When Justin Nelson began his career at JP Morgan Private Bank, he was motivated by personal experience to create
opportunities for future Tufts University graduates. Nelson, a Tufts alumnus
from the class of 1998, initially struggled to find his footing in the finance
industry. This struggle fueled his commitment to ensure that current students
would face fewer obstacles in securing internships and jobs.
Nelson’s journey with JP Morgan began as a web developer intern, a position he secured through
personal connections rather than on-campus recruitment. Following his
graduation, he transitioned to JP Morgan’s private banking division, eventually
rising to the role of managing director in asset management.
In 2006, Justin Nelson initiated the process to make Tufts University one of JP Morgan’s
core schools for recruitment. This status would ensure that the firm would
actively seek out students from Tufts for internships and employment. Despite
initial hurdles, including limited financial and logistical support from JP
Morgan, Nelson’s efforts bore fruit. He started by visiting the campus,
collecting résumés, and meeting with students personally.
His dedication paid off. By 2009, Tufts University was officially recognized as a core school by JP
Morgan. The number of Tufts students interning or working full time at the firm
began to grow significantly. Nelson’s impact is evident: since his efforts
began, 20 Tufts graduates have been hired by JP Morgan in asset management roles.
One notable success story is Jon Trott, a 2010 graduate who credits Justin Nelson for his career start during the challenging period
following the financial crisis. Trott’s summer internship in 2009 led to a
full-time position at JP Morgan, exemplifying the benefits of Nelson’s initiative.
Today, a robust network of Tufts alumni at JP Morgan actively participates in recruitment
efforts, continuing Nelson’s legacy. This network screens résumés, visits the
campus, and provides career advice to students. Nelson’s work has not only
bridged the gap between Tufts and JP Morgan, but it has also created a lasting
pathway for future talent to thrive in the competitive financial industry. Read
this article for additional information.
More about Justin Nelson on https://about.me/justin-nelson