With a limited number of spots available each year, only the top finance students in the Chaifetz School of Business are admitted into the Saint Louis University Applied Portfolio Management (APM) program. These SLU students learn the latest investment strategies directly from top area finance professionals, giving them an advantage in the job market post-graduation.
Meet the 2024 APM Analysts
Isaac Akinniyi
I am a senior pursuing a degree in finance and accounting with a concentration in financial analysis and an interest in investment banking. I want to learn the intricacies of investing. I want to understand and take advantage of the changes in the stock market and figure out the best wealth management strategies for clients. After graduation, I intend to start working in the finance industry while pursuing a CFA certification. I am seeking roles in financial analysis, portfolio management, and investment banking.
Damira Amanbekova
I am a senior at Saint Louis University, double majoring in finance with a concentration in financial analysis and international business, with additional minors in economics, accounting and service leadership. As a first-generation, multicultural student, I have cultivated a unique global perspective through living in four different countries and leading high-profile projects across international markets, such as the United Arab Emirates and Spain. Professionally, I have gained valuable hands-on experience through internships at KPMG and JTC Group, where I contributed to the financial accounting of multi-million-dollar funds and supported the successful implementation of large-scale financial systems.
Fluent in four languages, I am eager to leverage my global insight and financial expertise in the investment industry. With plans to obtain the CFA certification, I am committed to driving impactful results in portfolio management and financial strategy.
Conner Benbow
Conner is a senior majoring in finance. In summer 2024, Conner worked at Surmount Capital Partners, a private real estate fund, as an underwriting intern. Outside of APM he is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. Upon graduating in December, Conner will be working for The Michelson Organization, a private equity real estate firm, as an acquisitions analyst, where he will develop skills in commercial underwriting, asset management, and investor relations.
Kayla Brady
Kayla is a senior studying finance and economics with a concentration in financial analysis. She interned at Hickory Wealth Management in the summer of 2023, where she assisted with portfolio analysis and researched prospective investments. In the summer of 2024, Kayla had an exciting opportunity to intern at Morgan Stanley in wealth management. She was the first intern to bring in over 100 leads in a month since 2015, which led to a full-time internship offer for the academic year. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in finance and is committed to achieving CFA certification.
Grady Easton
I am a senior at Saint Louis University majoring in finance and a student-athlete on the men's soccer team. While pursuing a professional playing career, I am also passionate about expanding my knowledge of the finance industry. Though I have not yet completed an internship, I am eager to gain hands-on experience and enhance my skill set. As I consider the next steps in my career, I am exploring opportunities for a master's degree, industry roles, and pursuing a CFA certification. I am highly motivated to apply my discipline, teamwork, and analytical skills in a professional setting.
Adam Foley
I am currently a senior majoring in both economics and finance, with a minor in mathematics. In summer 2024, I was fortunate enough to work at Fifth Third Bank as an interest rates derivatives intern in the bank's fixed income, currencies, and commodities group. I participated in SLU's study abroad program in Madrid during the second semester of my sophomore year, which allowed me to travel to five different countries. I also worked as a teacher's assistant for SLU's business school in the Introduction to Excel class. Additionally, I am an active member of the business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, where I have served as both the senior vice president and the intramurals chair.
Sal Goaley
Sal is pursuing a degree in finance with a concentration in financial analysis, beginning to look for opportunities to contribute to the industry. Fascinated with firm valuation, Sal plans to pursue a career as a mergers and acquisition specialist for a corporation. He is also taking the Level 1 exam in August and is committed to earning his CFAcCharter. Outside of the classroom, Sal is a member of the Real Estate Club and a weightlifting enthusiast.
Ethan Hoak
I am currently a senior, double majoring in finance with concentration in real estate, and entrepreneurship. This past summer, I worked on a barge on Lake Champlain, covering areas in both Vermont and New York. Outside of academics, I serve as the president of SLU's Real Estate Club and am a member of the SLU swim team. After graduation, I will be pursing my CFA certificate and seeking roles in real estate or equity analysis.
