Student Testimonials

“I joined BIA my first semester at SJSU, and since than I have grown to become the organization’s President. I would strongly recommend joining as the opportunities that BIA and the CBFS offer to students are truly unmatched on campus. Throughout my time with BIA I have been fortunate enough to make meaningful connections with professionals from all sectors of the finance industry, which has resulted in great internships. In addition to networking and professional growth opportunities, the organization also provides the most generous scholarships at SJSU, which as college students we could all use more of. I also had the opportunity to compete in the Heritage Bank Credit Analyst Certificate program, which was an awesome experience that gave me real insight into the world of commercial banking as well as a $1,000 scholarship. However, it’s not always all about work, and I have also made amazing friendships that will last long after graduation with my fellow members and officers. In essence, BIA offers a truly inclusive environment that helps prepare students for life after graduation, and I hope if you’re reading this you decide to join as it has sincerely been the most rewarding experience for me at SJSU.”

- Grace Koz

"The BIA at SJSU provided me with opportunities that I would have otherwise not had access to. Not only did the organization allow for quality networking experience with banking and financial industry professionals, but it also exposed me to other like-minded business students who were passionate about career and professional development. The club's faculty sponsors and partnerships with local firms further helped me solidify a full-time position upon graduation. Overall my participation was a positive net present value experience, and I would recommend the organization to anyone interested in the field. BANK HARD OR GO HOME!"

- Eric Enberg

"The Banking and Investment Association has been instrumental to my success at San Jose State University. As a member, I have been given the opportunity to develop my leadership skills by serving as an officer, gain a greater understanding of what it means to be a finance professional, and build a network that directly lead to my career in public accounting. Additionally, the BIA and its sponsors provide members with some of the most generous scholarships and awards available to accounting and finance students at SJSU. Joining the BIA has been the best investment I have made as a student." 

- Gregory Alexander

"As the Banking and Investment Association's Chief Investment Officer for two semesters, I earned valuable experience working with a group of officers managing one of the largest business organizations on campus, serving over a hundred student members. My role with the BIA helped me develop an extensive network of like-minded students, professors, and business professionals, in addition to providing me with opportunities to strengthen my leadership and interpersonal skills. My involvement with the BIA allowed me to obtain a $1000 Union Bank Scholarship Award of Excellence from the Center for Banking and Financial Services and helped me land an analyst position at a leading publicly traded financial institution in Silicon Valley. I highly recommend the Banking and Investment Association to any student interested in advancing their professional experience through a diverse and highly engaging business environment." 

-Dimitry Zadorozny 

“My involvement with the Banking and Investment Association (BIA) was an unforgettable experience, academically and professionally. As one of eight scholarship recipients in the Spring 2012 semester, the BIA recognized my efforts with $1,000 and participation in an awards ceremony with the “who’s who” of local industry in attendance. It was an honor having the BIA identify us as future business leaders and establishing our relationship with local industry leaders. The BIA was truly unmatched, offering the rare chance to link the classroom with the boardroom.” 

-Tarek Masri

“I have been involved with the Banking and Investment (BIA) for three years, and an officer for four semesters. As a member and officer three of the most invaluable things I will take away from this organization are soft skills, financial knowledge, and a great network. Attending weekly meetings exposed me to how much I truly did not know about the finance industry and this fueled me to seek knowledge outside the BIA and classroom. The stock competition aided me in developing a passion for investing. The weekly speakers at the BIA meetings gave me great insight on landing a potential job and were essential to me getting my full time job in advisory with KPMG.

As the president of the BIA, and great assistance from my advisors Dr. Pagani and Dr. Ivanov, I learned the importance of delegation, organization, and communication. These are all things needed to run a successful student club, but most importantly a company. What I enjoyed most was having the opportunity to network with students outside the classroom setting. We discussed topics ranging from the stock market to areas of interest around the Bay Area.

The BIA is a great club and I’m glad to be a part of it. I have met lifetime long friends who will too soon be high-level executives around the world!”

-Alex M Johnson III