Author: Free Logic Media

TJ Hegedus

What sparked your interest in finance, and how did you become aware of TrendUp?

My journey into the world of finance began in my college years, where I found a deep fascination with my business courses, far surpassing my interest in aerospace studies. This passion extended beyond the classroom, as I actively engaged in investing through my personal brokerage account.

The pivotal moment came during an exchange program at my university, where my investment teacher introduced me to TrendUp. Under his guidance, I embarked on the journey of completing L1 and L2 of TrendUp’s courses, which I later continued by myself. This experience not only solidified my interest in finance but also equipped me with the skills and knowledge to navigate the financial markets confidently.

As a part of the SRP Program you secured a position at one of our partner funds while still in college, how did that propel you into the finance industry?

The SRP Program was a critical stepping stone for me, first landing me an internship at a prestigious $500 million Wealth Management Office. The certification I earned through the program was highly valued by my employer, setting me apart in a competitive field. Coming from a non-target school, this distinction was invaluable, leveling the playing field with peers from more recognized institutions. The hands-on experience and the practical knowledge I gained, coupled with the program’s certification, significantly accelerated my entry and growth in the finance industry. It was more than just an academic exercise; it was a real-world introduction to the professional finance world.

Many of our students highlight the personalized feedback and one-on-one reviews as crucial elements of their learning experience. How did these aspects of the program specifically contribute to your growth and preparation for a career in finance?

The one-on-one reviews that took place after every single level and personalized feedback were game-changers for me. These sessions provided an opportunity for in-depth learning and personal growth that went beyond the standard curriculum. The feedback was always constructive, tailored to my specific strengths and areas for improvement, which helped me develop a much clearer understanding of my career path and how to excel in it.

They offered a level of support and clarity you don’t often see in education. This tailored guidance helped sharpen my strengths and address my weaknesses, making me more confident and prepared for my career in finance.

Was it difficult to combine the TrendUp Program while being a university student?

Balancing the TrendUp Program with my university studies was certainly challenging, but absolutely manageable. It required a commitment of around 10 hours a week, more or less 1 or 2 hours per day. I was doing 16 hours of credit so toward the higher end of the whole credit world and I was able to get all my work done and still do a good job at the Program. This did mean making some sacrifices, particularly socially, as my time became more focused on academics and the program. However, the trade-off was well worth it. The skills and experiences I gained from the TrendUp Program not only complimented my university education but also provided a significant boost to my career prospects. It’s a balance of priorities, and for me, the investment in my future was a clear choice.

Investment Banking

James Becker

How did you find out about TrendUp, and how did it help you pivot your career path?

So, I had a bit of a unique background, before TrendUp I was a machinist – I worked in the trades. I was always interested in Finance, but I really didn’t have the tools to pursue it as a career, so I got started by going back to school to study a master’s in finance.

Just having earned my master’s degree and trying to make that switch into Finance I found that I was really missing some critical work experience, and so I was looking for additional avenues to develop my experience with internships. This was when I stumbled upon TrendUp Now, as a platform that had real boots on the ground in my target industries, specifically the buy side, hedge fund industry.

Were there any stand-out parts of the TrendUp Now program that you felt added the most value to your finance skillset?

Starting our learning in equities and then progressing on to derivatives and then futures, I found was extremely beneficial to really understand how to trade these products. So, I would say the progression through investment strategies was definitely valuable.

On the other hand, the coaching from my mentor, Alex, was really helpful in developing the key soft skills for Finance interviews. We met roughly 6 times, and we had specific meetings about how to best present myself, which went a long way towards exactly how to break into this industry.

As someone proud of my different background, compared to where a lot of other people in the space are coming from, the TrendUp Now program gave me the confidence and the ability to explain my path, how I got here, and why I deserve a shot within investment banking.

Can you explain a little bit about your current role within Investment Banking?

Sure, I’m an investment banking analyst, more specifically a closing analyst at Woodbridge International.

Essentially, once we have interested groups looking to purchase a company, I vet and support negotiations for these groups, working with anyone from an independent sponsor, all the way up to private equity. It’s crucial to ask the proper questions, to make sure that they have the resources and the strategic angle to make a successful acquisition.

