Finance Student Credits SDSU Mentorship and Dad for His Early Success

Finance Student Credits SDSU Mentorship and Dad for His Early Success

Jacob Mahony is an SDSU senior majoring in finance

For many who work in the financial industry, a job in New York City’s financial district would be a dream-come-true. 

SDSU finance major, Jacob Mahony, can confirm that. He’s already worked there. 

Mahony, who will graduate in May, earned a highly sought-after internship as a financial analyst for Arup, an international engineering and architectural firm who specializes in large commercial projects. 

“I learned about a financial analyst internship through my Aztec Mentor Program mentor, Alan Jennat (’90, accounting and ’95 M.A., Latin American studies) who is also the CFO of Arup,” said Mahony. “After mentoring me throughout the fall semester of my junior year, Alan encouraged me to apply for the internship at Arup’s office in New York. Working in New York has always been a dream of mine, so I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity.” 

It was Mahony’s second internship, his first being in the financial capital of Spain, Barcelona. He spent the summer following his sophomore year at SDSU as an intern at the Barcelona branch of Atrendia, a leadership consulting firm. “I’ve always understood the importance of travel and immersing myself into other cultures, so interning in another country was the perfect opportunity to do just that,” he said. 

The real-world experience helped him to land a financial advisor position at Morgan Stanley following graduation, however, being a highly marketable job candidate is only part of Mahony’s story: He will leave a legacy of outstanding service to university and the community at-large during his time at SDSU. “I’ve always been an advocate for making a positive impact on the surrounding community,” he explained.

Mahony is president of SDSU’s Intrafraternity Council

Mahony’s actions prove his point. Last year, he spearheaded a drive within the SDSU Greek system to raise over 4,500 food items to fight food insecurity in San Diego and at SDSU. As president of the College of Business Council, he will coordinate the organization’s Holiday Toy Drive to provide gifts to underprivileged local children. He also tirelessly advocates for his fellow business students as he represents them at meetings and one-on-one discussions with top administrators from SDSU’s Fowler College of Business. 

A native of Huntington Beach, California, Mahony said he chose to attend SDSU “because I heard great things about the business program and the opportunities to build my resume through student organizations and internships,” he explained. 

The inspiration for Mahony’s tireless commitment to the community and hard work can be traced right back to his roots. “My father, Sean Mahony is my hero. He has always taught me the importance of work ethic and he is the reason I am the person I am today,” he said. “I don’t know where I would be today if not for my father’s guidance and support throughout my life. I hope to be as great of a father as he is one day.”