Zurack Scholars Program

Program Overview

The Zurack Scholars Program is an exciting opportunity for Binghamton University undergraduate students outside the School of Management (in any college or school other than SOM) who have an interest in a finance-related career. This program is designed to provide students with the skill development opportunities and support necessary to help them successfully embark on careers in investment banking.

In addition to working with other Zurack Scholars, participants in the program will work closely with faculty, members of the student Finance Society, alumni working on Wall Street, and the School of Management Career Services staff.

Program Benefits

Scholars receive the following benefits as part of their participation in the program:

  • In depth training to prepare for careers in the finance industry.
  • Access to the Zurack Trading Room; where scholars can learn, in conjunction with the Binghamton Investment Fund, how to invest real money. 
  • Formal mentorship from current upperclassmen and alumni working in the finance industry.
  • Leadership skills development opportunities; including workshops on business etiquette.
  • One-on-one professional development meetings.
  • Professional interview practice and resume feedback

Students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid, may also be eligible for scholarship support for travel organized by the program.

Program Requirements

Program participants are expected to be actively engaged in all opportunities provided through the program. Completion of the program will depend on attendance, participation, mentor feedback, faculty feedback, and completion of all assignments as laid out below:

  • Attendance at CONNECT Employer Treks & Networking Events (NYC, Washington, Boston, West Coast).

  • Meeting with Shelley Dionne, Dean of the SOM.

  • Mock interviews with program mentors and with the Finance Society (including 3 technical).

  • Two resume approvals from mentors.

  • At least five established networking relationships with professionals.

Applying for the Program

All undergraduate students at Binghamton University, regardless of the school they are in, are eligible to apply for the program if they meet the following criteria:

  • Freshman and sophomores at Binghamton University.

  • All chosen scholars will maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Exceptions will be rare and will be determined by the faculty coordinator in consultation with the student program leaders.

Students can apply for the program by uploading their resume in pdf format to Handshake

The Fall 2024 application deadline is Monday, September 16th, 2024.

Interviews will be conducted a week after the deadline.

Student Program Leaders

Kaden Davidson (Harpur College)

  • B.A. Mathematics & Statistics, Concentration in Actuarial Science
  • B.S. Economics, Concentration in Economics Analysis
  • kdavids2@binghamton.edu

Neel Patel (School of Management)

  • B.S. Business Administration, Concentration in Finance
  • npatel74@binghamton.edu

Current Scholars

Kieran Blackwood (Harpur College)

  • B.A. Economics

Sarah Horvath (Watson College)

  • B.S. Computer Science

Grace Huang (Watson College)

  • B.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering

Isabelle Lam (School of Management)

  • B.S. Business Administration, Concentration in Finance and MIS

Daksh Mehta (Watson College)

  • B.S. Computer Science

Ray Ng (Harpur College)

  • B.A. Mathematics & Statistics
  • B.A. Economics

Shayna Nguyuen (School of Management)

  • B.S. Business Administration, Concentration in Finance and MIS

Faithful Onilede (Watson College)

  • B.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering

Julian Ortiz (Watson College)

  • B.S. Computer Science

Anna Piszczatowski (School of Management)

  • B.S. Business Administration, Concentration MIS
  • Minor in Global Studies

Kavey Zheng (Watson College)

  • B.S. Computer Science

Faculty Coordinator

Murali Jagannathan, Professor and Associate Dean

Contact at muralij@binghamton.edu or 607-777-4639.