What is the best preparation for a Wall Street career in finance? An education from the Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics, especially with experience in top-tier student programs such as Business Honors, is one of the best routes.
Just ask Reem Metwale ’21 (finance), who has brought her Business Honors experience as an undergraduate at Cal State Fullerton to bear in her role as an internal auditor for JPMorgan Chase & Co. in New York City. In this position, she collaborates with auditors from across the company, helping her build a comprehensive understanding of the finance profession.
This latest position follows a career trajectory for Metwale that includes interning at the Government Accountability Office in Washington, D.C., working with federal audits at Davis Farr LLP, gaining exposure to commercial and manufacturing audits at Mazars USA, and contributing to the asset management global team at JPMorgan. In her current role, she works on the AI audit team, positioned at the high-demand intersection of business and technology. She explores emerging AI models, data governance, innovation, and risk management.
“Honestly, the biggest highlight of my career has been the people,” she says. “I’ve worked alongside talented professionals across the country and built meaningful relationships each step of the way. I’ve met mentors and friends I still stay in touch with, and these connections have shaped me both personally and professionally.”
The Business Honors Difference
Metwale acknowledges that without her Business Honors education, her early career path would have been unlikely.
“It taught me to think analytically, collaborate within high-performing teams, and communicate ideas effectively,” she says.
A study abroad experience in Europe was also a defining part of her Business Honors journey.
“The exposure to different business environments and international economic models was eye-opening,” she reflects. “Seeing firsthand how businesses operate across different cultural landscapes expanded my perspective and gave me a global lens that I continue to rely on today.”
How You Can Thrive in Finance Careers
Speaking to today’s business students, Metwale offers this advice on preparing for a career in finance:
- Explore different sectors of finance through internships, informational interviews, or study abroad programs to discover where your true interests lie.
- Be your own strongest advocate. Step up, take chances, and bet on yourself.
- Support those around you. Be generous with your time and knowledge — a small act of kindness can significantly impact another’s journey.
- Stay flexible and stay positive, regardless of the challenges you face.
- Be open to the unexpected. Sometimes, the detour becomes the main road.
Learn More About Business Honors
Explore more about the Business Honors program — where a large college feels small and students experience Ivy League-level learning opportunities — by reading our articles highlighting this transformational experience for high-achieving students.
