Brian McDonnell

BRIAN MCDONNELL

Finance | Investment Management & CFA

Virginia Tech, Pamplin College of Business

I'm known for utilizing data literacy to achieve streamlined distribution of core analytical insights for more effecient decision-making.

Connect With Me

About Me

As a dedicated and enthusiastic student studying finance at Virginia Tech in the Pamplin College of Business. I am eager to further expand my skills and gain real-world experience as an intern for the summer of 2026. Growing up in northern New Jersey, it has been a goal of mine to start my career in New York City. Throughout my coursework, I have developed a strong foundation in financial analysis, data analytics, and economic understanding. While also specializing in Microsoft Excel. Beyond my exceptional analytical skills, I enjoy utilizing my communication, organization, and critical-thinking attributes. I find a great interest in staying up-to-date with the most recent advancements and discoveries within the industry. I’m most excited about contributing to a team, as I seek mentorship and opportunities to apply my skills. With that said, I see myself as a devoted college student with ambition and a devotion to strengthening my knowledge in finance and economics.

Finance

Major

Economics

Minor

Virginia Tech

Pamplin College of Business

Experience

September 2024- Present

Finance Club

Member | Virginia Tech

Explore and differentiate career pathways within the field of finance. While also giving students the opportunity to network with other students and professors in a professional setting.

May 2024 - August 2025

Landscape Construction Laborer

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.

2022 - 2023

Economics Research Assistant

Academic Department | Virginia Tech

Assisted professors with data collection and analysis for economic research projects. Developed strong quantitative analysis skills.

Core Competencies

Financial Modeling

DCF analysis, valuation models, and forecasting techniques

Data Analysis

Excel, Python, R, and statistical analysis tools

Market Research

Industry analysis, competitive intelligence, and trend forecasting

Investment Analysis

Portfolio management, risk assessment, and asset allocation

Economic Theory

Macro/microeconomics, econometrics, and policy analysis

Financial Reporting

Statement analysis, GAAP principles, and corporate finance

Featured Projects

Portfolio Immunization

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. To accomplish this goal, I priceed each bond, calculated duration and convexity, and changed the bond mix to reach the target duration.

Excel Duration Portfolio Immunization

AI-assisted Investment Pitch

Presented an idea that I beleived would perform well over the next 12 months. Justified investment thesis by conducting a thorough analysis and utilizing AI tools to support research. While also applying key investment concepts such as valuation methods, risk assesment, macroeconomic analysis, and portfolio theory.

Risk Assesment Portfolio Theory Valuation Methods

Personal Website

Utilized AI to learn about the concept of vibe coding and apply those skills to create a visually appealing and professional website to showcase current and past accomplishments. During this process also learned how to identify the functions of basic code.

Vibe Coding Prompt Engineering AI-driven troubleshooting

Get In Touch

Let's Connect

Interested in discussing finance, economics, or potential opportunities? Feel free to reach out.

Location Mahwah, New Jersey