A wide-angle shot of a crowded classroom or training room filled with young adults seated at long desks. Most students are looking toward the front of the room, and many have cardboard lunch boxes and water bottles in front of them. In the background, large windows show a bright outdoor view of buildings and trees, and a flat-screen monitor is mounted on the wall displaying a video conference interface.
A wide-angle shot of a crowded classroom or training room filled with young adults seated at long desks. Most students are looking toward the front of the room, and many have cardboard lunch boxes and water bottles in front of them. In the background, large windows show a bright outdoor view of buildings and trees, and a flat-screen monitor is mounted on the wall displaying a video conference interface.

More than 100 students attended the Finance Seminar on Investing in Growth Assets, gaining insight from industry leaders Amy McGarrity, Chief Investment Officer at Colorado PERA; Sasha Talcott, Managing Director at KKR; and Wyck Brown, Vice President at Innovest.

The seminar was structured into three main parts: personal career journeys, current market perspectives, and career advice for students interested in finance and investment management.

Part 1: Personal Story & Journey

The first part of the discussion focused on the speakers’ personal career paths and experiences in investment management. They shared how they entered the field, highlighting pivotal moments and decisions that shaped their professional trajectories. The panel also reflected on key advice they wish they had received as students preparing for careers in finance.

Amy McGarrity, Sasha Talcott, and Wyck Brown discussed early career influences, including mentors and formative experiences that significantly shaped how they think about investing and business decision-making.

Part 2: Current Market Events, Asset Allocation & Opportunities

The second part of the seminar focused on current macroeconomic and geopolitical themes influencing investment strategy. Speakers discussed the key trends they are closely monitoring and how these factors are shaping their investment decisions.

They also shared perspectives on asset allocation, including considerations around overweighting or underweighting certain sectors or asset classes. The discussion highlighted areas of compelling opportunity heading into 2026, along with emerging themes and sectors of interest.

A significant portion of the conversation focused on the impact of AI and technology, particularly how these tools are transforming deal sourcing, due diligence processes, and portfolio management strategies.

Part 3: Career Advice & Key Characteristics

The final section centered on career advice for students pursuing opportunities in finance and investment management. Speakers discussed the key characteristics they look for when hiring junior talent, emphasizing skills beyond technical competency.

They addressed the importance of prior investment banking or finance experience compared to candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The panel also highlighted essential skills for students to develop, including financial modeling, coding, data analytics, and interpersonal or “soft” skills.

Finally, the speakers offered guidance on how students can stand out in the recruiting process, particularly for those who may not come from traditional target schools or conventional finance backgrounds.

A special thank you to Amy McGarrity, Sasha Talcott, and Wyck Brown for sharing their time, insights, and expertise with students during the Finance Seminar. Their thoughtful discussion provided valuable perspectives on career pathways, investment strategy, and the evolving landscape of finance and investment management.

Learn About the Department of Finance Go Back to CBUS Buzz

Where Ambition Meets Opportunity

Support comes from MSU Denver’s College of Business, offering flexible programs with real‑world projects and support. Committed to empowering graduates to lead, solve, and inspire.

Visit the College of Business Homepage
Crowd of students clapping and cheering during the MSU Denver Athletics Department Season Kickoff.
Four MSU Denver students stand smiling and laughing together in front of a large inflatable Roadrunners mascot holding a “GET ROWDY!” sign. They are outdoors on a sunny day with a grassy hill and a bright blue sky in the background, celebrating school spirit and camaraderie.