fund and at Citi in the Global Industrials Group. 

I would be more than happy to help in any capacity, whether it's understanding the basics of what a career in finance looks like to helping with resume development & interview prep. 

I currently work as a private equity associate at H.I.G. Capital in the Boston office. Prior to joining H.I.G., I was an investment banking analyst at Bank of America in the New York office, where I worked in the M&A and FIG groups. I studied Economics with a Minor in Computer Science at the University of Chicago, where I was also President of the Club Tennis team. 

I pursued a career in finance as I was intrigued by the "macro" view that it provides on how businesses interact with the economy and society as a whole, and I also wanted to be in a role where I could develop both my technical and soft skills. I can provide insights on my experiences in banking (coverage vs. product group), private equity, all stages of recruiting (internship, full-time, lateral, PE, etc.), interviewing, and broader career advice. Always happy to chat so don't hesitate to reach out!

Hello! My name is Tommy Campbell, and I am currently a Private Equity Associate at THL in Boston. I grew up on Long Island, NY and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2021 with a major in Finance and a minor in Constitutional Studies. I interned with Baird in Chicago after my junior year as a generalist for the summer and returned full time in their Technology and Services Group after graduation. After two years of investment banking, I started at THL in their Technology and Business Solutions group. Frankly, I did not know much about finance, banking, or PE before college, and I heavily relied on both informal and formal mentors in order to navigate networking, interviewing, internships and school. Banking and PE have been an invaluable learning experience and have provided me with a great foundation of professional and analytical skills that can be applied to a variety of different roles. I would be more than happy to be a resource to you and talk about breaking into finance, Chicago, Boston, interviews, life, etc. Don't hesitate to reach out, and I look forward to connecting!

I am an Associate within H.I.G. Capital’s Infrastructure Private Equity fund in New York City. Prior to my current role, I was an Investment Banking Analyst within Jefferies’ Consumer & Retail Group in Charlotte, NC. I received my B.S., Summa Cum Laude, in Finance from Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. I initially became interested in pursuing a career in finance after speaking with numerous mentors, which included family members, professors, upperclassmen, and folks at various firms that I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to network with across many years leading up to my graduation from Wake Forest. These individuals held roles across the financial industry ranging from Investment Banking to Wealth Management to Private Equity, along with many others, all of which provided me with valuable insight into my decision-making process. I developed a passion for this industry due to the fact that it provided me with an opportunity to be people / client-facing, work within a fast-paced environment where you are encouraged to challenge yourself by making personal judgment calls, gain a vital skillset for long-term career optionality whether that be in finance or another industry, and to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Growing up, I spent a lot of time working with fundraisers and contributing to various charitable initiatives. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to spend countless years getting to know individuals from diverse backgrounds and these experiences have instilled the passion in me to help provide the appropriate resources and guidance for others to accomplish their goals. Just as I was fortunate enough to have mentors guide me down the path that led me to where I am, I strive to be that motivator/adviser in the lives of many others. Having started my career in Charlotte, NC in Consumer & Retail IB and switching to NYC to work within the Infrastructure sector in PE, I can provide valuable insight for those deciding between different cities or sectors as well as those considering a geographical or sector-focus transition.

Hey there! My name is Russell Yue, and I’m a Vice President with Tru Arrow Partners in New York City where I focus on technology and late stage venture investments. Prior to Tru Arrow, I was an investor with H.I.G. Capital, where I helped start the firm’s new late stage venture/growth investment practice. Before H.I.G., I was an investor on the growth stage investment team at Greycroft. I also previously worked in financial planning & analysis at Fastly, where I helped the company raise $75 million during its Series D fundraise. I graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Business Finance. Happy to chat with anyone about (1) entrepreneurship and working at a startup/scaleup, (2) technology and venture investing, (3) nontraditional career paths after college, or (4) anything else I can be helpful with!

Hello, my name is Eva Decker. I am currently a second-year analyst at Partners Group, a Swiss-based private markets firm. I currently sit in our U.S. headquarters in Denver, CO, where I am in a two-year analyst rotation program. I spent my first year on the Private Equity Directs side, in our business services group. My second and current rotation is in our Private Credit group on the direct lending side. I am originally from the Northern Virginia area and earned a dual degree in Finance and Risk Management from the University of South Carolina in 2023.

Having never thought about finance as a career until halfway through college, I often felt on the outside of the recruiting process. I found my way to my firm out of college in part through Pro Forma Futures, so can attest firsthand that through networking and utilizing a platform like this one, it is possible to break into finance – particularly coming from a non-target university. Happy to chat about my experience on my two teams, recruiting, post grad moving to a new place, or anything else! Don’t hesitate to reach out.

My name is John Lin and I am currently a private equity associate at Bayview Asset Management based in New York. Prior to joining Bayview, I was an investment banking analyst at Citi working across M&A, capital markets, and strategic advisory engagements. I grew up in New York and graduated from Boston University in 2020. Throughout my time in college and in my career, I have benefited greatly from the support and mentorship of friends and colleagues, and I hope to pay it forward by being an encouraging and guiding resource for aspiring students who are navigating their own career paths.

