Helping others continues the legacy
As I near graduation, I reflect on my time at Auburn with a sense of awe—awe of the mentors I have met, organizations that have bettered me, and the undeniable luck that characterized this journey.
I entered my freshman year at Auburn relatively certain of my career interests and intent on declaring finance as my major. In finance, I found a convergence of my greatest interests—a field that required analysis and the appetite for risk and an environment best suited for individuals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced situations.
The first month of my freshman year I applied for and joined the Financial Management Association and the Auburn Student Investment Fund, where I began as a junior analyst and eventually advanced up the ranks to sector director and now president. This organization evoked my passion for investing, shaped my career interests, and allowed me practical application of the concepts introduced in coursework. More importantly, it placed peer and faculty mentors in my life who pushed my boundaries, broadened my knowledge, and demanded more from my work and research.
Influencers like Tracy Richard, director of FMA, who pushed me to apply to programs and conferences and to develop my own sense of tenacity. Her stewardship steered me into Girls Who Invest—an organization advocating for a greater female presence in the asset management industry—where I was the first woman from an SEC state university to be accepted into the program. With the preparation of both FMA and ASIF, I have had the opportunity to further my knowledge through internships, case competitions, and conferences. More importantly, it allowed me an avenue to mentor and invest in other young women, hoping to equip them with similar opportunities.
These experiences transformed the lens through which I viewed finance. To me, finance is no longer merely a number-based science; rather, it is the motor that drives exciting growth opportunities that I can be a part of creating, whether they be business, political, or philanthropic efforts. The financial industry continues to become a more equitable place for women, and I believe this is largely catalyzed by the many women in the industry who have paved this path, setting a precedent of excellence for future generations of women and working to mentor those who follow in their footsteps.
Although it may sound clichéd, I truly believe in the uniqueness of the Auburn family—in the willingness of its members to pour into others, better one another, and cater to all. Without it, I would likely never have experienced the empowerment that a career in finance can yield and never have met the many Auburn men and women who have shaped me into the woman I am as I leave this university. When I think of my future career goals and desire to mentor women, they are largely shaped by the desire to honor the legacy and impact that this institution has had on my life. That is one of the many reasons I am proud to be an Auburn woman.
Jenny Herrell
Senior, Finance
Harbert College of Business