Braven Success Stories at RU-N
Johnathan Christie
Braven Rutgers-Newark Fellow Fall ‘17, Fall ‘20 graduate
BA in Finance (School of Business)
Senior Investment Operations Associate, PGIM Quantitative Solutions
Johnathan Christie's journey with Braven has been nothing short of transformative, playing a crucial role in shaping his career. As a first-generation student pursuing a Bachelor's in Finance, Jonathan was presented with invaluable opportunities to enhance his professional brand through the Braven course. He practiced and honed his interview skills, expanded his networks, and refined his professional portfolio. After taking the course,Johnathan made sure to take advantage of Braven's resources–he enrolled in Braven’s Professional Mentor (PM) program three times. This program connected him with mentors who provided him with 1:1 continuous guidance and support in his job search. One of his mentors, Stephen, had a connection with PGIM Quantitative Solutions, the investment management business of Prudential. Recognizing Jonathan's immense potential, Stephen referred him and he successfully secured his first job as a financial analyst at Prudential, setting the stage for a promising career ahead.
Jonathan’s biggest learning? “Always nourish your connections and maintain your network,” he shares. “It’s what helped me land my job. I now have a job where I can make use of my degree.”
Silvia Jaramillo-Regalado
Braven Rutgers-Newark Fellow Fall ‘21, graduated Spring ‘22
BA in Mathematics (SASN)
Data Analyst, Business Leadership Program (2-year rotational program) at Synchrony Financial
The assistance Silvia Jaramillo-Regalado received from Braven played a crucial role in her college-to-career journey. Braven not only helped her expand her network by connecting her with peers, but also provided a support system that continues to uplift and advocate for her growth,both professional and academically. Leveraging the skills she learned during the Braven course, Silvia secured an internship at CNN en Español the summer after the course ended. Even today, Silvia considers her Braven network to be one of her primary sources of professional development and mentorship. Silvia successfully transitioned into afull-time role at Synchrony Financial after graduation, solidifying her path towards a prosperous future. Additionally, Silvia continues to be an advocate for diversity in the STEM field for underrepresented communities.
"Braven helped expand my network by connecting virtually and in-person with peers and working professionals that were not only continuously cheering us on, but also willing to be an extra connection as we move forward in our professional and academic careers. My Braven network is one of my primary networks of people who advocate for my professional development and vice versa."
Wendy Asante
Braven Rutgers-Newark Fellow Spring ‘20, graduated Spring ‘23
BA in Public and Nonprofit Administration (SPAA)
Junior Recruiter at UBS
Wendy Asante immigrated to the United States from Ghana in 2017. She experienced imposter syndrome and struggled with confidence in herself and her abilities. A faculty member recommended the Braven course to her, which she credits for her transformation. Braven provided Wendy with a supportive classroom environment where she had the
chance to expand her network, boost her confidence, and develop her personal brand. She learned how to showcase her skills and experiences in a bold and effective manner, preparing her for the job hunt ahead.With the support of the team, Wendy secured internships with Braven and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. After graduating, she successfully transitioned into a full-time role as a Junior Recruiter at UBS.
“Through the course, I explored my strengths, passion, and what motivates me. I had access to professionals who helped me polish my resume and cover letter even when I had zero work experience. I gained confidence and realized my potential to add value to the professional space.”
For more student stories, see the 2022-2023 Impact Report!
Read how "compared with graduates nationally, Braven RU-N 2022 graduates were 19 percentage points more likely to have at least one internship or similar career-accelerating experience during college", and achieving a 94% on-time graduation rate.
"Empowering Students from College to Career: Anchor Partnerships Driving Change in Newark" event at Prudential's Newark headquarters.
"The event showcased how collaboration among key stakeholders can equip students with the skills, networks, and experiences they need to thrive in competitive job markets or graduate school.
In 2023, 238 RU-N Braven Fellows earned bachelor’s degrees. The latest class is outpacing their peers nationally in quality economic opportunity attainment by 25 percentage points (68 percent vs 43 percent) within six months of graduation. Ninety-six percent are employed or enrolled in graduate school." Read more.
Celebrating 10 Years of Impact!
Braven began in 2013 at San Jose State University, came to Rutgers University - Newark in 2015, and has grown to serve over 7,000 students at seven universities and beyond. Read more.