Actually, we just closed a deal today where the buyer couldn’t be more pleased with the group we brought on, and the seller couldn’t be happier either. So really, it’s fun more than anything in a way – fun and a real challenge.

Was TrendUp Now a contributing factor to securing your role as an Investment Banking Analyst?

Yes, I would say the big thing was being able to come into my interviews and have the confidence to say I deserve a seat at this table, and these are the reasons why I want to get here.

Nothing came easy during this process and with TrendUp Now I definitely felt like I had earned it. The people that I was interviewing against may have come from more of a conventional story for the finance track, but I feel like they may not have been as hungry as I was.

Initially as a student without any lengthy experience in finance, TrendUp was key as I pivoted and began to be assessed alongside peers who did have backgrounds in the industry. The program really acted as a catalyst for my career in this sense. I enjoy talking about TrendUp – I often talk about it to my coworkers and explain exactly how I got here.

I’d like to express my gratitude for the opportunity! TrendUp isn’t necessarily an internship route that everyone knows about, which they should because I certainly felt it added great value to my career in investment banking.

Wealth Management

Nick Henry

Can you share a little bit about your background before joining TrendUp, and the motivations leading to your application?

Basically, my whole life I was playing baseball, and after I graduated high school I made the decision that I wanted to get drafted – I wanted to play professionally. So by the time I got to college I was solely focused on baseball training and I honestly wasn’t thinking about a future career.

Once I got to the point where baseball had ended for me, I realized I would struggle to get the jobs I really wanted in finance because I didn’t have the experience. So, I needed to find something that would make me a good candidate for those even entry level jobs in finance, and to get my career started which was when I found TrendUp Now.

Can you tell us a little bit about your career after graduating from TrendUp Now?

I knew that I wanted to be in finance before I enrolled onto TrendUp, and as the course progressed I started to develop an inkling for investing strategy and asset management style work.

So, I was looking for jobs that aligned with my interests in the buy-side space, and a wealth analyst position came up which included access to portfolio managers whom I’d directly report to. I figured that this might be a good opportunity to interact with, and learn from some super knowledgeable people. I’m still working there today, and it’s still exciting to be a part of the complex relationships and strategies across the firm.

I got everything I could have possibly wanted out of TrendUp Now during the program and after graduation. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity, and to Alex and the team.

Would you say that TrendUp helped you gain this role as a wealth analyst, and if so, how?

The main thing for me is it boosted my interviews. I don’t have a problem talking to people, but when I interviewed for jobs before, I didn’t feel confident and I almost had to pretend to be somebody. The second time around, after TrendUp Now, I felt like I could talk and be myself, but I actually had some stuff to say to back it up now.

Quite unusually, I did not get this job from networking, but I did update my LinkedIN with the TrendUp Now course and my SRP internship, which had a recruiter reach out to me, and that’s how I got this job.

Also, I put my published Seeking Alpha article on my Linkedin, and I spoke a lot with Max, the program’s lead asset management recruitment advisor. I talked with him, and he gave me some tips on my resume, and we made it was a lot more streamlined and focused on finance compared to what I had before. So, I think that really helped my LinkedIn get noticed by recruiters and eventually led to this job.

How did you get the most out of TrendUp now?

I went into it knowing that there were buy-side internship opportunities at the end of the program. So, I knew that I was going to work hard and give it my best. That was my number one priority, even though it didn’t take a bunch of my time necessarily.

To really get the most out of the program and to ensure I succeeded in the L course exams, I made sure to ask questions to the TrendUp professionals and my mentor, and to supplement my learning with independent research – this is key.

It was a great experience, and I honestly got everything I wanted out of the program. The whole time I was thinking to myself that if I do TrendUp and I get the internship then I’d get a job afterwards. It was almost too good to be true, until it wasn’t.

ETF Investment Analysis

Alex Bond

How did you discover TrendUp Now? What were you hoping to achieve with the program?

