Name: Matt Kennedy
Graduation Year: 2010
Major(s): Finance & Accounting (Double Degree)
Emphasis: Corporate Finance
Current Job: Vice President (Investment Banking)
Company: Banks Street Partners, LLC
Location: Charlotte, NC
Tell us about what you do.
At Banks Street Partners, we provide investment banking services to financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) companies. More specifically, we advise our bank and fintech clients on M&A transactions, capital raises, stock valuations and strategic planning initiatives.
Describe a recent accomplishment you achieved or a project you worked on.
What does a normal day look like in your job?
In true finance fashion, I’ll use percentages to break down where I spend my time and give you a better feel for my typical day.
50% – Excel & PowerPoint work analyzing M&A transactions, creating pitch books for future clients and other ad hoc analysis as required
30% – Phone or In-Person conversations with client management teams and boards of directors
10% – Reviewing work from junior employees
10% – Internal operations
What’s been your biggest challenge since graduation?
Remaining patient while being aggressive in pursuing my long-term career goals
What was your favorite/most memorable moment at Clemson?
Three-way tie for first place:
1a) College Gameday 2006 when we played Georgia Tech
1b) ZTA’s Big Man on Campus competition
1c) Tailgating on the quad
What do you think prepared you the most?
Jack Wolf’s Financial Modeling class and MA Prater’s Intermediate Accounting classes. Dr. Wolf’s Financial Modeling class equipped me with the Microsoft Excel skills and problem solving ability mandatory for success in a financial analyst role immediately out of school. MA Prater’s Intermediate Accounting classes provided “next-level” accounting knowledge that I tap into on a regular basis at work.
Any words of advice to current students?
Don’t be a stiff. A great personality, genuine interest in others and sense of humor will make you successful at work and in your community.
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