For many college students, summertime in San Francisco probably involves little more than a visit to the Wharf or perhaps an afternoon ballgame at AT&T Park, all part of a day trip to provide respite between school years. For UC Davis senior volleyball player Brianna Karsseboom, a summer day in San Francisco is – in the most literal sense – straight business. Over the summer, the fourth-year managerial economics student completed an internship at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in San Francisco.
A two-time Big West Academic All-Conference honoree, Karsseboom landed her summer position through Aggie EVO, the intercollegiate athletics department's student-athlete outcomes program.
The Bishop O'Dowd High School and Red Rock Volleyball Club alumna works for Merrill's veteran financial advisors Frederick and Gregory Ley, each of whom owns more than four decades of guiding clients' financial priorities and helping achieve financial goals.
In a typical day, Karsseboom researches the morning news and its impact on the market, teams with her Merrill colleagues on the morning news call for further updates on market fluctuations and future expectations, assists the Leys' many clients to prevent their assets from going to the abandoned property department, and prospects for potential clients.
In effect, Karsseboom helps Merrill Lynch's many clients solidify their futures -- while she builds her own.
"I have also been growing my network and trying to build relationships with the other financial advisors and client associates in my branch office," said Karsseboom. "I try to set up meetings with new people once or twice a week to learn about their experience and path they took to help them get where they are today."
Karsseboom heads into her final season as an Aggie student-athlete. The 5-foot-10 outside hitter has played in every set of every match during her two previous years, ranking among the team leaders in kills, service aces and digs as a junior last year.
UC Davis women's volleyball will kick off its 2018 season this weekend's Aggie Invitational home tournament from August 24-26. Tournament rosters and links to live coverage are available here.
Q: How has your experience as a student-athlete helped you with this job?
A: The qualities I have gained from being a student-athlete at UC Davis have significantly helped me with this job. Having to stay on top of tracking down clients' information and finishing an endless list of calls in a timely matter definitely takes a lot of discipline and time management skills. Additionally, being able to work with clients on the phone to resolve conflict is similar to what I go through within my volleyball team. Being able problem solve, listen, compromise, and come up with a solution are great qualities that have helped me through this internship.
Q: How has the Aggie EVO student-athlete outcomes program prepared you for the workplace?
The Aggie EVO student athlete outcomes is the greatest resource I have used on campus. Being a student-athlete at Davis, it can be difficult to prepare for the future when you are so consumed with academics and sports. This program has helped me build my resume, improve my interview skills, and grow my network. Additionally, it has allowed me to use to qualities I have gained from being an athlete and apply them outside of the gym. Without the help of Aggie EVO to receive this wonderful internship opportunity, it would've been difficult for me to gain experience in a professional workplace and determine the path I want to pursue in the future.
Q: What are your career plans after graduation? What has inspired or drawn you to that career?
A: My career plans for after college is to eventually become a financial advisor. Being able to observe what the financial advisors in my office do has given me great background of what the career entails. Their ability to connect and have personal relationships with their clients to help them reach their financial goals has really drawn me to the career. Additionally, their drive to work together as a team to reach certain needs for their clients is something I can relate with being a volleyball player. I personally believe the qualities I have gained through being a student-athlete at UC Davis will be beneficial in the financial advising industry.
ABOUT UC DAVIS: Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley. The No. 6-ranked public university in the nation according to the Wall Street Journal, and among the top 10 public universities nationwide according to U.S. News and World Report, UC Davis offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.
AGGIE EVO: Established in 2017-18, the Aggie EVO System is UC Davis Athletics' investment in the primary mission of preparing student-athletes for a successful "launch" after graduation. Thanks to a collaboration of alumni, university resources, corporate partners, coaches and Student-Athlete Outcomes staff, all Aggies are guided over four years to acquire the skills, knowledge, opportunities and tools to better know and navigate the "World of Work" after graduating from UC Davis. Follow the Aggie EVO system on Twitter and Instagram at @AggieEVO.
