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

Pau Grabuleda

A TrendUp Now 2019 cohort graduate, currently working as an Analyst in Venture Capital after securing the position upon completion of the program.

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?

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.

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