Building a Future in Finance Rooted in Family and Resilience

Carolina Fernandez: Building a Future in Finance Rooted in Family and Resilience

Carolina Fernandez (she/her) is a third-year economics student at CCNY with a passion for finance and a strong drive to pave the way for her family's legacy. Born and raised in New York's Kingsbridge neighborhood, Carolina is the youngest of three and the first in her family to pursue a degree in the U.S. Her Dominican American roots and the resilience of her parents have deeply influenced her journey.

A Journey Shaped by Family and Ambition

Growing up across from the iconic Kingsbridge Armory, Carolina witnessed her parents' hard work firsthand. Her father, once an agriculturist in the Dominican Republic, started a small business selling fruits and vegetables in New York. Her mother, a cleaning lady for companies like Bloomberg and Chase Bank, instilled in Carolina the power of learning. "My mom is a woman who is empowering, hardworking, nurturing, and most importantly, supportive," Carolina shares. Her mother's mantra, "Estudia para hacerte profesional e independiente algún día" ("Study so that one day you can become a professional and independent"), guided Carolina's path.

Carolina's journey took a challenging turn during her first year of college when her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Balancing her studies with hospital visits and caring for her mother was a formative period that reinforced her commitment to making her family proud. Thankfully, her mother is now in remission, and Carolina remains motivated to excel in her studies and career.

Pursuing a Passion for Finance

Carolina’s fascination with finance was sparked by her childhood experiences accompanying her mother to her cleaning jobs at major financial firms. The curiosity about what these professionals did behind closed doors led her to explore the world of finance. In college, the dynamic nature of the market and the opportunity for daily challenges drew her in even more.

Recently, Carolina completed an internship at Centerbridge Partners, working as a Deal Closing Intern. This experience opened her eyes to the various teams and divisions within a firm, fueling her curiosity about private markets. The Colin Powell School played a key role in her career development, offering programs like Future In Finance and the Santander Finance Fellowship, which provided her with critical skills and connections. "I owe a lot of my career preparation to [my advisor] Jennifer and the program," she reflects.

Looking Ahead: Internships and Aspirations

Carolina is now applying for summer 2025 roles, targeting positions in private investing markets within the investment team. She is particularly intrigued by private credit and CLOs, hoping to secure a role where she can continue to learn and grow. Although post-graduation seems far off, Carolina is considering either securing a job in finance or pursuing a master's degree to further her education. No matter the path, her focus remains on building a fulfilling career that she can look back on with pride.

A Resume as a Timeline of Growth

For Carolina, one of her most significant accomplishments is the evolution of her resume. From an initial version with green fonts and blank spaces to a robust document filled with relevant experiences, her resume symbolizes her growth and determination. "A resume does more than just list relevant experiences; it documents all the different versions of yourself over the years," she says.

Advice for Fellow Students

Carolina’s advice to students is to show how hungry they are for opportunities. "Your engagement and commitment are the most valuable assets you have," she emphasizes. Building relationships with professors and professionals is crucial, as they are eager to help and share their knowledge. She also believes in the power of rejection as a form of redirection, encouraging students not to be discouraged by setbacks. Beyond professional pursuits, she stresses the importance of building close-knit bonds with those around you. "Accomplishing many goals is fulfilling, but not having someone to share them with isn’t," she reflects.

The Powell School in Three Words: Giving, Supportive, Dynamic

Carolina describes the Colin Powell School as a place that gives back, supports its students, and fosters a dynamic environment for growth. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, family, and the pursuit of knowledge, as she continues to pave her path in the world of finance.