Eric Xavier Walker

Eric Xavier Walker is a sophomore.

As a freshman at Virginia Tech, I am determined to make the most of my time here. I am an ambitious and outgoing individual who is dedicated to my studies and actively involved in various student organizations. I am also deeply committed to my faith and my community and take great pleasure in spending time with my loved ones and participating in the running community. Despite facing challenges and obstacles, I am driven to succeed and to make a positive impact on the world around me. I am driven to achieve success and make a name for myself, determined to be a shining example for my community and those who come after me.

As a black male student at Virginia Tech, I am inspired by the opportunity to be a pioneering force for change and progress. The fact that I am frequently the only person of color in many of the spaces I inhabit is not a deterrent, but rather a motivating factor for me to leverage my unique perspectives and experiences to make a profound impact on those around me. My formative years spent on the high school debate team, where I was all-state, have honed my ability to thrive in the minority and assert myself with conviction. I take pride in being a member of a community that values diversity and inclusivity, and I firmly believe that my presence at Virginia Tech is not only expanding opportunities for black students like me, but also enriching the community as a whole.

My post-Virginia Tech aspiration is to leave a meaningful and lasting impact on the world through my career pursuits. Specifically, I aim to establish myself as a leading figure in the field of investment banking, not only through my professional accomplishments, but also by leveraging my experiences and abilities to inspire and mentor future generations of minority leaders. Through my ambition and hard work, I intend to demonstrate that anything is possible, and to serve as a shining example of the potential that exists within us all. I am dedicated to utilizing my time at Virginia Tech to develop my skills, knowledge, and networks, in order to achieve this grand vision and fulfill my ultimate goal of becoming a true leader in my field and a catalyst for change.

My personal and career dream is to become an investment banker. Investment banking is a field that I have always been fascinated with and I am excited about the prospect of working in this industry. I am drawn to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the field, as well as the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients and help them achieve their financial goals. I have always been a firm believer that hard work and dedication are the keys to success, and this belief was instilled in me during my high school years as a member of the track team. I have applied that same level of hard work and determination to my academic pursuits, as evidenced by my 3.86 GPA. This not only demonstrates my ability to handle rigorous coursework, but also my commitment to achieving excellence in all areas of my life. I am eager to apply that same level of hard work and determination to my pursuit of a career in investment banking, and I am determined to work hard to achieve my dream of becoming an investment banker.

I'm a driven and ambitious finance major at Virginia Tech. Currently I'm an Analyst in Training within the esteemed Virginia Tech Investment Banking Group. As a member of the Alternative Investment & Investment Banking Track within SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity), I am constantly seeking new opportunities to expand my knowledge and experience in the field. I am also proud to serve as the Director of Finance for the Undergraduate Student Senate, where I have been able to apply my skills to help manage the financial operations of the organization. Additionally, I am actively involved in various projects, such as the Orbital Launch vehicle team, where I am currently the Director of Sponsorship Acquisition. I also hold the position of Financial Manager for Innovate, an entrepreneurship living-learning community, which has given me invaluable experience in managing finances for an organization.

My family, and more specifically my grandfather, is the driving force behind my success. His life story is truly inspiring and a testament to the power of determination and hard work. Coming from an impoverished third world country, he was able to rise above his circumstances and become a successful Mechanical Engineer. Despite facing adversity as the only minority in the room, he never let that hold him back and instead used it as motivation to push forward. As someone who also often finds themselves in similar situations, I have been able to draw strength and inspiration from his story and the lessons he has taught me. Through our discussions, I have learned valuable strategies for navigating these challenges and emerging victorious. My grandfather is not only my biggest support system, but also my role model and source of inspiration. His story serves as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.

In my free time, I enjoy engaging in a variety of physical activities such as running, swimming, biking, and going to the gym. I also like to spend time with friends and family, whether that be catching up over a cup of coffee or participating in fun group activities. I also value self-improvement and personal growth, so I spend a lot of my leisure time reading and learning new things. Overall, I like to keep a balance of both physical and mental activities in my leisure time in order to live a well-rounded and fulfilling life.