Success story: Tech and finance lead Brendan O’Grady to E&Y

Areas of Study , Finance , IT / Information Systems Success Stories | Feb 22, 2013 | Nicole Gesualdo

Brendan O’Grady (GSB ’13) didn’t foresee himself finding his very first post-graduation job at a large firm. But a big firm found him: Powerhouse Ernst & Young has chosen Brendan for its technology advisory practice, housed within the financial services office in Times Square.

Brendan’s position points up the advantage of focusing on the intersection of business and technology. He pursued concentrations in both finance and information systems with his business administration degree, not to mention a minor in economics.

“I chose finance because I was brought up learning that companies such as banks make pretty much everything possible — without banks to underwrite and such, we wouldn’t have any of the companies in any industry that we have now,” he explained. “I chose info systems because I recognized that it can apply to all fields of study, and finance and technology go hand in hand. My dad manages IT at a trading house, so I saw how vital and useful that skill set is.”

Brendan’s group at EY provides technology consulting services to large banks, asset managers and insurance companies. He’ll technically be based in midtown, but he may end up doing some cool corporate travel — possibly some project work in Brazil — and will be at client sites four days a week.

“I thought I would work for a medium sized consulting firm,” Brendan said, “but when I saw the training, opportunities and general name recognition from EY, I couldn’t say no.”

The professors and deans at the Gabelli School are glad that Brendan didn’t, and they wish him all the best when his full-time job begins this summer.