A student’s perspective on the Wall Street Bound — Fin-tech Bootcamp sponsored by IHS Markit
Early in the Fall Semester, I was recommended to sign up for a place in the Wall Street Bound Fin-tech Bootcamp, sponsored by IHS Markit which was scheduled to take place during the winter break. This sounded great but at the back of my mind, I also knew that the 2 weeks clashed with my first 2 weeks of soccer practice in the new year. Knowingly, I went about my business preparing for pre-season instead, until we were informed leading up to the day that the start of pre-season would be delayed a couple of weeks. Initially, I was fuming with the thought of not going back to practice for another couple of weeks. Little did I know that this would turn out to be a major blessing in disguise as it now meant that I could participate in the program with full commitment.
Wall Street Bound aims to provide education and opportunities by empowering students from all backgrounds and walks of life, regardless of ones major in University. IHS Markit, the sponsoring company of the program is a world-leading information service provider. Together, the two organizations combined their passion, energy, knowledge, and creativity to deliver a masterclass for the lucky students. The structure of the bootcamp was very well thought out and assembled immaculately. The mornings were all about education, providing the students with relevant knowledge of the capital markets as well as setting the scene for budding discussions and debates surrounding events that impact the industry. It was then followed by members at IHS Markit from various roles presenting about the work they do and the different solutions they offer to their clients. This was a great opportunity for students to interact with professionals in the industry and gain a meaningful insight into the culture and the work that is being done at the company.
What did it look like from a student’s perspective?
The two-week journey was a thrilling roller coaster ride to be on. As students, we were slow out of the blocks on day 1, not exhibiting the energy that these professionals deserved. In all fairness to the team, we knew we were playing for each other, so we re-grouped, got together, and with Mr. Dale Favors leading the team we pledged to take it to the next level raising our standards. This meant that around the clock for the rest of the program we were interacting with each other, making sure we all understood the content, the insights about the company and ensured that we were able to present the best of ourselves each and every day to the best of our ability. Personally, I relate the experience to a pre-season training camp where it’s all about the team challenging each other and learning about one another. We were even lucky to have guest speakers like financial titan Leon Cooperman, spreading his knowledge and wisdom to the students. At the culmination of the program, we were put into teams and tasked with delivering our own presentation on behalf of IHS Markit to a potential client. It was time to apply everything we learned from our education and interactions with IHS Markit professionals to practice and deliver a memorable presentation in front of a big zoom crowd.
A challenging task, with the clock ticking and pressure building. So be it, the last 2 days and 2 long long nights was both the most challenging and wholesome way to start the new year.
Insight into Team Cadbury (Our team)
Team Cadbury started off slow getting those icebreakers out the way. We brainstormed ideas. We had no idea where we were going for hours. We tried to apply what we learned in ways that were not convincing. We argued with each other, feeling the pressure but we never left one of our teammates behind. We were all buckled up for the rollercoaster ride when Mr. Dale Favors accepted my zoom invitation at 11 pm to provide an education clinic to the group, providing both a reality check and one of the most productive hours of learning 2 nights before we were scheduled to present our final case.
As a team, we regrouped again and tackled the problem. Again, we felt the pressure which led to confrontation, but we also took the time out to resolve our differences, communicated with each other, and got the work done. It was a group of completely different individuals with different majors and different personalities from all walks of life but we all shared the same energy and passion so there was no way the band was breaking up!
We had the wise Mr. Larry Williams who will always be an inspiration to me. 46 years young, your non traditional student, a man who got thrown a curveball in life but still hit it out the park for a home run. His energy and curiosity, conditional on his circumstances will forever be an inspiration to me. The man is always asking questions, always wanting to learn more, and always looking out for his mates trying to lift all those around him to the next level. Larry mate you are truly a legend! We had the smooth Ms. Ruby Chen who would always come through clutch and deliver the goods, staying composed and confronting every challenge that came her way, Mr. Aryan Malik who could unlock a heart with his smile and charisma, and Ms. Kiara Serrano the workhorse who set the standard for all of us making sure the team saw it through to the finish line. Then there was me, the loud and at times obnoxious soccer guy treating my teammates like they are on the soccer team. Apologies for all the sports analogies team! Ha
At this stage of the program, teamwork was exemplified. We took the time out to understand each others’ strengths and made sure we showcased that come game day. Once everything came together it was one of the most beautiful things. The night before the big game we took a couple of minutes to reflect on our journey as a little family and reassured each other that whatever happened on the big day, the previous 48 hours were an amazing experience where we developed a bond that we are sure will never mature! When game day came around every member stepped up and put in a shift, challenging themselves to be comfortable outside of their comfort zones and embracing the moment. We presented the evaluation software solution to our clients in Hong Kong, FMSD Assets to better interact with the sell-side regarding research material. I was so proud of our team it was unreal! Go Team Cadbury!
From a student’s perspective, it is easy to appreciate the time, effort, and thought that every single person put into orchestrating the program. A special shout out to Mr. Troy Prince, Founder and CEO of Wall Street Bound for providing the wonderful opportunity to students as well as Ms. Noah Baltagi along with her colleague Mr. McEvans Francois for delivering a smashing virtual program. There was not one single representative from the IHS Markit team that did not put their full heart and soul into the program. All aspects of the program were well thought and structured even to the point where members were willing to go overtime to answer our questions and continue the discussions.
And then there are people like Mr. Dale Favors, the machine that never gives up on those people around him, always looking to take his people to the next level. This is an insight into the culture and type of people involved with the Wall Street Bound program. People who are willing to help, and drop their knowledge on you regardless of time and place. Mr. Dale Favors, was an inspiration, who would be available around the clock as early as 5 am up to as late as 12 am. The program more than lived up to expectations, by far being the most engaging virtual event I have ever attended.
At the end of the day, students all have their own personal unique goals from such a program, whether it be to network, learn, or seek an employment opportunity. This is completely fine and it is fitting that one pursues their goals relentlessly, although there is a common understanding and expectation in this environment that students maintain a level of curiosity, engagement, and energy that attracts attention. With that being said it was most definitely a challenging, educational, and wholesome way to start the new year. :)