Man Nguyen

Lead Credit Officer at JP Morgan Chase

Why did you choose TCM?

To be honest, it felt more like TCM chose me. I first heard about the program through members of the Student Investment Fund, who all spoke highly of it. They consistently said, “TCM is a highly competitive program that offers a unique, real-world opportunity to learn about investment finance — it’s the best experience you’ll have at CSUF.” That left a strong impression on me, and I knew I wanted to be part of it.

Although I wasn’t selected in the initial round, I was fortunate to be given a second chance when a few students dropped out. I took the opportunity seriously and joined the cohort just as the program began. Looking back, TCM turned out to be the most impactful learning experience I had at CSUF.

What did you learn from TCM?

TCM served as a bridge between academic theory and real-world finance. The program deepened my understanding of advanced investment concepts, but more importantly, it exposed me to the perspectives of seasoned professionals. Hearing their real-life experiences — the challenges they faced, the skills they valued, and the mistakes they’d learned from — was incredibly eye-opening. That mentorship component left a lasting impression on me.

How did TCM transform you or impact your career or life?

Beyond technical knowledge, TCM gave me the confidence and clarity I needed at a pivotal time. As a non-native English speaker just starting my career, language was a major barrier. I spent my first year after graduation working as a personal banker, which helped me build communication skills.

I then drew on the experience and foundation I gained from TCM to land my first credit role underwriting middle-market companies at Comerica. From there, I continued growing, eventually joining Barclays Capital in New York to work with hedge funds and asset managers. Most recently, I’ve started a new chapter at J.P. Morgan, managing credit risk with private equity and private credit clients.

The learning journey I’ve been on — and the opportunities I’ve had — all trace back to the mindset and foundation I built through TCM.

How did you benefit from TCM?

TCM is an incredible program with tremendous resources, but the value you get is directly tied to the effort you put in. Looking back, there was even more I could have absorbed if I had more time and bandwidth back then.

Kyrstin Huxtable

Deal Advisory & Strategy Associate at KPMG

Why did you choose TCM?

My introduction to TCM came through Professor Ko, who encouraged me to apply. My background is primarily in accounting, and while I hadn't previously considered this area of finance during my first few years at CSUF, the opportunity to learn something completely new was compelling. I was drawn to the challenge of expanding my skillset and exploring a different side of the financial world. It piqued my curiosity, and I recognized the potential value of gaining practical experience in investment management.

What did you learn from TCM?

TCM provided a well-rounded learning experience, extending beyond the fundamentals of investing. I honed valuable skills in communication, research, financial analysis, and public speaking, while also developing a more critical and analytical approach to problem-solving. TCM encouraged us to challenge assumptions and delve deeper into the rationale behind investment strategies. Exposure to diverse industries also broadened my understanding of the overall business and macroeconomic landscape.

How did TCM transform you or have a huge impact on your career or even your life?

TCM was a significant learning experience, particularly given my lack of prior investment experience and not participating in SMIF. The summer before starting, I threw myself into it; and embraced the challenge of rapidly acquiring new knowledge and skills, which significantly enhanced my adaptability and resourcefulness. The program built my confidence in public speaking and instilled a proactive approach to learning. Moreover, TCM sparked a genuine passion for finance, exposing me to unconsidered opportunities and giving me a better idea of where I want to take my career in the future.

How did you benefit from TCM?

My TCM experience complements my strong accounting foundation and provides a distinct advantage among my peers at my current role in Accounting Advisory at KPMG. My additional background in investment analysis gives me a unique perspective on market dynamics and deal rationale, enabling me to grasp the broader context of deals. The emphasis TCM placed on understanding market trends and company strategies has been particularly beneficial in grasping the "why" behind my work at KPMG. It allows me to engage more meaningfully in discussions with senior team members and contribute more effectively to client engagements.