Daniel Jurgens
I am a senior at Saint Louis University triple majoring in finance, economics, and
sports business. Over the past two summers I interned with Reinsurance Group of America
(RGA) in Chesterfield, Missouri. During these summers, and throughout the subsequent
academic years, I have held three intern positions at RGA which have provided me with
valuable experience such as internal financial and investment reporting, process improvement,
and dashboard creation using Python and Power BI.
I am a proactive, data-driven, continuous learner dedicated to growing and applying
my knowledge of financial and investment topics. After I graduate in the spring of
2025, I plan to work in an investment analyst role and to pursue my CFA shortly after
graduating.
Mark Kosir
Born and raised in Slovenia, Europe, I am currently pursuing a degree in finance with a minor in business technology management. Investing became my passion in the early years of high school, and SLU has offered me great resources to take it to the next level. I'm fascinated by the world of finance, with a particular interest in valuing businesses and understanding the dynamics of financial markets.
Since February 2023, I've been working at a boutique hedge fund in Clayton, which has been immensely rewarding in many aspects. It has improved my skillset in stock analysis, financial market literacy, and establishing client relationships. I was primarily focused on healthcare, retail, and transportation companies. The summer before, I worked as a strategy and transactions intern at EY, where I was involved in two live buy-side deals: one for a company seeking refinancing, and the other for an acquisition. My role was strictly limited to due diligence analysis and financial modeling in Excel, but it was nevertheless extremely beneficial for my career development.
Andrew Maulding
Andrew is a senior majoring in finance, with interests in financial markets and macroeconomics. He is approaching two years of experience as a real estate private equity intern with Land and Apartments, a St Louis-based investment firm. His involvement on campus has included membership in the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity and as treasurer of SLU Club Golf. Upon graduating in December, Andrew plans to pursue a career in equity research or investment analysis.
Noah Peterson
I am a finance and accounting major at SLU graduating in May 2025. My passion for the financial world began in high school, and it has only grown since then. I have always enjoyed financial analysis, which led to my role as an equity research intern at Kennedy Capital Management, where I grew my financial analysis and other technical skills. Prior to that, I interned in wealth management at Mesirow in Chicago, where I focused on helping clients, collaborating with a team, and building trust. Going forward, I plan to obtain my CFA and am open to roles in corporate finance and the investment management industry. Outside of work and school, I enjoy playing intramural soccer, golfing, watching the Chicago Bears, and cooking.
Zachary Sherman
Zach is a senior pursuing a double major in finance and accounting at Saint Louis University. As an active member of Delta Sigma Pi, he served as social chair during the Spring 2024 semester, where he organized and led events that strengthened chapter cohesion. During the summer, Zach interned at Boeing in St. Louis, where he contributed to the finance team working on defense contracts. He managed Excel dashboards, prepared weekly reports, and played a key role in leading his team through a contract descoping process. Outside of work and school, his hobbies include golf, cooking, and playing pickleball with family and friends. After graduation, Zach is eager to apply his skills and experience in finance, aiming to pursue opportunities as an equity analyst or in corporate finance, where he can continue to make an impact through financial analysis and strategic decision-making.
Jasmine Sun
I am a senior majoring in finance with a strong foundation in financial analysis, market research, and portfolio management. My academic experiences have refined my skills in financial modeling, company valuations, and investment strategies.
Fluent in Mandarin, I bring a global perspective to finance and am equipped to work in diverse business environments. Post-graduation, I plan to pursue the CFA certification and exploring opportunities in investment management, corporate finance, or financial consulting, where I can apply my analytical expertise to drive strategic decision-making.
Logan Whitcomb
Logan Whitcomb is a double major in finance and accounting, and is currently the president of the SLU Finance Club. He had a wealth management internship last summer at D.A. Davidson, which offered the opportunity to take and pass the Securities Industry Essentials exam. Having actively managed personal investments for many years, he is excited to learn more about portfolio management this fall in APM.