2014 Alumnus Moves from the Football Field to Finance Field

Christian Montano, Class of 2014, has pivoted from the football field to a new career in finance as an investment banking analyst at Barclays Corporate and Investment Bank in New York City.

 

Christian works in the Technology Coverage group inside of the Investment Banking Division. His team covers a large scale of strategic and financial services ranging from information and payment services to software products and semiconductor manufactures. The team works with companies on a variety of capital market activities as well as merger and acquisition solutions. His day-to-day responsibilities include assisting senior bankers with the due diligence process and the financial modeling needed to support specific transactions.

 

“I knew all along that finance was my alternative to professional athletics,” said Christian. “I always had a deep interest in business and economics; however, knowing the chance to play professional athletics only comes once in a lifetime, I knew I had to pursue that to the furthest of my ability. I was fortunate to have attended two excellent universities with tremendous alumni networks. I found many people who were willing to help me make the first steps in this new professional pursuit.”

 

Prior to his employment at Barclays, Christian played professionally in the National Football League for the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He noted that while he loved every second of playing football, he knew it was time to transition to a more rewarding professional opportunity. He further noted that athletics can teach valuable life lessons in that success comes down to your own willingness to put yourself out there and chase opportunities.

 

“Attitude is everything. Get up when you get knocked down, and never stop looking for a way to win,” said Christian.

 

Christian reflects on his time at Hamden Hall with great fondness and, most importantly, said his memories revolve around our wonderful community. He thanks former and current faculty members for their support over the years including Mr. Terry Deck, Dr. Bruce Zundell, Dr. Frank Gasparro, and Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Joni McEachern.

 

Christian graduated from Brown University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and an MBA in finance from Tulane University in 2020. He currently lives in New York City with his girlfriend.