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Private Equity Analyst, Five Elms Capital

At Leeds, it’s uncommon for a student to graduate a semester early, yet alone a year early. But Grace Trahan took it as a personal challenge. 

Trahan started her college journey in 2021 and managed to graduate in only two-and-a-half years—where saving money and post-grad travel were just a few of her motivations. Not only did she achieve her goal, but she surpassed expectations, graduating with high distinction, heavy involvement in the Leeds community and a full-time job offer after graduation. 

Doing it All

Originally from Denver, Trahan chose to attend CU Boulder for its combination of academic excellence and proximity to her family. The allure of CU Boulder's program, coupled with the opportunity to be a part of the Leeds community, influenced her decision to contribute actively to various groups.

Excited by CU Boulder's academic offerings and the tight-knit Leeds community, she got involved immediately, joining the Leeds Scholars Program, Business and Engineering Women in Technology Program, Leeds Student Government, Leeds Investment and Trading Group, Scholars of Finance and Leeds Consulting Group. 

“When I started college, I was advised to join various groups, Trahan said. “Through this, not only did I meet incredible friends, but also gained a well-rounded picture of Leeds.”

While working various jobs throughout the school year, Trahan managed the demands of her off-campus jobs while carrying an average course load of 18 credits per semester, racking up enough credits to tack on a minor she hadn’t planned on getting.  “I was only one credit away from a math minor, so I just thought, ‘may as well get it,’” Trahan said.

Along with her finance degree and math minor, she also graduated with the quantitative finance certificate. This intense program requires students to complete classes in math, economics, finance and computer programming. 

Trahan's coursework laid a solid foundation for securing internships with Independent Financial, Bridgewater Associates, and Five Elms Capital. Each experience proved to be unique, offering diverse exposure to various facets of the finance industry.

Although her early graduation was impressive, it did involve trade-offs—from late nights at the business building to the challenge of remaining focused through her coursework. She would’ve liked to do another major if she’d had the time, but looking back, she doesn’t regret the choices she made.

"When I chose Leeds, I never could've envisioned the incredible array of experiences and opportunities that awaited me; I'm truly grateful for the moments that have sculpted my academic and professional path," she said.

Time for a Rest

All of Trahan’s work paid off. Before she starts her new job at Five Elms Capital in Kansas City, Missouri, as a Private Equity Analyst in August, she has some much-needed fun to attend to: a visit to Japan this February followed by a 3-month European adventure to visit her twin sister, who is attending a university in Milan, Italy. On the top of her travel list is France, Germany, and Austria.  

She says that all these changes are exciting, but also a little bittersweet.

"I genuinely cherished my time as a college student, relishing the excitement of new classes each semester that guaranteed variety,” Trahan said. “Moving on to new adventures is thrilling, but there's a nostalgic sweetness of bidding farewell to those college years.”