From Geologist to Investment Banker

Elliot Kim (MBA ’22) enrolled as a part-time MBA student and turned it into a fully rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. 

The Katz Part-Time MBA program enables working professionals to increase their skills and network, while investing in career advancement — with online and on-campus options. These students typically enroll in 6.0 to 7.5 credits at a time with a customized schedule that can accommodate family, work, and financial obligations for completion typically in two to three years. 

Thanks to this flexible approach, Kim was able as a part-time student to transition from working as a geologist in the oil and gas industry into an investment banking career, working full-time at RedShift Advisors. He is currently an associate at Cascade Partners, an investment banking and private investment firm based in Detroit that serves middle market businesses. 

“During my time at Katz, I had the chance to travel across the country, interact with business leaders, and work on meaningful and challenging projects…”

Career Credibility 

As a part-time student, Kim set the pace that was right for him — and took full advantage of the opportunities available. This included participation in many of Pitt’s co-curricular experiences. 

He took first place in the 2019 Kuzneski Innovation Cup, second place in the 2019 Crane Case Competition, and first place in the 2021 McKinsey Cup. While at Katz, he co-founded BandSavvy LLC, a software startup company providing connectivity and performance solutions for concert, orchestra, and marching band ensembles. He sold the company in 2021. 

“During my time at Katz, I had the chance to travel across the country, interact with business leaders, and work on meaningful and challenging projects that have allowed me to grow as a professional,” says Kim. “The opportunity to do all of this in a part-time program, while being able to work, was invaluable.” 

Kim said his Katz MBA degree provides credibility to his career as an investment banking professional, working in teams with strong finance backgrounds to complete 

buy- and sell-side transactions for middle market companies across the U.S. “The coursework and hands-on experience also provided the foundational knowledge to work on complex transactions and provide guidance to other junior bankers,” he added. 

Part-time students who want an online experience start their core courses in January (Spring semester) while the on-campus experience in Pittsburgh starts in August (for Fall). Admitted students may begin taking elective coursework in the fall, spring, or summer, which can be done online and/or on campus in advance of enrolling in MBA core courses.

For full details, email admissions@katz.pitt.edu or click here.