My name is Shane Bakley and I am graduating from the Univ. of South Carolina, in May of 2023. I grew up in Voorhees, NJ (10 mi from Philadelphia) and lived there my entire life. Growing up I was always active and played soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, and competitive golf since the age of 7. Today golf is my biggest hobby as I am a 5 handicap, but I try to be outside as much as possible. I also love skiing, surfing, playing squash, fishing, hiking, chess, weightlifting, and spending my summers at the Jersey Shore with friends and family.
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In school, math was always my strongest subject and what interested me the most. That along with my passion for capital markets was the deciding factor in studying Finance. After years of private tutoring and holding multiple leadership positions, I knew whatever career path I picked had to be client-facing, competitive, and fast-paced. I am now seeking different opportunities in business development, preferably for insurance and asset management firms.
In addition to my Finance major and Economics minor, I will be graduating with the Leadership Distinction in the Professional and Civic Engagement pathway. I have always thought of myself as a natural leader and a competitor; however, I was not able thoroughly to express this until I came to the University of South Carolina. I have had a wide array of diverse experiences which have allowed me to develop high-level communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. I was both the Treasurer and Undergraduate Housing Chairman of the Iota Phi chapter of Theta Chi. I have done financial work for both Caesars Casino in Atlantic City and a Morgan Stanley wealth management group. While obtaining a 3.8 GPA, I also worked as a Supplemental Instruction leader for the Student Success Center and founded my own charity golf outing. In my final semester, I also developed new business for Posh, a ticketing software company, as a campus ambassador. Graduating with Leadership Distinction in Professional and Civic Engagement has allowed me to reflect and showcase all my different experiences at South Carolina. This reflection process has given me the confidence needed before heading into the professional world.
My learning experiences inside and outside the classroom have helped me develop in several ways. This portfolio will include 3 key insights, or takeaways, that I’ve come to embody in my daily life:
§ Understanding your Audience is Necessary for Effective Communication
§ You Will Never Grow if You Never Fail
In addition to my key insights, the Leadership Section of the portfolio will include an issue/problem I have come across, and how I will use my Key Insights to solve this issue: Not every student at Darla Moore School of Business is properly prepared for the business world and how an additional career course would give students the needed direction and experience.
My 4 years at South Carolina have had challenges, but full-heartedly, I have grown professionally and personally in ways I would not think possible in high school. I have developed into a charismatic leader who will take on any challenge, while still being data-oriented and an analytical thinker. My whole life I knew I wanted to be the best in every single aspect, and my accomplishments at South Carolina made me realize that is possible. In the future, I want to eventually run my own team of motivated leaders at a growing firm and make an impact on as many people's lives as possible.
First Annual South Jersey Breast Cancer Awareness Invitational banquet
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TwinSick hosted by Posh and TLC
Theta Chi's annual walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities and projects. Let's connect.
856-505-9678