I am an Associate at H.I.G. Capital’s Infrastructure Private Equity Group in New York. Previously, I was an Analyst in Stifel’s Aerospace, Defense & Government Services Investment Banking Group in Washington, DC and, prior to this, was an Analyst at HSBC’s Mid Corporate Investment Banking Team in New York. I completed my undergraduate degree at Fordham University in New York where I majored in Finance. Growing up, my family moved around constantly, giving me the chance to live in South Korea, Indonesia, Los Angeles, and New Jersey, where I spent the majority of my childhood. I believe this helped me form a unique worldview and a desire to pursue a career that allows me to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. I first became interested in Finance after speaking with professors, friends, and upperclassmen during my freshman year. Specifically, I was intrigued by the nature of the work, caliber of individuals in the field, career optionality, unique skill development, and ability to work with people from different backgrounds. My mentors, both senior and junior, provided crucial insights and advice that allowed me to break into the industry. Therefore, I’m looking to do the same for others looking for guidance. While I can speak to investment banking and private equity in general, I believe I can also add unique insights on lateral recruiting, especially to different geographies, and breaking into high finance from a non-traditional background. If you’re looking for help, please feel free to reach out!

My name is Anya and I am currently a senior at Duke University. I will be joining Goldman Sachs as an incoming investment banking analyst in the Financial Institutions Group. Previously, I interned as a sophomore in the Mergers & Acquisitions group at Bank of America, at TowerBrook Capital Partners, and in venture capital at Serena Williams' venture capital fund. I have experience with insight programs and re-recruiting between sophomore and junior summers. I am passionate about helping women and individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, such as non-target schools or first-generation students, break into finance. Please feel free to reach out to discuss anything related to investment banking, venture capital, or breaking into finance. I'm always happy to provide insights or mentorship.

My name is Jonathan Lu, and I am a Private Equity Senior Associate in General Atlantic’s late-stage technology group, based in Miami. Prior to joining General Atlantic, I worked as a Senior Associate in the Strategic Investments Group at Warburg Pincus, where I focused on investing in late-stage software and tech-enabled services businesses. Prior to that, I worked as an Investment Banking Analyst in the Financial Institutions Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. I grew up in South Florida and graduated from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Economics. I’ve worked in both FIG and Tech and am happy to discuss the nuances between both industries. Additionally, I'm happy to help provide advice for navigating the recruiting process (internship, full-time, lateral and buyside recruiting). I've benefited from the mentorship of others and am very excited to volunteer with PFF!

My name is Sara Scherping and I am currently a private equity associate at The Carlyle Group in the US Buyout – Healthcare team in New York. Prior to Carlyle, I spent two years as an investment banking analyst at Barclays in the healthcare coverage group in New York. I graduated from the University of Virginia – McIntire School of Commerce in 2021 with a concentration in finance and management. My family has largely pursued careers in medicine / medical research, so I strayed very far from my family’s traditional path by recruiting for investment banking. However, because of my family background, I have always been innately interested in the healthcare space and I love learning about and investing in healthcare businesses. Please reach out to me to discuss anything related to investment banking, private equity, or healthcare. Additionally, I am extremely passionate about increasing the number of young women professionals in finance, and I would be more than happy to provide any insights or mentorship.

My name is Arman Arya and I am currently a rising third-year student at USC Marshall, majoring in business administration with an emphasis in finance. I spent my freshman summer interning at Oceanview Capital Partners and will be interning at Tikehau Capital in New York this summer, working in their decarbonization fund. I'm also excited to join Moelis & Company in Los Angeles for my junior year summer. The PFF organization has been a huge help to me, and I'm really looking forward to giving back as a mentor. I went through the recruitment process as an underclassman and know how challenging it can be. I'm more than happy to chat about interview tips, recruitment guidelines, or anything else you might have questions about. Feel free to reach out via email—I'd love to help in any way I can!

My name is Dylan Cook and I am currently a private equity associate at AVALT, a private equity firm based in Boston, MA. I started my career as an associate at BCG in our principal investors and private equity (PIPE) practice. I attended Vanderbilt University and graduated summa cum laude in 2022 with a B.S. in both Public Policy and Human & Organizational Development (HOD). I pursued a career in Consulting out of undergrad to keep my career options open and determine what field would be a strong long-term fit (which ultimately led me into Private Equity). More than happy to discuss all things recruiting and day-to-day for Private Equity and Consulting.

My name is Maxwell Wang and I am currently a private equity associate at The Carlyle Group within the global infrastructure private equity team. I began my career at Citigroup as a project finance analyst, where I focused on structuring debt instruments for infrastructure projects. I graduated from Cornell University in 2021 with a B.Sc. in Industrial and Labor Relations. I pursued a career in finance after learning about the industry from peers in various student organizations on campus, and am excited to help others pursue their own career path.

My name is Charles Kintner, and I am an incoming analyst in William Blair's Industrials group in their Chicago office. Prior to interning with William Blair, I worked at a lower middle-market private equity firm focusing on industrial, consumer, and healthcare markets. I graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a bachelor's degree in economics. My attending of a nontarget university provided numerous hurdles to surmount, but through perseverance, passion, and good fortune I was able to succeed; I want to help nontarget and nontraditional candidates do the same. I am happy to help at any stage: whether it is your first step of choosing banking as a career path to mock interviews and technical preparation.

Feel free to reach out to my email.