For Ava Hester and Morgan Harvey, the path to some of the most competitive finance programs in the country started in a freshman business class at Clemson University.
Now sophomores in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, Hester and Harvey, both double majoring in finance and accounting, are already gaining experience typically reserved for upperclassmen and graduates.
Through Clemson’s emphasis on mentorship, hands-on learning and professional development, the two students have earned spots in prestigious programs like Girls Who Invest and the Wharton School’s Fundamentals of Corporate Finance and Valuation program.
Together, those opportunities are helping shape their futures in investment banking, asset management and beyond.
Breaking into a competitive field
Girls Who Invest, a national nonprofit organization, is designed to increase the number of women in investment management by providing training, mentorship and access to internships in the finance industry.
The program is highly competitive, and for Hester and Harvey, it has already proven transformative.
“Girls Who Invest is dedicated to developing the next generation of investment management professionals,” Hester said. “We’re building accounting fundamentals and skills that will be crucial no matter what area of finance we go into.”
Both students are currently completing intensive coursework through the program in skills that are essential for careers in investment banking and asset management, including Wall Street Prep certifications focused on financial modeling, Excel and analysis through the Charter Financial Analyst Institute, Girls Who Invest, and Wharton Online.
For Harvey, the experience has also helped clarify her career path and helped her secure internships in 2026 and 2027.
“It’s been really helpful in narrowing down what I want to do,” she said. “We’ve been able to learn from recruiters across investment banking, wealth management and asset management, and really see the different paths within finance.”
Hester is taking that preparation even further. She has accepted a 2027 investment banking internship and will also attend the Wharton School’s Fundamentals of Corporate Finance and Valuation program this summer, a selective, hands-on program where students build financial models and complete a capstone stock pitch under the guidance of Wharton faculty.
While the programs themselves are prestigious, both students say Clemson played a defining role in helping them get there.
Their introduction to Girls Who Invest came through Professor Bill Tumblin, who teaches Business 1010 and has become a key mentor for both students.
“He couldn’t speak highly enough about the program,” Harvey said. “That’s what pushed me to apply.”
Hester credits Tumblin not only with introducing her to opportunities but with shaping her growth as a student.
“I probably reach out to him every single week,” she said. “He’s never turned me down and has helped guide me to the right resources every time.”
That culture of accessibility and mentorship is something both students say defines the Powers College of Business.
“I cannot speak more highly of the Powers College of Business,” Hester said. “The professional development opportunities and faculty support have really prepared me for my internships and future career.”
From the C-Suite Career Center to student organizations and networking events, Clemson provided the tools and the encouragement to pursue competitive opportunities early.
Learning by doing
Beyond the classroom, both students have immersed themselves in hands-on experiences that mirror real-world finance work.
Hester is the current vice-president of marketing and public relations and incoming president of the Clemson University Investment Banking Club. Harvey is also a peer mentor for first-year students in the Powers College of Business.
They’ve completed Bloomberg certifications in Clemson’s Melvin and Dollie Younts Trading Room, learning how to analyze markets and navigate the same tools used by professionals. They’ve also participated in an evolving student finance organization focused on investing and an investment banking club, where Hester serves as incoming president and Harvey contributes as an analyst and peer mentor, with guidance from trading director Michael Howley.
“Being in the trading room and working with Bloomberg has been incredibly helpful,” Harvey said. “It builds your market awareness and helps you speak confidently about what you’re learning.”
These experiences are complemented by opportunities to connect directly with industry professionals. Through college-sponsored trips, Hester and Harvey have visited major financial institutions like Bank of America, Truist, Lazard, and Jefferies Financial Group, where they’ve met Clemson alumni and built relationships that will support their careers.
“It’s been amazing to hear from alumni and learn about what they’re doing,” Harvey said. “Those connections are really valuable.”
Looking ahead and lifting others up
For both students, the journey is just beginning.
Harvey plans to pursue a career in either investment banking or wealth management, while Hester is focused on investment banking. Both already have internship experience lined up and are continuing to build their skill sets through programs like Girls Who Invest.
But beyond their own success, they see a bigger purpose as women entering a historically male-dominated field.
“It’s really great to see how much effort is being put into making finance more inclusive,” Harvey said. “We want to encourage others to pursue these opportunities, too.”
That mindset reflects the same philosophy that helped them get here: take the chance, apply and lean into the support around you.
“I almost didn’t apply,” Harvey said. “But I’m so glad I did. It’s ok to be scared and not think you will get into the programs but apply anyways!”
From a freshman classroom to global finance programs, Hester and Harvey’s journeys are proof of what’s possible when preparation meets opportunity—and when students take full advantage of the support systems around them.
At Clemson, they found both.
