Eli Shortess

Eli Shortess turned early curiosity into focused ambition through a blend of classroom learning, student engagement, and real-world experience. His internships in accounting, equity research, and investment banking were pivotal, each building on the last to help him define his career path with clarity and confidence.

“What I love most about being a finance major is just how dynamic the area of study is. You get exposed to a lot of different industries and really build a skillset that lets you go into a variety of careers, whether it be investment banking, real estate, consulting, or starting your own business.”

Eli put that versatility into action during his time at the Ourso College, taking on three distinct internships as an accounting intern at Kean Miller LLP, an equity research summer analyst at Johnson Rice & Company LLC, and an investment banking summer analyst at Brown Gibbons Lang & Company. Each of his internship experiences built on the last, ultimately guiding him toward a career in investment banking and providing him with the confidence and skills to pursue it.

“A big thing with investment banking is the projects you're working on day to day differ so much from one day to the next,” he says. “On Monday, you could be working on one deal for a certain industry, and then Wednesday that week, you're working on a different pitch for a completely different industry. . . I think the best way to really build out a skillset and develop yourself as a professional is to get exposure to as many different areas as possible.”

After graduation, Eli will join Truist Securities in Atlanta as an investment banking analyst—a next step made possible not only through his internships and coursework but also through his ability to build strong professional relationships. He credits Professor Michael Kirby with playing a pivotal role in his career successes; his corporate finance courses and extensive industry network helped guide Eli to opportunities and shape him into a well-prepared candidate.

Eli emphasizes that building relationships is key to standing out in competitive finance internships. “I think the way you can really separate yourself from the rest of the pack is by building good relationships with your mentors at the firm, with the senior management at the firm, and really getting your name out there. Building those relationships can sometimes be overlooked when you're trying to get really good at technical skills, but the relationships can really lead to that full-time offer.”

As president of The de Soto Society, Eli works to mentor students, particularly in helping younger students navigate the internship recruitment process, which typically occurs very early in the college lifecycle. Eli states that freshmen and sophomores can easily fall behind before they know the opportunity exists. He aims to help them feel ready to take advantage of internship opportunities early and often.

Eli’s personal motto reflects the spirit of his time at the Ourso College: 

“Your time will come eventually, but when it does come, it's really up to you and only you to be prepared. I like to take that into all aspects of life.”

Through determination, early involvement, and a commitment to building meaningful relationships, he’s made the most of every opportunity—and is helping others do the same.