Mentorship Paves the Way

“I’ve always been an advocate for making a positive impact on the surrounding community.”

For many who work in the financial industry, a job in New York City’s financial district would be a dream come true. 

Thanks to a San Diego State University program that connects students with career professionals, finance major Jacob Mahony can confirm that. He has already worked there. 

Mahony, who graduates in May, earned a highly sought-after internship as a financial analyst for Arup, an international engineering and architectural firm who specializes in large commercial projects. 

“I learned about a financial analyst internship through my Aztec Mentor Program mentor, Alan Jennat (’90, accounting and ’95 M.A., Latin American studies) who is also the CFO of Arup,” said Mahony. “After mentoring me throughout the fall semester of my junior year, Alan encouraged me to apply for the internship at Arup’s office in New York. Working in New York has always been a dream of mine, so I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity.” 

It was Mahony’s second internship. He spent the summer following his sophomore year in Barcelona, the financial capital of Spain, as an intern at Atrendia, a leadership consulting firm.

“I’ve always understood the importance of travel and immersing myself into other cultures, so interning in another country was the perfect opportunity to do just that,” he said. 

The real-world experience helped him to land a financial advisor position at Morgan Stanley following graduation. Being a highly marketable job candidate, however, is only part of Mahony’s story: He will leave a legacy of outstanding service to university and the community at-large during his time at SDSU. “I’ve always been an advocate for making a positive impact on the surrounding community,” he said.

Last year, Mahoney spearheaded an SDSU Greek system drive to raise over 4,500 food items to fight food insecurity in San Diego and on campus. As president of the College of Business Council, he helped to coordinate the organization’s Holiday Toy Drive to provide gifts to underprivileged local children. 

A native of Huntington Beach, California, Mahony said he chose to attend SDSU “because I heard great things about the business program and the opportunities to build my resume through student organizations and internships,” he said. 

The inspiration for Mahony’s tireless commitment to the community and hard work can be traced right back to his roots. “My father, Sean Mahony, is my hero. He has always taught me the importance of work ethic and he is the reason I am the person I am today,” he said. “I don’t know where I would be today if not for my father’s guidance and support throughout my life. I hope to be as great of a father as he is one day.”