The mission of the MBA Finance Association is to prepare Smeal
students for a career in Corporate Finance. Careers in Corporate
Finance are related to both the internal perspective of the firm and
the external perspective of the markets. The association is designed to
give students access to Smeal alumni and current business leaders who
can help mentor students with a professional interest in Corporate
Finance. Additionally, the Association provides internal support to
students for their professional development efforts in the field of
Corporate Finance.
Officer Bios
Andrew Helfst, President
Andrew Helfst is the 2010 president of the Smeal MBA Finance Association. Prior to enrolling in Smeal School of Business, Andrew studied at Columbia University where he took classes in the Columbia Masters in Real Estate Development program and in undergraduate business. He has worked in mortgage originations and in leasing and property management. Andrew has a BA in English Literature from Connecticut College. After graduating college, Andrew worked in Los Angeles at a talent agency and has written three screenplays. He is focusing his master’s studies on finance and real estate studies and is looking to enter commercial real estate development. Andrew is recently married and is an avid skier, deep sea & off shore fisherman, and traveler.
ach218@psu.edu
Goutham Goudgere, VP of IMPA
Goutham Goudgere is 2010 vice president of investment management & portfolio analysis (IMPA) for the MBA Finance Association. Additionally, he is an analyst for the Economic Analysis Group of the Nittany Lion Fund and a graduate assistant for the accounting department.
Prior to attending Smeal, he obtained his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Bangalore University. He worked for Tata Consultancy Services for four years in a financial services product development role. At Smeal, he will be focusing on investment management and portfolio analysis, corporate financial analysis and planning, and supply chain management.
In his free time, Goutham enjoys travelling, tennis and watching football.
gvg107@psu.edu
Johnson Ho, VP of CFAP
Johnson Ho is the 2010 Vice President of Corporate Finance Analysis and Planning for the MBA Finance Association. As an officer he plans to help students make a smooth transition to finance by holding events that will assist them in their job search and careers.
Prior to attending Smeal, Johnson earned his B.S. in Biology from James Madison University. Upon graduating he worked at UVA for two years doing research before transitioning to PRA International where he managed the set up of clinical trials.
At Smeal, Johnson will be focusing on finance and supply chain management.
jxh394@psu.edu
Joel Cohen, Treasurer
Joel Cohen is the VP of Communications and Treasurer for the MBA Finance Association. At Smeal, Joel has two concentrations in both finance and marketing. Prior to coming to Smeal he has held management positions for both Wal-Mart and Starbucks. Joel earned his undergraduate degree from Florida State University with concentrations in marketing and management. Joel enjoys playing poker and weightlifting.
jec348@psu.edu
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