Finance & Investment Professional

Zachary
Pakis

Rutgers University finance student, NCAA student-athlete, and aspiring investment banker with a passion for equity research and financial markets.

Finance
Current Role
Student Athlete
Rutgers Newark Men's Volleyball — Top-20 NCAA Program
Career Focus
Investment Banking
Targeting IB, Asset Management & Financial Markets
Location
Newark, NJ
Open to relocation — incl. Dallas–Fort Worth
01 — About

Who I Am

I'm a Finance student at Rutgers University–Newark with a clear-eyed focus on building a career in investment banking and asset management. My path has been shaped by hands-on exposure at Stifel Financial, competitive investment analysis at the TCU Investor Challenge, and the daily discipline demanded by Division III collegiate athletics.


I believe the qualities that make a great athlete — relentless preparation, composure under pressure, and the ability to execute as part of a team — translate directly into high-performance finance careers. I'm actively seeking internship opportunities where I can bring that same dedication to real markets and real clients.

📈

Market Driven

Deep interest in equity research, asset allocation, and financial markets — from classroom theory to real-world application at Stifel Financial.

🏐

NCAA Competitor

Competing on a nationally ranked Division III volleyball program while maintaining strong academic performance — proof of prioritization and grit.

🔍

Analytical Thinker

Presented investment recommendations at the TCU Investor Challenge, applying valuation frameworks and industry research to real equity decisions.

02 — Experience

Work & Projects

Stifel Financial
Financial Advisory Shadow
Waco, TX

Shadowed senior Financial Advisor Steve Myatt, gaining direct exposure to the day-to-day practice of wealth management and client advisory at one of the nation's leading investment firms.

  • Observed live client portfolio reviews and investment planning discussions, building intuition for client relationship management
  • Studied fundamentals of asset allocation, equity research, and portfolio construction in a professional setting
  • Gained practical exposure to financial advisory processes, compliance considerations, and practice management
Texas Christian University
TCU Investor Challenge
Participant

Competed in a rigorous investment analysis challenge hosted by TCU, applying academic finance knowledge to evaluate real equity opportunities under competitive conditions.

  • Conducted deep-dive research on company financials, industry trends, and valuation metrics to identify investment opportunities
  • Collaborated with team members to synthesize research into a cohesive investment thesis and presentation
  • Developed and delivered formal investment recommendations to a panel of judges, practicing financial communication skills
Rutgers Newark
NCAA Student-Athlete
New Brunswick, NJ

Active member of the Rutgers Newark Men's Volleyball Team, a nationally ranked Top-20 NCAA program. Manages the dual demands of competitive athletics and a rigorous finance curriculum.

  • Competes at the NCAA collegiate level representing a Top-20 nationally ranked program
  • Maintains full academic course load while adhering to a demanding training and competition schedule
  • Develops leadership, teamwork, and time management skills tested in high-pressure game environments
03 — Education

Academic Background

Rutgers University – Newark
Bachelor of Science in Finance  ·  Expected Graduation: May 2028
Finance Equity Research Investment Analysis Student-Athlete Top-20 NCAA Volleyball
3.0 GPA
04 — Skills

Core Competencies

📊
Financial Analysis
Income statements, balance sheets, cash flow
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Equity Research
Valuation, industry analysis, due diligence
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Investment Research
Market trends, portfolio evaluation
📋
Microsoft Excel
Financial modeling, data analysis
🤝
Team Leadership
Collaboration, communication, execution
Time Management
Athlete-tested prioritization & discipline
05 — Contact

Let's Connect.

Open to internship opportunities in Investment Banking, Asset Management, and Financial Markets.
Available to relocate — including the Dallas–Fort Worth area.