Finance Peer Career Advising (PCA) Program

The Finance Peer Career Advising (PCA) program connects undergraduate students with trained senior peer advisors who have successfully completed competitive Summer Analyst internships across a range of finance sectors, including investment banking, private equity, wealth management, and more. PCAs offer firsthand insights and personalized guidance on resumes, technical prep, networking strategies, and interview preparation.

All Marshall and Leventhal undergraduate majors, as well as students pursuing the Business Finance minor and Master of Finance Progressive Degree Program, are welcome to request a 1:1 career advising appointment starting at the beginning of fall semester. PCA advising hours will be posted in HANDSHAKE.

In addition to individual advising, PCAs will also lead career education programming and panels throughout the academic year to introduce students to different areas of finance. These events will also be posted and available for registration on HANDSHAKE.

Meet the 2026-2027 Finance PCA Cohort

Investment Banking Peer Career Advisors

Will Barney
Firm (Summer 2026):
Royal Bank of Canada | San Francisco, CA

Will is a senior at USC Marshall pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration. He has previously held internships at Arete Wealth Management, a private equity roofing consolidation platform, and a lower middle market software-focused investment bank.

As a former mentor at GIS Academy, Will is excited to support students exploring careers in finance. Drawing on his experience, he provides practical guidance on recruiting, technical skill development, and breaking into competitive roles.
Outside of school and work, Will stays active with friends and enjoys reading, with a particular interest in Greco-Roman philosophy and the classics.
Jaxon Burford
Firm (Summer 2026):
Wells Fargo | Los Angeles, CA

Jaxon is a senior at USC Marshall pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. Most recently, he interned at Wells Fargo this past summer in the Financial Sponsors Group in Los Angeles. The summer prior, he interned at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management.
Alexis Choi
Firm (Summer 2026):
Citigroup | San Francisco, CA

Alexis is a senior at USC majoring in Mathematics and Economics. She previously interned at Citigroup in San Francisco within their Healthcare Investment Banking coverage group, as well as at Deloitte in New York City across their Financial Advisory and Audit practices.
Jackson Laite
Firm (Summer 2026):
Evercore | Houston, TX

Jackson is a senior at USC Marshall studying Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and a minor in Applied Analytics.
Previously, Jackson worked in Equity Research at Bahl & Gaynor and Operations at Vorys Econtrol. Most recently, he interned at Evercore in their Houston Energy Group.
Aarav Sethi
Firm (Summer 2026):
Lazard | New York City, NY

Aarav Sethi is a senior at USC Marshall studying Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and a minor in AI Applications. His work experience includes roles in hedge funds, venture capital, and credit investing. He will be spending this summer at Lazard as a Generalist Summer Analyst in New York City, particularly excited to explore the Media, Sports, and Entertainment group.

Aarav has engaged with on-campus by serving as VP of Membership for the Business Technology Group and as a member of the Undergraduate Student Investment Fund. He has enjoyed international programs such as LInC in Seoul and studying abroad at IE University in Madrid.
Off campus, Aarav enjoys travel, music, and both playing basketball and watching the New York Knicks. He is excited to serve as PCA Head for the ’26-’27 school year and support as many students as possible!

Investment Management / Buy Side Peer Career Advisors

Michella Casaretto Barrios
Firm (Summer 2026):
PIMCO | Newport Beach, CA

Michella Casaretto Barrios is a senior pursuing a double major in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance, and Economics. She has built a strong academic foundation in financial analysis and economic theory, complemented by practical experience in global financial institutions. Michella has previously interned at PwC and at Santander Bank within its Corporate and Investment Banking division, where she developed exposure to financial advisory and capital markets. She will further expand her experience this summer as a Trade Support Analyst Intern at PIMCO in Newport Beach.

On campus, Michella is actively engaged in academic and professional initiatives. She has served as a Business Finance teaching assistant for the past year and will continue in this role, supporting student learning and coursework. Additionally, she will be joining the Undergraduate Student Investment Fund (USIF) as a trader during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, further strengthening her interest in investing and financial markets.
She is also excited to serve as a PCA in the coming year.
Daksh Mor
Firm (Summer 2026):
Oaktree Capital Management | Los Angeles, CA

Daksh is a senior at USC Marshall, double majoring in Business Administration (Finance emphasis) and Accounting, with a minor in Dance. This summer, he interned at Oaktree Capital Management on the Performing Credit – High Yield Bonds team. He's also worked at an equities hedge fund, a boutique PE firm, and a fixed-income and risk desk at a foreign bank in India. His interests span high yield, distressed, and opportunistic credit, plus commodities and equities.
Johnson Wu
Firm (Summer 2026):
Vista Equity Partners | Austin, TX

Johnson Wu is a senior at the University of Southern California, where he studies Business and International Relations. He worked as a summer analyst (2026) on the Private Equity team at Vista Equity Partners in Austin. Prior to that, Johnson interned with Blue Owl Capital on the Strategic Equity team in New York City (summer 2025) and at Deloitte on the Advisory team in New York City (summer 2024).

Wealth Management / Private Banking Peer Career Advisor

Sam Kovar
Firm (Summer 2026):
Bank of America | Los Angeles, CA

Samuel Kovar is entering his senior year at USC, where he is a Business Administration major with an emphasis in finance. In addition to his major, Sam is pursuing minors in Mathematical Data Analytics and Musical Studies, where he continues his 10-year journey playing the viola.

Sam's prior experience includes programs with several top firms, including KPMG, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche bank. On campus, he is involved in a variety of initiatives supporting students. He has served as an undergraduate student consultant, teaching assistant at Marshall, Vice President of SpectrumSC, and now has the opportunity to work at the USC Financial Services Career Hub as a Finance Peer Career Advisor.

Finance Peer Career Advising (PCA) Program