Alyssa Nichols always knew she would build her career in the world of finance and investments. So, once she was ready to pursue a degree, she started looking for an academic institution that could provide an international education in her area of interest. When she discovered the Bachelor in Economics at IE University, Alyssa knew she’d found the right fit: a well-rounded program that allowed her to choose elective classes specifically related to investing. Tell us about your professional journey at T. Rowe Price. I started at T. Rowe Price as a fellow in their Investment Fellowship Program. Typically, fellows do four six-month rotations across different analyst groups (for example, Private Equity, Trading Analytics, Multi-Asset Research and Fixed Income). After two years in the program—and sometimes earlier—fellows are placed in permanent positions, often with one of the groups they rotated in. In June, I started my first rotation with the Investment and Trading Solutions team. I was involved in building apps and other tools for Fixed Income portfolio managers, portfolio investment analysts (PIAs) and other team members directly related to the accounts and funds we manage. During this time, I realized that I preferred to stay in a market-facing role like this one, rather than some of the more research-focused rotations. There was an opening on the Fixed Income PIA team, so I applied and interviewed for the position. I just received and accepted the offer to permanently fill that role, so I’ll be exiting the Fellowship Program early. I will be working with the rest of the trading desk to help model and execute the portfolio managers’ goals for various strategies. Which skills do you think are necessary to succeed in your field? This is a field that requires attention to detail, strong critical thinking and an analytical mindset. You also need to be able to handle long hours and fast-paced work environments. But the most important asset to have is a passion for finance and investments. How did the IE Community help you pursue your fellowship? The IE Talent & Careers team helped me format and write my resume to highlight my best qualities. They also shared prep materials and mock interviews specific to the jobs I was applying for. Additionally, the ability to take electives without restrictions allowed me to choose classes that have given me a better understanding of the topics I work with now. How did your experience at IE University prepare you for your professional career? IE University not only prepared me for the Fellowship Program, it also positioned me to find a permanent role more quickly. With the wide variety of classes I took for my Bachelor in Economics, I was able to gain a baseline understanding of many of the concepts I was introduced to in my first few weeks on the job. Additionally, the fact that classes aren’t strictly structured around lectures and an exam allowed me to learn and practice many different skills that have been essential in the workplace, like giving presentations, preparing reports and completing projects. Even just being able to effectively show my knowledge and communicate results in conversations with colleagues is something that IE University helped me build confidence in. These are the qualities that helped me stand out and demonstrate my potential in the workplace. What competitive advantage has studying at IE University provided you? Having studied at a university that is international in all senses of the word—in terms of location, learning experiences and student body—I stood out among other candidates back in my home country. Many times, interviewers would focus heavily on my decision to go abroad, as well as how I fared in an environment outside my comfort zone. It allowed me to showcase traits that employers in the industry are looking for, like the ability to adapt to new settings and work with people from different backgrounds. What advice would you give to future Bachelor in Economics students? Put in the effort, especially in the first few years, to boost your GPA and learn which parts of economics you like most. For me, it was game theory and capital markets. This will help you on your path to finding internships and, eventually, a career. Get comfortable asking questions and always express an interest in the things you’re passionate about. So far, I’ve found that the best way to move forward in my career is by finding what I like and putting myself out there, so that the people making the decisions know I will be highly motivated to do the job well if they give me an opportunity. If someone is thinking about joining IE University, what would you tell them? I would say it’s an excellent opportunity to not only get a great education but also a head start in your career, if you put in the effort. It’s also a place where you can make lifelong friends from all corners of the world.