Alumna Advises Others to Take Charge of Their Careers
Britt Brown (MBA ’22), Vice President – Investment Banking – SPG, Wells Fargo
Alumna Advises Others to Take Charge of Their Careers
You’ve worked in trading and investment banking at Wells Fargo for almost eight years. What drew you to this field and how has your role changed over time?
I entered the world of sales and trading after being encouraged by a mentor who recognized my potential as an exceptional candidate. I was determined to outwork and out-hustle anyone, so I became intrigued by the vast opportunities the field offered. With a strong desire to earn a significant income straight out of college, I firmly believed that trading was the most effective path to reaching my financial goals.
Tell us more about your personal interest in history and public policy and how you transitioned to banking.
In seventh grade, I took the initiative to work for Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, who represented New York’s 12th congressional district from 2013 to 2023 and New York’s 14th congressional district from 1993 to 2013. This experience sharpened my skills in persuading people to vote and ignited a strong passion within for public policy. Subsequently, I made a deliberate choice to take time off from school to contribute to Senator Claire McCaskill’s campaign in Missouri in 2012. These campaigns confirmed my belief that I have the power to make a significant impact in people’s lives through my efforts.
When I began my journey at the University of Virginia, I set my sights on a career in public policy, aiming to learn the intricacies of the field and land a job at Deloitte in consulting. However, I quickly recognized that investment banking presented more compelling opportunities, prompting me to shift my focus. Combining my passion for history and my curiosity about the past enabled me with the skills to analyze my clients’ backgrounds effectively. I remain committed to my initial interest in public policy and am confident that I will pursue a role in that arena in the future.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career so far?
If I were to genuinely assess my journey, I would say that my greatest accomplishment has been my ability to navigate a large bank and advance my career despite facing numerous obstacles. Today, I have the ability to approach my job with a trading background layered with an understanding of our risk assessment as a firm that most folks don’t see until they are thrusted into a management seat. I have cultivated an extensive network and take pride in the significant challenges I have successfully tackled along the way.
As our February alumni spotlight, what is your perspective on diversity and why do you think it is important to recognize Black History this month?
As a Black lesbian living in North Carolina originally from New York, I reflect on the world we live in and the current political climate with a sense of urgency. Occasionally, I have to carry my daughter’s birth certificate to prove that I am the mother of my biracial daughter, which underscores the reality we face. It’s essential to honor the leaders who came before us and to draw strength from their sacrifices. I recognize the hard work and struggles of those who fought for my rights, and I firmly believe in the necessity of claiming a seat at the table.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as a Black woman in your field, and how have you overcome them?
I face significant challenges in finding mentors and sponsors who share my background and sensitivities. There are not enough people I can turn to for guidance or to discuss various scenarios. I recognize the importance of speaking up in critical moments, and I am determined to ensure that when something is questionable, it is addressed directly. The lack of mentors and sponsors to help navigate these challenges is a serious issue that needs to be acknowledged not just in investment banking but also amongst all the Fortune 500 companies.
You completed the MBA at our Charlotte Center. What was your experience like in the Evening MBA program and why did you choose Wake Forest?
I thoroughly enjoyed the Charlotte Evening MBA program. It was clear that everyone was leveraging the program to boost their careers, gain promotions, or make significant role changes – and I did the same. The program was specifically designed to meet my needs and aligned perfectly with my job. The investment I made in my MBA was absolutely worth it.
How has the Wake Forest MBA shaped your career?
The Wake Forest MBA has significantly influenced my career in two critical ways: qualitatively and quantitatively. On the qualitative side, the skills I gained in communication and negotiation, along with understanding different styles of doing so, have been invaluable equipping me with the confidence to engage effectively across various styles. On the quantitative side, the analytical skills I developed have prepared me and contributed to my success in my current job role.
Looking back, what is your favorite Wake Forest experience?
One of the standout experiences was when my group managed a business from scratch. This class exercise required us to apply all the skills we had developed throughout our courses to solve the case. Our objective was clear – to be the most profitable. Our team not only achieved this but did so by a substantial margin, securing millions in profits. We excelled in all areas of earnings. It was immensely satisfying to directly apply our knowledge and see tangible results from our hard work.
What advice would you give to young alumni just starting out in their careers?
My advice for graduating students and young alumni is to remember that this is your first job, not your last. Come in with clear goals about what you want to learn. Identify your targets and discover what keeps you fascinated. Your passions should align with your goals. Clearly define what you love about the job or any other role. Determine what tools you need and establish connections with the right people to secure the next job that excites you. Take charge of your career path!
