Trojan Investing Playbook

Breaking into Tech IB

We’re joined by Finny Ho (Perella Weinberg Partners) and Lucas Turcuato (Barclays), both Incoming Summer Analysts, to discuss what makes technology investment banking unique - from staying ahead of rapidly evolving tech sectors to how technical you really need to be. They also share a few recruiting blunders and key moments that helped shape their outcomes, offering practical insight for students heading into the next recruiting cycle.

NYC Recruiting with Aarav Sethi

This week, we spoke with Aarav Sethi, an incoming Summer Analyst at Lazard (NYC), about the logistics and timelines behind New York specific recruiting and how it differs from other regions. Aarav also shared his personal recruiting journey and offered practical advice on what sophomores should prioritize going into winter break to stay competitive. 

Breaking into Restructuring

Our guest this week is Leo Kim, a USC senior and Director of Capstone for the Trojan Investing Society, who summered at Houlihan Lokey’s Restructuring Group. Leo shared what makes RX unique, how to approach the recruiting process, and insights from leading Capstone, TIS’s technical training program focused on Excel modeling.

Behaviorals that Stand Out

We sat down with Ishan Tandon, Incoming Analyst at Perella Weinberg Partners, to discuss how to craft standout behavioral stories, approach interviews with confidence, and differentiate beyond technicals.

Breaking into Industrials IB

In this episode, we sat down with Justin Lim (Incoming 2026 Summer Analyst at Perella Weinberg Partners). He shares his experience recruiting Industrials, tips and tricks to have success, and they key technicals that matter most!

Breaking into Healthcare IB

In this episode, we sat down with Jake Hertzman (Incoming Investment Banking Analyst at Centerview), and Luke Finch (Incoming 2026 Summer Analyst at JP Morgan). They share their experience recruiting Healthcare, tips and tricks to have success, and they key technicals that matter most!

Offer Spotlight: Libby Ferencik (Goldman Sachs NYC)

In this episode, we’re joined by Libby Ferencik, Senior Advisor of the Trojan Investing Society, who gives an honest and motivating account of her journey from recruiting to her upcoming full-time role in New York City. Libby walks us through her offer journey, and then takes us into her summer internship in NYC at Goldman Sachs’ in their Leveraged Finance group. She shares how she navigated that experience, what she learned, and how she maximized every opportunity, before revealing her next chapter: returning full time to Goldman Sachs in NYC in the TMT group. If you're navigating the recruiting process, preparing for an internship, or pursuing a career in IB, Libby’s insights deliver real talk, actionable strategy, and true inspiration.

Breaking into Houston IB (Oil & Gas)

In this episode, we sat down with Ford Johnson, COO of the Trojan Investing Society (2026 Summer Analyst at Intrepid Financial Partners), and Jackson Laite (2026 Summer Analyst at Evercore). They share their paths into Houston Oil & Gas IB, recruiting nuances, and the key technical skills that matter most.

Insights from TIS Faculty Advisor: Professor Plotts

Co-hosts Max and Kruti sat down with the TIS Faculty Advisor, Professor Julia Plotts. As a long time professor at Marshall, Professor Plotts has seen the evolution of TIS and shared her vision for the club on this episode. We also talked about the financial services hub, TFA and her advice for sophomores embarking on the process.

Meet the Presidents and Private Investing Day

We sat down with both of our Co-Presidents to hear about their unique journeys at USC, the recruiting process, and how they've shaped our club's vision. We also previewed some of the exciting events coming up - like Private Investing Day - that you won't want to miss.
 
If you're interested in finance, recruiting tips, or simply want to get to know the leaders behind the club, this episode is for you!