College of Business Council President Pursues Finance Career in the Bay Area

May 21, 2021
Christie Keller (Senior, Finance)

Christie Keller (Senior, Finance)

The Fowler College of Business 2020-2021 College of Business Council (CBC) President, Christie Keller (Senior, Finance) has fearlessly led the CBC through the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Fowler is appreciative of her leadership and collaboration this year and congratulates her on her] post-graduation career plans. Christie graduates this month with a degree in Finance. She will continue her role with JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a corporate client banking analyst in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In her interview, Christie discusses her experiences with the CBC, offers advice for students, and describes her career search journey.

Christie’s CBC Journey and Career Plans

Name: Christie Keller

Major (and minor): Finance major with minors in Management and Entrepreneurship

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Keller having lunch with Jim Sinegal, Founder of Costco.

Keller having lunch with Jim Sinegal, Founder of Costco.

Can you describe the position and company you will be working for post graduation? 

I will be working as a corporate client banking analyst with JP Morgan! 

Can you describe a little bit about yourself and what led you to pursue finance as an area of study?

I decided to pursue a degree in finance because I am a very analytical individual. I always loved math as a child, but also enjoy working with others and am very extroverted, so I knew by pursuing finance I could combine both of those things into a career.

When did you begin your job search and what did that process entail?

I began my job search by searching for an internship during my sophomore year so I could have experience. Then I started researching companies or roles I would want to pursue in my career and began applying for internships the summer prior to junior year for the following summer, and then interned and accepted a full time role with the same company.

CBC’s annual Business Achievement Awards event.

CBC’s annual Business Achievement Awards event.

Tell us about receiving your job offer.

I received my offer to return full time the week prior to my senior year beginning! I was thrilled because I knew there was a chance I would get a return offer, but I was surprised by getting my ideal location and division. I signed the same day!

What advice do you have for fellow students, regardless of their field, looking to jumpstart their career post graduation?

Start early and research as much as you can about the field and potential companies or roles you may be interested in. Reach out to individuals from those organizations for informational interviews to learn more and network!

Pi Beta Phi sorority’s executive board.

Pi Beta Phi sorority’s executive board.

What is it that you are most looking forward to as you kick start this next chapter?

I am looking forward to moving to a new city (San Francisco)  and a new role that will enable me to continually learn a ton while starting an exciting career! 

How did SDSU prepare you for success not only at the university but after graduation?

SDSU prepared me in so many ways both in the classroom but definitely out of the classroom as well! It gave me so much leadership experience which has enabled me to grow personally and professionally through various workshops, mentors, clubs, and outstanding faculty!

What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?

Associated Students tabling at freshman orientation.

Associated Students tabling at freshman orientation.

Being a part of the College of Business Council (CBC) the past 3 years definitely was the most impactful part of SDSU! It enabled me to connect to so many parts of campus such asthe Fowler faculty & staff, other like-minded students, all the business organizations, and Associated Students. It combined both fun and personal development to create a community of so many amazing individuals who support one another!

You've been involved in CBC since you were a freshman. Please tell us about your experience and what CBC means to you. Also, why should students get involved in CBC?

Keller attending an American Marketing Association (AMA) guest speaker event.

Keller attending an American Marketing Association (AMA) guest speaker event.

As mentioned in the previous question, the CBC is a community where a lot of collaboration occurs and everyone is there to support one another! It is the best way to learn more about and get connected with various organizations, provide feedback or concerns facing business students, socialize with your peers, and gain so much leadership experience while having a strong voice on campus. Students should get involved because of the reasons I’ve listed above; they can truly make an impact on the college, implement changes they want to see made, and plan events they want to occur! 

*Group photos were taken prior to March 2020

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