Staying Involved on Campus: Jake Gallagher '17 BSBA (Finance)
Jake Gallagher is from Phoenix, Arizona, and is currently president of the Commercial Real Estate Club. Check out his responses to our six questions below:
Why did you choose the UA?
Both of my parents are Wildcats, so making the choice was easy! It definitely helped to have a great business school and scholarship opportunities, however.
What made you choose your major?
I have been interested in business from a very young age. Since coming to college, I have developed my interests within business. When choosing a major, I chose one that gave me exposure to a variety of things that I was interested in. For instance, finance majors gain exposure to in-depth investments courses like FIN421, real estate courses like FIN460, as well as exposure to corporate finance, macro/micro economics, and more. To me, a major in finance allowed me to learn a little bit about everything, and I really liked that.
What type of professional experience have you had so far?
I have worked for Peach Properties, a local real estate developer in Tucson for 10-20 hours per week, since the start of my second year. Last summer, I interned for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) on their Investment Banking team within the Capital Markets Group. Our team was responsible for placing debt/equity for clients purchasing real estate assets. We worked with private equity companies, banks, debt funds, agency lenders, hard money lenders, and institutional investors.
How have you been involved on campus so far?
Since my first year I have tried to make a point of staying involved on campus, as I see this as not only the best way to get the Eller Experience and develop professionally, but also to establish a group of close friends. I have been involved with ELITE, Financial Management Association, Zipperman Scholars, Delta Sigma Pi, and the Commercial Real Estate Club.
What has your involvement and professional experience taught you?
Be eager to learn. Go to information sessions, listen to speakers, go to extra credit events, read the newspaper, listen to podcasts. There is so much more to being successful than getting a 4.0 and showing up on time to class and then going home. Get involved, do extra things, and get yourself out there. It really sets you apart when applying to jobs and once you are in the workforce.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation I will be moving to Dallas, Texas, to work for a boutique investment banking firm, similar to the work that I was doing for JLL.