Laura Romine

Associate at BNP Paribas

Why did I choose TCM

I heard about TCM through word-of-mouth my junior year at CSUF, as one of my friends was applying to the program a year ahead of me. I was already involved in the SMIF program and had fallen in love with finance by this point, fascinated by the concept of time value of money which I learned in FIN 320. I was interested in joining TCM to gain hands-on investing experience and work with a team to think through portfolio investment ideas. I thought it would be a valuable program from a career perspective, and a more interesting and unique experience to be part of.

Impact of TCM

I joined TCM my senior year at CSUF and it was a hallmark of my undergrad experience. Writing economic summaries, researching companies and bonds, and pitching to my classmates and the Board put me in the driver's seat of an investment portfolio for the first time. While the program required a lot of time and dedication, I learned so much through actually doing the work. TCM helped me to reflect and think critically about the market environment, as well as structure my thoughts in a coherent way. I started reading financial newsletters regularly and challenged myself to reframe their conclusions in language that made sense to me.

The self-confidence I gained while presenting my research and insights in the TCM program laid the foundation for future opportunities to come. Being part of the TCM program set me up for success both for my first full-time job as a product strategy analyst at PIMCO, and for my future MBA at Harvard Business School. These experiences required an ability and willingness to speak up and share my thoughts, whether about the current market or for a case study analysis. At PIMCO, it was an advantage to already be well-versed in the bond market and able to put together market summaries. During my MBA, I was challenged to quickly read and analyze cases to build an argument and be able to defend it in class, similar to thinking through an investment pitch.

Even today, I continue to build on the critical thinking and presentation skills cultivated in TCM. In my current role as a banker at BNP Paribas, I focus on the low carbon transition and infrastructure sector. A lot of my work is inherently tied to the opportunities in the current market, and being able to assess a company's financial standing. The top-down economic research and bottom-up credit analysis I worked on in TCM remains a core framework for how I think about markets today.

Finally, being a part of TCM provided access to some amazing mentors. I am extremely grateful for the mentorship and career guidance I've received from Board members, who so graciously offer their time and expertise. I am thrilled to be able to stay involved as an alum, even from afar in NYC, and help build community with other TCM alum and new students.

Kenneth Sherb

Associate Consultant at Bain & Co.

Why did you choose TCM?

I chose the Titan Capital Management (TCM) Program because it offered two rare and incredibly valuable opportunities that go far beyond what’s typically available in a university setting. First, it gave me the chance to apply the financial theories and investment principles I was learning in the classroom to a real-world portfolio. There’s no substitute for the hands-on experience of making real decisions with real capital, and TCM allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice in a meaningful way. Second, I was drawn to the opportunity to work closely with dedicated professors and engaged industry professionals. People who genuinely care about my growth, and who have continued to be mentors and champions in my professional journey.

What did you learn from TCM?

TCM pushed me to grow in several dimensions. Academically, it deepened my understanding of capital markets and investment strategies, particularly in evaluating diverse public investment opportunities. Professionally, I developed strong analytical and critical thinking skills by conducting in-depth research and making data-driven investment decisions. Equally important, I refined my ability to work effectively in teams, manage competing priorities, and present ideas clearly to different audiences. The program also instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and ownership, traits that have been critical as I start my professional career.

How did TCM transform you or have a huge impact on your career or even your life?

TCM has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic career. It helped me build life-long friendships with like-minded peers who share my passion for finance and investing. The alumni network I became a part of is incredibly supportive, and many of them continue to serve as informal mentors, offering guidance, advice, and encouragement as I pursue my career. The confidence I gained through this program, from making investment decisions to presenting to professionals, has had a lasting impact on both my professional ambitions and personal development.

How did you benefit from TCM?

The benefits I gained from TCM are extensive. I walked away with a solid foundation in portfolio management and equity research, and gained practical leadership experience by contributing to and helping guide the CFA IRC competition team. It also gave me a powerful narrative to share with recruiters demonstrating that I’ve gone beyond classroom learning to take initiative in a competitive, real-world investment setting. This experience not only strengthened my resume but also counted toward college credit, making it both an academically and professionally rewarding opportunity.