Hello, my name is Brian McDonnell. I am a dedicated and enthusiastic finance student at Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business, eager to expand my skills and gain real-world experience through a summer 2026 internship. Growing up in northern New Jersey, I have long aspired to launch my career in New York City.
Through my coursework, I have built a strong foundation in financial analysis, data analytics, and economics, with a specialization in Microsoft Excel. Beyond my analytical abilities, I bring strong communication, organizational, and critical-thinking skills to everything I do. I take pride in staying current with the latest developments and trends within the industry.
Above all, I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to a team where I can seek mentorship and put my skills into practice. I am an ambitious and devoted student, committed to continuously deepening my knowledge of finance and economics.
Member | Virginia Tech
Explore and differentiate career pathways within the field of finance while giving students the opportunity to network with other students and professors in a professional setting.
Nursery | Allendale, NJ
Contributed to on-site design decisions, performing hands-on installation work, and collaborating with a team to complete projects efficiently. Communicated with customers throughout projects to ensure their needs were met and results were satisfactory.
Ski Barn | Paramus, NJ
Assessed customers' experience levels to recommend appropriate ski and snowboard equipment tailored to their needs. Fitted boots, skis, and snowboards while providing informed guidance to ensure comfort, performance, and overall satisfaction.
Utilized Excel to build and adjust a two-bond portfolio so its Macaulay duration equals 5 years, thereby immunizing it against an increase in interest rates over a 5-year horizon. Priced each bond, calculated duration and convexity, and changed the bond mix to reach the target duration.
View Project →Presented an investment idea projected to perform well over the next 12 months. Justified the thesis by conducting thorough analysis and utilizing AI tools to support research, applying key concepts such as valuation methods, risk assessment, macroeconomic analysis, and portfolio theory.
Used U.S. Treasury data to construct a spot yield curve (zero-coupon curve) and then built an Excel model that generates implied forward rates. The model allows users to explore forward curves out to 10 years and adjust the horizon.
View Project →Driven by curiosity. Grounded in analysis.
I am always open to connecting and welcome the opportunity to stay in touch. Feel free to reach out.
