Carsten Reese
Carsten Reese is a a rising senior studying currently a rising senior at Ohio State University, majoring in Finance with a minor in financial planning.
What made you choose your field of study?
Since middle school, I’ve enjoyed buying and selling baseball cards, both for a profit and for my personal collection. This interest expanded into selling other collectibles in high school such as shoes, U.S. coins, and even Squishmallows. While I took several business-related classes in high school, I wasn’t initially sure what business area I want to specialize in. In college, I found that I was interested in investments and financial planning, which led me to become a teaching assistant for a financial planning general education course.
Have you received any honors, awards, or scholarships?
In high school, a teammate and I placed 2nd place in a semester-long stock market challenge for the Central PA region. At Ohio State, I’ve been named on the Dean’s list for three semesters. Additionally, this past year I was awarded a scholarship for completing the University’s second-year Transformational Experience Program, where I worked with a cohort to develop and present a project aimed at excelling our professional growth.
What motivates you or drives your career interests?
I am driven by the opportunity to serve others, help them see progress in their lives, and contribute to their financial success, while also building a strong future for my own family.
Are there any relevant courses or academic projects you’re especially proud of?
This past semester, I took an investments course that I thoroughly enjoyed. As part of the course, my team developed and presented an AI-driven tool designed to create an optimal portfolio by comparing U.S., Japanese, and European market benchmarks based on customizable factors. Other relevant coursework I’ve completed includes Corporate Finance, Business Law, Business Finance, Principles of Marketing, and Accounting.
Do you have any soft skills you would like highlighted (leadership, teamwork, communication)?
I would like to highlight my teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills. I enjoy working with other people, learning quickly, and approaching new challenges with a positive mindset.
What areas are you most interested in professionally?
I am particularly interested in financial advising and gaining a better understanding of how advisors interact with clients and develop personalized plans for them. I am also very intrigued by portfolio management and am interested in learning more about the day-to-day responsibilities and decision-making processes involved in executing trades.
What are your career goals after graduation?
Once I graduate, I plan to begin working toward obtaining my licenses and developing the skills needed to build and manage a client base. At the same time, I am open to exploring a career in investment management, where I would continue to build my knowledge and work toward a role focused on portfolio construction and strategy.
Get to Know Me Better
What are your favorite hobbies?
My hobbies include golfing, hiking, traveling, collecting sports memorabilia, and playing racquet sports. Recently, this past year I’ve picked up table tennis and pickleball.
What is your favorite book?
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
What was your first job?
When I turned 15, I got a job working in concessions at Hersheypark. I continued working there for over four years.
What are your bucket list vacation spots?
I would love to visit South America, particularly the Amazon rainforest and Brazil. I would also like to go skiing in Colorado and eventually in Europe.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Appreciate every step of the journey, not just the destination.
