This story highlights the experiences of Lee Business School students during the "Rebels on Wall Street" program, which connects them with top industry professionals in New York City. This fall, students participated in the week-long program, visiting prestigious firms like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Blackstone, and the New York Stock Exchange. They attended Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and networking events, gaining firsthand industry insights and exploring potential career paths.

Three students contributed to this article: 

• Nessa Yip is pursuing her undergraduate degree in finance and is the president of the Financial Management Association.
• Martin Alvarez-Lopez is earning dual undergraduate degrees in accounting and finance and is also an active member of the FMA.
• Emmanuel “Manny” Becerra is pursuing dual degrees in marketing and finance and participates actively in the FMA.

For a group of driven UNLV finance students, the Rebels on Wall Street with ICC program wasn’t just a field trip — it was dedicated preparation meeting unparalleled opportunity. In the financial epicenter of New York City, these students proved that hard work, ambition, and the UNLV spirit truly make things happen.

Stepping Into the Heart of Finance

Imagine standing amidst the towering skyscrapers of Wall Street, where every street pulses with the energy of global markets. For UNLV business students, this vision became reality. The Rebels on Wall Street program offered more than a behind-the-scenes tour — it provided an immersive experience connecting classroom theory with real-world financial practice.

Students walked through the storied halls of financial giants like JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Blackstone. They didn’t just observe — they engaged, asked questions, and gleaned invaluable advice from professionals at every level. These weren’t mere networking events; they were career-shaping moments where preparation turned into possibility.

Preparation Pays Off

Months of intensive preparation — including coursework on global markets, investment strategies, and professional development workshops — ensured students were ready to maximize every moment of the trip.

The program is funded through a generous gift from Randy Garcia, founder and CEO of the Investment Counsel Co. (ICC). Garcia and adjunct professor Howie Rhee also worked to set up visits to financial firms. Both serve on the Department of Finance Advisory Board. 

Faculty advisors guided students through resume workshops, interview simulations, and networking etiquette. The result? A group of polished, confident future finance leaders eager to showcase their skills.

According to Daniel Chi, chair of the finance department, “Preparation was the differentiator. This wasn’t luck — it was years of hard work paying off.”

Breaking Barriers, Redefining Possibilities

Visiting firms like Blackstone and Susquehanna exposed students to sectors ranging from asset management and private equity to fintech and trading. Hearing from executives — including UNLV alumni — reinforced a powerful truth: Success isn’t limited by geography. It’s earned through dedication.

One standout moment came during a dinner with 2014 graduate Chris Nealand of Harding Loevner LP.

Emmanuel “Manny” Becerra reflected on how this encounter underscored the power of hard work and seizing opportunities. "Chris shared his journey of breaking into the industry, starting in the same classrooms where we now sit," said Becerra. "His success wasn't just inspiring, it was a powerful reminder that our potential is limitless when paired with dedication and drive."

Diverse Perspectives, Shared Goals

The students’ diverse backgrounds mirrored the industry’s multifaceted nature. Whether aspiring to work in asset management, investment banking, or quantitative analysis, each found inspiration in the stories of professionals who once stood in their shoes.

“The trip showed me what’s possible when preparation meets opportunity," reflected finance student Nessa Yip. "It solidified my passion for quantitative finance and broadened my view of where I can make an impact.”

Charting the Path Forward

From standing in the iconic New York Stock Exchange to participating in JP Morgan’s Global Asset & Wealth Management morning call, students witnessed finance in action. But the trip’s true value lay in its transformative impact.

“It was more than a learning experience — it was a launchpad," said accounting and finance major Martin Alvarez-Lopez. "Visiting these companies revealed endless possibilities. It inspired me to build, grow, and never stop learning.”

Looking back, the success of the Rebels on Wall Street trip wasn’t about being in the right place at the right time — it was about being prepared when opportunity knocked. Through determination, skill, and an unyielding belief in themselves, these UNLV students proved the university’s motto true: Rebels make it happen.