I was applying to buy-side finance jobs and a recruiter got in touch with me saying I’d been shortlisted for a position, so we discussed my resume and I decided to enrol with TrendUp Now. It took me from being a good candidate, to becoming a really good candidate.

I had seen other types of finance training programs but they all seemed very simple, textbook style, in comparison to TrendUp Now which offered a much more in-depth approach.

TrendUp’s options trading training definitely caught my eye at first. I was trading lots of options at the time, so I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to learn from hedge fund professionals. Also, coming out of college I was really intrigued to find out more about what goes on inside the buy-side industry, and what it would be like to work at a hedge fund or venture capital fund, for example.

How did you discover TrendUp Now? What were you hoping to achieve with the program?

Being able to pitch to a hedge fund manager was definitely the stand out experience for me. I was able to test my skills out during this experience and I certainly came to use them during interviews after graduating from TrendUp – I’ll always look back on it fondly.

I’m currently an investment analyst at an ETFs company, and I actually shared my pitch from TrendUp Now when I interviews for the role. Later on after I got the job I spoke to some analysts on the team and they told me the pitch was a big reason they ended up hiring me.

How did the SRP program set you up for a career in finance?

In addition to the pitch, I’d confidently say that the research experience and opportunity to develop my writing skills on the SRP set me up well.

You know part of my application process and interview to my current company was to write a paper, and I think having learned those skills from the SRP definitely put me above the other candidates.

During the program, I networked with my peers and we worked on our skills together and talked over our trades. I think that it was really helpful. We had one guy on our team who traded like a monster, and learning some of his ideas and how he looked at things was actually very helpful.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to enroll onto TrendUp Now?

Yeah, I would say, it’s really one of the programs that you get out of it as much as you put into it. You know, I know that’s kind of cliche, but if you’re willing to work hard and you do have a genuine interest in buy-side finance, then go for it.

Ultimately, just work hard for it. If you work hard, then you’ll make it through the L courses and into the SRP internship.

Any final comments?

I know, without a doubt, after talking to my other team members that I would not have secured a job as an investment analyst without TrendUp Now or the SRP program on my resume. So honestly I’m really grateful for the experience, and to be able to go through that experience. It definitely made a huge impact on my career and jump-started a few years of work.

Venture Capital

Pau Grabuleda

You began the program while being a university student? How did you learn about TrendUp and why did you decide to pursue the Program?

My introduction to TrendUp came from a friend who had landed an impressive internship through the program. His enthusiasm for TrendUp was infectious, and he assured me it was the key to breaking into the finance industry. Taking his advice to heart, I embarked on the TrendUp journey myself and, looking back, I do agree that it was TrendUp that sparked my success.

Back in my university days, navigating the path into the competitive finance industry was an impossible challenge, until I stumbled upon TrendUp. What captivated me about TrendUp was its strong focus on practical, hands-on learning experiences, direct mentorship from seasoned industry professionals, and the invaluable opportunity to secure internships. This program appeared to be the ideal platform to not only boost my employability but also to provide me with a distinct advantage in the fiercely competitive job market.

Your story really is impressive, while being a university student you landed a role in an investment firm, and then at Morgan Stanley in New York. Do you attribute your success to anything in particular?

A significant driver behind this success has indeed been networking. Engaging in various events, actively reaching out to professionals in the field, and improving my social skills have been instrumental in my career development. Networking hasn’t just been about making connections; it’s been about learning from others, sharing ideas, and finding mentors who have guided me along the way.

A pivotal aspect of my networking journey was my regular interaction with investment fund professionals through TrendUp. This program provided me with a unique platform to meet and learn from seasoned experts in the finance industry. It was more than just listening to lectures; it was about having real conversations, getting involved in hands-on projects, and getting feedback that really sharpened my skills and broadened my understanding of the finance world.

What advice would you give to students who want to get the most out of the TrendUp Program?

For students eager to maximize their experience with the TrendUp Program, my advice would be to dive deep into every opportunity the program offers.

First, take full advantage of the access to industry professionals. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek advice, and learn from their experiences. These interactions are golden opportunities to gain insights that you can’t find in textbooks.

