Seven University of Nebraska–Lincoln students gained a firsthand look at careers in finance during a spring trip to New York City for the Forté Foundation’s Fast Track to Finance Conference. The group was led by Brandy Bode, a junior finance major from Hershey, Nebraska, who returned to guide students after attending last year.
Bode was selected to lead the group after standing out during last year’s trip for her preparation and professionalism. She worked with faculty to review applications, help students prepare and guide the group throughout the conference.
Hosted in New York, the conference connects undergraduate women with financial firms through panels, networking and mentorship. Bode supported the group throughout the conference, helping students engage directly with professionals and explore career paths across the industry.
“Being in New York, the hub of the finance industry, created exposure that many Nebraska students wouldn’t otherwise have,” Bode said. “They were able to engage directly with professionals, ask candid questions and build relationships beyond their existing networks. What stood out to me was how intentionally our students engaged. They asked thoughtful, well-prepared questions and weren’t afraid to initiate conversations.”
The group included Jillian Weland, a junior computer science and finance major from Elkhorn, Nebraska; Madeline Duveneck, a junior finance major from Severance, Colorado; Elizeh Tarkian, a sophomore economics and finance major from Lincoln; Rachel Vrable, a freshman finance and management major from Papillion, Nebraska; Julia Perju, a freshman actuarial science and finance major from Elkhorn; and Alexandria Tan, a freshman finance major from Overland Park, Kansas.
“Last year, I walked in focused on absorbing as much as I could. This year, I walked in thinking about how I could contribute to the experience for others,” Bode said. “It wasn’t about having everything figured out. It was about helping create an environment where we could all grow.”
Vrable said the experience helped clarify her interests and build confidence.
“Connecting with women leading in high finance made the industry feel both tangible and inspiring,” Vrable said. “They emphasized having confidence and not being afraid to take up space, and I plan to use my voice more boldly as I work toward my goals.”
Students also heard perspectives from top firms and Nebraska alumni working in the industry.
“We had a chance to speak with analysts and recruiters from leading firms, which provided a valuable perspective on recruiting and professional development,” said Perju. “It was especially inspiring to learn from Nebraska alumni Tiara Tingle ('18) of DigitalBridge and Kris Grosshans ('85) of Mizuho and hear their perspectives on career growth and leadership.”
A key message from the conference resonated with Bode and her peers: do not self-select out of opportunities.
“Hearing that from senior leaders in the industry reinforced how common self-doubt can be, even among high performers,” Bode said. “It’s one of the reasons I didn’t say no to returning to the conference with students this year.”
Stanislava Nikolova, chair of the Department of Finance, Alice M. Dittman Chair of Banking and Finance and professor of finance, said Bode’s leadership reflects the program’s emphasis on mentorship and growth.
“Returning to the Forté conference in a leadership role speaks to Brandy’s growth and her commitment to lifting others along the way,” Nikolova said. “Experiences like this help students build confidence, expand their networks and see what is possible when they step forward.”
Nikolova also noted the broader impact of the conference on students exploring careers in finance.
“The Forté conference helps pull back the curtain on recruiting and career paths,” Nikolova said. “It gives students clarity, momentum and the chance to build relationships that can shape their future.”
The trip for the seven students was made possible through funding from the Department of Finance Advisory Board, which supported student participation after hearing Bode share her experience at the conference during a fall board meeting.
“It demonstrates Nebraska's commitment not just to academics, but to professional development and long-term career success,” Bode said.
For Bode, leading the trip reinforced the impact of investing in others.
“My biggest areas of growth during college happened when others took the time to invest in me,” she said. “Being able to represent Nebraska in this way reinforced why I chose to come here.”
The college’s partnership with Forté provides students with access to virtual and in-person professional development opportunities. Additional programs, including future Forté conferences and networking events, will be available to students exploring careers in business.
