From Classroom to Trading Floor: USD Business Students Experience the Financial Industry in NYC
Twenty-three students from the Financial Management Association student chapter and the President’s Student Leadership Institute at USD traveled to New York City to meet with top financial firms and distinguished alumni, gaining invaluable experience through real-world exposure to the financial industry, professional networking and firsthand insights into potential career paths.
During their visit, which took place April 22-26, 2025, the students toured a trading floor at Morgan Stanley. There, they learned from Todd Shaw, senior vice president at Morgan Stanley Global Wealth Management.
The group also visited Stifel, Inc., where they met with Chad Morganlander, co-founder and senior portfolio manager at Washington Crossing Advisors; Michael O’Keefe, chief investment officer; and several junior analysts who shared their experiences as new employees at the firm.
“These interactions provided students with the opportunity to learn more about the asset management industry and the early stages of a career in finance and portfolio management,” said Klaus Beckmann, Ph.D., interim dean of the Beacom School of Business.
Over the course of the trip, students met with several notable USD alumni, including John Thomson ’77, ’74, Stanton Zaczek ’17, Sophia Lima ’20, and Joshua VanHouten ’22.
“Special thanks go to all the alumni who participated, with a particular acknowledgment to John Thomson for hosting the student and alumni reception,” said Beckmann. “John shared his extensive experience in private equity investment and his knowledge and passion for art, providing students with unique insights and advice. He also facilitated the students visiting the trading floor of Morgan Stanley.”
Students Reflect on the Trip
The trip was a valuable experience for the students, both personally and professionally.
Mikael Jylanto, a sophomore finance major at the Beacom School of Business, reflected on how meeting the professionals helped put everything he has learned into perspective.
“Hearing insights from Chad Morganlander and John Thomson made the finance world feel much more real and gave me a clearer idea of the different paths I can pursue,” he said.
Other students echoed similar appreciation, noting how the experience broadened their perspective beyond the classroom. Julia Platt, a senior health services administration major at the Beacom School of Business, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the trip.
“Visiting Morgan Stanley and Stifel provided advice on transitioning from college to early career as a young professional,” Platt said. “I appreciated the advice from Stanton Zaczek, who emphasized the importance of having mentors outside of one’s own company for a fresh perspective.”
While Platt valued the career guidance, other students highlighted how the trip shaped their personal outlook. Analese Martinez, a graduate student in the accountancy program at the Beacom School of Business, shared how the trip inspired her to work harder, find her passion and be more open-minded to opportunities.
“I particularly enjoyed touring the Morgan Stanley sales trading floor and seeing the hustle and bustle of New York City’s work ethic,” said Martinez. “I found it more inspiring compared to the more casual work ethic in South Dakota.”
Students did not take the opportunity for granted. Cassidy Carson, an MBA graduate student at the Beacom School of Business, emphasized the value of opportunities like this trip for both learning and personal growth.
“I’m grateful for the generosity of the donors who made the trip possible,” said Carson. “The experience helped me feel more confident in my goals and more connected to my peers.”
The impact of the trip extended beyond professional insights. The students also enjoyed exploring the city, visiting places like Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and building connections with classmates that will carry forward. The trip left them more motivated and excited for what’s next.
The Gift that Made This Possible
This trip was made possible by a generous gift from Tom and Diane Johnson, who support leadership development at USD.
Johnson, who graduated from the Beacom School of Business in 1961, worked throughout his time in school to help pay tuition and was hired by former Dean Robert Foster Patterson to complete tasks and chores around the business school.
“I wanted to do something extra special, like Dean Patterson did for me,” said Johnson. “That’s what created the incentive for me to come up with this fund that would help support students and allow them to do things outside of the university budget.”
Since 2022, the Johnsons have contributed to three “adventures”: a trip to San Franciso, California, this New York City trip, and the first annual Business Leadership Conference for high school students considering USD for their secondary education.
“Having the opportunity to go beyond South Dakota and see what happens in the big urban city, with endless financial career possibilities, is a tremendous boost to USD,” Johnson said. “What we’re doing is allowing the business school to go beyond and seek out other ideas of how the school can give students additional experiences and enhance their future careers.”
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