Get to Know UBS: Casey Chung
Name: Casey Chung
Grade: 3rd year
Major: Business Economics
Career interest: Investment Banking
Q - What got you interested in investment banking?
A - Prior to coming to UCLA, my knowledge of business and finance was minimal beyond only a genuine curiosity in the industry. After getting involved with UBS Career Development committee in the fall, I was first exposed to jobs within finance through hearing the personal experiences of alumni speakers. Likewise, my involvement with Bruin Asset Management sparked my interest in investment banking specifically. Through the mentorship I’ve gained from both organizations, I was made aware of the when and where to look for the right internships and recruiting opportunities that led me to my upcoming position in New York next summer. I’m grateful to older members for their willingness to teach me these skills and I look forward to taking on the same role for the incoming classes.
Q - Any advice to students pursuing the same career path or internship experience?
A - It’s great to get an early start in knowing what career path you want to pursue. With that said, take the opportunity to attend UBS events like Industry Nights, Business Showcase, and Jobs & Internships Fair to get exposure to what’s out there. “Business” is such a broad term that having an idea of what specifically interests you is one of the best things you can do as a freshman or sophomore. In terms of investment banking, start with getting any sort of finance or wealth management internship the summer after freshman year. It’s important to learn the soft skills that will propel you into locking down boutique banking internships during sophomore year. There’s also a lot of material online to get your technicals up to speed before your junior year summer.
Q - Best advice someone has ever given to you, in general or in relation to your career interest.
A - In regard to professional, academic, or personal goals, the best advice someone has ever given me is that luck rewards the prepared. Whether it be applying to college or applying to your dream job, there’s always a degree of luck involved in the process. The mere number of candidates who apply for that university or that summer internship makes it nearly impossible for every resume to be filtered through with a fine tooth comb. Appreciate that you’ve been lucky along the way, but also recognize that luck by itself will only get you so far. Diligent preparation lands you the job, even if there was a degree of luck that got you through the door.
Q - How did you first get involved with UBS?
A - I attended the UBS Business Showcase at the beginning of fall quarter freshman year. Having never heard of UBS before, I was interested in exploring what career options were out there in business and finance. While the event was great exposure to different career fields, it was also an early introduction to UBS. The Career Development committee resonated with me right away as it aligned with my interest in navigating business and finance as an undergraduate. After networking with UBS board members at these events early in the year, I learned about opportunities for freshman within UBS and soon after became a committee member.
Q - Any memorable internships or professional experiences?
A - This past summer, I interned with Wells Fargo Securities in their M&A group in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was my first experience living in a completely different city and adapting to working full-time as an investment banking intern. While it was a lot of long hours, I fell in love with the team and made great friends with the other interns. As the only sophomore intern in the group, I was concerned that I would be handed one-off assignments while the juniors were actively participating on deal teams. However, with a conscious effort not to sideline myself, I had the opportunity to work on a live public-sell side deal that was announced during my internship. Additionally, I worked closely with the Head of M&A on a consumer/retail focused project that included several presentations to senior bankers in the group.
Q - What interview tips do you have?
A - While it’s a prerequisite to be technically sound when interviewing for investment banking, people often underestimate the importance of behavorials. Especially as a freshman or sophomore, a display of genuine interest and willingness to learn goes a long way. Practice mock interviewing with a few friends and critique each other to iron out the kinks.
Q - What are some great career resources you like to use?
A - Especially at UCLA, the best resource is your peers—those the same year as you and the more senior people above you. While UCLA resources like Bruinview, UCLA One, the Career Center, etc. can be useful, nobody will be as straightforward and honest as the people you know from business organizations such as UBS. Look for older members in professional clubs to become your mentors and take the opportunity to learn from what they’ve done well and the mistakes they’ve made. They are often the closest to recruiting processes and have the most relevant advice.
Q - If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?
A - Dorm life at UCLA is great for a lot of reasons, but the best part is the meal plan. I’m a health nut, but cooking isn’t my specialty. Beyond making salads and heating up Trader Joe’s food, I’m not the best cook. I’d love to learn how to cook like my mom because nothing beats a homemade meal, but B Plate will have to do for now.
Q - What else are you involved with on campus and why?
A - I’m also involved in an investment banking/finance club called Bruin Asset Management. It’s smaller than UBS in terms of scale, but it provided the relevant resources and technical skills to prepare me for investment banking early on. Apart from professional clubs, I later got involved in Greek life and enjoy having a different group of friends who are exploring many other fields outside of my own interests.