Exploring the Academic Paths and Intriguing Facts of Wall Street's 2025 Up-and-Comers

Business Insider's 2025 Rising Stars of Wall Street are making waves in the realms of investment, trading, and deal-making. To understand the emerging face of Wall Street, we’ve explored the educational backgrounds and career paths of this year’s notable individuals, revealing essential patterns for thriving in the financial sector. Here’s your overview of 25 ambitious individuals steering the future of the financial world.

Introducing the Stars

This distinguished group comprises nine individuals serving on the sell side at investment banks, with another 16 engaged on the buy side. On average, they are 33 years old, with just three under the age of 30.

Academic Backgrounds

The group reflects a rich variety of educational pedigrees, having attended 19 prestigious institutions during their undergraduate studies. This includes esteemed research universities, prominent business schools, and exclusive liberal arts colleges. Among them, five are alumni of Ivy League schools, and notably, four graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, five individuals hold MBAs, with two earned from Harvard Business School, two from NYU Stern, and one from Cornell University.

In terms of athletic endeavors during college, at least three individuals were involved in competitive sports. Jake Woodson, now a trader at Goldman Sachs, played varsity football at the University of British Columbia. Jackie Shepherd from Morgan Stanley was twice captain of the University of Minnesota’s women’s golf team, and Jack Levendoski, who works with JPMorgan in M&A, was on the rowing team at Lehigh University.

These talented stars emerged from institutions such as Boston College, Boston University, Bryn Mawr College, and Brigham Young University. Their educational journey also led them through places like the University of California, Berkeley, Colgate University, Columbia University, Lehigh University, and the London Business School.

The list also includes alumni from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, New York University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Edinburgh. Other elite schools in their histories are the University of Minnesota, University of Notre Dame, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.

Career Beginnings

A significant portion, thirteen in number, initiated their careers within the investment banking field. Among them, four began at Citi, two apiece at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, while others laid their foundation at Rothschild, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Jefferies, and Moelis & Company. A technology assessment led to eight shifting to the buy side, with seven focusing on private equity or credit. In contrast, one individual transitioned from a buy-side role to the sell side.

Additionally, seven of these professionals veered into finance from other industries. Noteworthy is Lamar Cardinez, now with Blue Owl Capital, who started in a rotational program with the National Football League, and Jack Levendoski worked initially with Chevron before his foray into banking.

Intriguing Personal Details

This year's class is characterized by interesting and diverse personal facts. Directors Natalie Lamberton of GTCR and Mary-Grace Papatheodorou at Morgan Stanley each embraced motherhood for the first time this year. Lamberton also has a unique background as a former DJ for Radio Disney during her school years. Nikunj Jain from Bridgewater pursued advanced machine learning studies post-graduation in just two and a half years.

Another remarkable individual, Madelaine O'Connell of HPS, balanced instructing fitness classes early in the morning with her demanding investment banking role. Meanwhile, Jessica Shill, a portfolio manager at Janus Henderson, named her dog after a well-loved character from the 'Harry Potter' series – Minerva McGonagall.

Arting Chang from Advent International stands out for a unique hobby – collecting over 50 distinctive statement blazers.

Title Overview

This distinguished group holds a range of key positions, including eight managing directors, five principals, three vice presidents, three portfolio managers, two executive directors, and a singular director.