Second, immerse yourself in the hands-on projects with enthusiasm. Treat these projects not just as assignments, but as stepping stones to building your career. Implementing the feedback you receive is crucial, as it represents a direct line to refining your skills and enhancing your understanding.

How did regular interaction with investment fund professionals guide you on your path into finance?

TrendUp’s approach of providing direct access to these experts, along with several financial projects, offered a learning experience that was both deep and broad.

These professionals not only shared their extensive knowledge and insights into the workings of the finance industry but also offered personalized advice and mentorship that helped me grasp the dynamics of investment funds. This exposure allowed me to understand the nuances of investment funds, develop practical skills, and build a professional network from the ground up. This hands-on exposure was crucial for developing the practical skills necessary for the industry, allowing me to build a robust professional network along the way.

You began the program while being a university student? How did you learn about TrendUp and why did you decide to pursue the Program?

Your story really is impressive, while being a university student you landed a role in an investment firm, and then at Morgan Stanley in New York. Do you attribute your success to anything in particular?

What advice would you give to students who want to get the most out of the TrendUp Program?

For students eager to maximize their experience with the TrendUp Program, my advice would be to dive deep into every opportunity the program offers.

How did regular interaction with investment fund professionals guide you on your path into finance?

TrendUp’s approach of providing direct access to these experts, along with several financial projects, offered a learning experience that was both deep and broad.

Investment Management

Yanrong Chen

Why did you choose to pursue TrendUp’s Program coming from a literature background?

I chose TrendUp’s Program at a time when I was ready to pivot from a literature background into understanding the market more deeply. What drew me to TrendUp was an ad that seemed to speak directly to me—highlighting qualities like passion, curiosity, and persistence, despite a lack of direct experience. TrendUp stood out as welcoming and accessible, unlike the daunting entry-level job market, offering training, experience, and opportunities tailored for someone looking to make a significant career shift. It felt like TrendUp was crafted for individuals exactly like me, eager to learn and grow in a new field.

You secured a position at one of our partner funds as a part of our SRP program, what insights can you share with us from your experience?

During my time in the program, I dove into a diverse mix of activities, from competing in trading competitions to presenting investment opportunities and authoring research articles. Though the timeframe was short, the intensity of the experience required strong motivation and careful planning. The most significant lesson learned was the critical importance of executing tasks and navigating complex assignments with efficiency. Mastering the coordination of an entire portfolio prior to its presentation was an invaluable skill that I acquired. This memorable experience closely reflects the day-to-day responsibilities I now handle in the industry. I embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly, making the most of each moment to expand my knowledge and enhance my skills. This internship later became a pivotal point in discussions with potential employers, underscoring the practical experience and tangible skills I had developed.

How did the regular interactions with Investment Fund professionals help you break into the wealth management industry?

Interacting regularly with Investment Fund professionals through the program was a game-changer for breaking into the wealth management industry. Before I even finished the program, I started landing interviews, thanks in part to having TrendUp on my resume and earning the CFOA certification. When it came time to applying for jobs,, the professionals I had worked with during my SRP didn’t hesitate to write glowing recommendations for me. Having such strong endorsements from industry insiders is gold for an employer sifting through candidates. I stayed in touch with them for about six months, and our communication was always productive and insightful, ultimately leading to powerful testimonials on my behalf. It’s clear to me now how pivotal these hedge fund professionals were in my early success.

How likely are you to recommend the course to someone who is trying to break into finance?

If I were to rate my likelihood of recommending this course to someone trying to break into finance on a scale from 1 to 10, it would undoubtedly be a 10—actually, an 11! I’d absolutely recommend TrendUp to anyone aiming to enter the finance sector. The program’s mix of expert mentorship, real-world projects, and the CFOA certification offers a unique and effective learning experience. It’s perfect for gaining the practical skills and industry connections needed to kickstart a career in finance. With its hands-on approach and access to professionals, TrendUp is an invaluable asset for those serious about making their mark in the competitive world of finance. I’m not just likely to recommend it; I’m excited for others to discover its benefits.

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Next cohort (Fall'24) start date: September 28, 2024

2024