Smith Career Day Features Alumni in Banking, Consulting, and Finance

Sept. 23, 2025

Hosted by  and the Babson Center for Global Commerce on Thursday, Sept. 18, Smith Career Day gave Sewanee students a chance to interact with young alumni to learn more about the fields of banking, consulting, and finance.

The day consisted of one-on-one conversations, panel discussions, and presentations that provided students from all majors with guidance on how to succeed in the recruiting and hiring process, as well as how to chart a path towards rewarding careers in those fields.

"That Sewanee connection is something that you can’t really find anywhere else,” says Jake Walling, C’26. “It’s good to have these people here—who have been where you want to go—that you can learn from and who can help you grow.”

The program sessions this year focused on finance interview skills, consulting case interview skills, recruiters’ advice for succeeding as a candidate, and insider insight into the banking, consulting, and finance fields. In addition to attending the panels and presentations, participating students also had the opportunity to network with the returning alumni via one-on-one conversations, where they benefited from hearing more personal pieces of advice.

“One of the greatest things I learned in the classroom and in the community here was that you can make a difference,” says Francesca George, C’23. “So when you find something that sparks your interest: Take it, run with it, and do something good with it.”

Alumni participating in Smith Career Day 2025 included: 

• Isabel Berbert, C’06, Wealth Advisor, SignatureFD
• Jonny Crumly, C’20, Private Wealth Advisor, Goldman Sachs
• Gracie Evans, C’21, Senior Consultant & Chief of Staff, NTT Data
• Roberto Ferrey, C’24, International Tax Consultant, Deloitte
• Francesca George, C’23, Senior Strategist, BCG Brighthouse
• Matthew Holcomb, C’21, Private Equity Associate, Partners Group
• Ann-Meg Keatley, C’18, Senior Vice President/Credit Advisor, Pinnacle Financial Partners
• Hawkins Schnabel, C’24, Analyst, Harris Williams
• Justin Smith, C’10, ARG Senior Portfolio Manager, Truist
• Sara Walker, C’05, Talent Director and Head of Recruiting, Harris Williams

Smith Career Day is generously supported by the Joel A. Smith III, C’67, Fund.