Three Gabelli alumni enlighten sophomores on finance jobs

Alumni , Areas of Study , Event Recaps , Finance Stories | Nov 03, 2011 | Nicole Gesualdo

Students listen to Philip Camporeale Jr. (GSB ’00) during their visit to JPMorgan Chase.

For students taking the first steps toward a business career, some of the subdivisions within the financial world — and the routes to landing work in those fields — can be somewhat opaque. Helping a group of Gabelli sophomores to gain a clearer understanding of work in finance were three Gabelli alumni: John McCombe (GSB ’82), Charles Menges (GSB ’64) and Philip Camporeale Jr. (GSB ’00), accomplished professionals who enjoy great stature in the New York City business community.

The 30 sophomores who heard Mr. McCombe and Mr. Menges speak are members of the Integrated Learning Community for Global Business. This special community is part of Fordham’s ongoing commitment to providing ways for students to live together and learn together: These sophomores reside on the same floor in O’Hare Hall, take many of the same courses, and attend special events as a cohesive unit.

Charles Menges (GSB ’64) of Alliance Bernstein gives his presentation to the Integrated Learning Community students.

Students in the learning community heard from the Gabelli alumni on the businessmen’s home turf. Accompanied by Mr. McCombe, president and director of sales for Richard Bernstein Advisors, the sophomores first visited the offices of Alliance Bernstein, where Mr. Menges is CFA principal. Mr. Menges explained the ins and outs of the fields of asset and wealth management. Then, two weeks later, the group went to JPMorgan Chase‘s offices on Park Avenue in midtown, where Mr. Camporeale, a fixed income portfolio manager, told the tale of how his Fordham education helped him to move from the business classroom into a successful career in asset management.

Each alumnus took the time to shed light on the path he took from college to the boardroom, the lessons learned along the way and the most memorable moments that came together to make a satisfying career. The sophomores who attended these programs walked away with an understanding that they, too, have the potential to establish careers like these — and that Gabelli alumni are here in the city to help them do it.

Photographs courtesy of Steven Najdzionek, advisor to the Integrated Learning Community for Global Business.