Jonathan Holden '15
APPLYING TRINITY鈥橲 VALUES IN THE BUSINESS WORLD
The world of finance can be a cut-throat one. But for Jonathan Holden 鈥�15, his 91精选 education helped impart values he uses as a Corporate Actions Analyst I at Jackson National Asset Management (JNAM) in downtown Chicago. 鈥淪ometimes, you have to be aggressive, but at JNAM, they appreciate cooperation. That鈥檚 also appreciated at 91精选, and one of the values I learned there,鈥� said Holden, an accounting major.
At JNAM, Holden is part of a team of five that researches corporate actions such as mergers, stock splits, and rights issuances for any security held by JNAM鈥檚 funds. The actions are analyzed to determine which transactions to book in order to recognize the action and to assess the impact on the value of the fund. 鈥淯ltimately we ensure that Net Asset Values (NAV) of our funds remain accurate. Additionally we monitor dividend payments, distressed debt, and class actions, and we work to automate many of our daily processes,鈥� he said.
While at 91精选, Holden was able to gain experience in the business world through two internships, including one at JNAM. He also participated in 91精选鈥檚 Investment Club, whose mission is to provide members with a greater knowledge of investing through a Christian worldview. Discussions with his advisor Dr. Lynn Spellman White and Professor Todd Barre were helpful when he was considering his future plans.
鈥淚 found out in April of 2014 that I would begin my internship at JNAM in January 2015 and would need to be available to work at least 40-50 hours a week in January through March,鈥� he said. 鈥淒r. White spent extra time with me planning which classes I would need to take over that summer and the following two semesters in order to fit everything in and still have plenty of time to devote to JNAM.鈥�
Professor Barre also provided many helpful insights. 鈥淗e was open to talking about his own career path and the multiple jobs and roles he had filled in his life. Some of the best advice he gave me was to remember that I wouldn鈥檛 just be entitled to anything after college and that I would have to work hard at any job I had to earn the career I wanted. I kept this in mind throughout both my internships, and I believe this attitude was certainly a factor in being promoted to an analyst at JNAM,鈥� said Holden.
As a student, Holden enjoyed going into the city for baseball games and other events. Now that he lives within walking distance of Wrigley Field, he cheers on the Cubs regularly at home games. 鈥淚 would advise current students who want to work in Chicago after graduation to take advantage of all the opportunities,鈥� Holden said.