Alumni play a vital role in Jesuit’s legacy and often serve as mentors, sharing career experiences, setbacks, and successes with current students. The Investment Club, which meets weekly to discuss investment strategies, market trends, and portfolio management, welcomed Richard Barnett ’94, father of juniors William and Michael Barnett, for an insightful lunchtime session.

A former championship wrestler at Jesuit, Barnett traced his career from an economics and finance degree at Loyola University to positions at Lehman Brothers, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank. He described his entry into investment banking, the importance of reputation in securing a first role, and his later transition into conversations on cryptocurrency with industry peers.

Over pizza in an overflowing room, Barnett reviewed his current stock recommendations and offered guidance on when to favor stocks over bonds. He noted that young investors benefit most from equity’s growth potential, while bonds can provide stability as one nears retirement. He also cautioned that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies remain speculative and unsuitable as stable currencies.

Barnett highlighted artificial intelligence as an emerging force in investment research, forecasting a bright future for data-driven decision making. He stressed that even students uninterested in finance should take at least one accounting course. Understanding accounting principles, he said, is essential for evaluating a company’s health and can open doors to fields such as investment banking.

Throughout the session, students listened attentively and posed thoughtful questions on portfolio diversification, market timing, and the integration of AI tools in financial analysis. Barnett urged students to begin investing early to harness the power of compound interest. His remarks concluded with a lively question-and-answer period, leaving attendees with tangible steps for pursuing careers in finance.

Alumni who would like to volunteer their time for Career Day or any other alumni event at Jesuit should use this online Alumni Volunteer Form to indicate their interest. Alumni participation in Career Day or as specialized speaker is a meaningful way in which Blue Jay alumni reconnect and give back to their alma mater.