From Intern to Founder: Tuck Business Bridge Alumni Reflect on Their Career Journeys

The Tuck Business Bridge Program is a 3-week intensive program designed to help liberal arts and STEM students gain the business and networking skills they need to succeed in the workplace. We had the opportunity to speak with Bridge alumni about their motivations for pursuing the Business Bridge experience, their key takeaways, and how the program has contributed to their success in their current careers.

Ines Gomez Lagandara Bridge’22, Smith’24

Incoming Investment Analyst at Cowen Inc

Why was it important to you to attend the Tuck Business Bridge program? What skills were you trying to round out? 
The Tuck Business Bridge Program served as the catalyst for my career in finance, offering invaluable opportunities for growth in both my personal and professional life. As an economics student at a liberal arts institution, Smith College, I quickly recognized the absence of a community of peers with a shared interest in finance, as well as a lack of foundational business knowledge. This program emerged as a pivotal contributor to my success in interviews with investment banks and financial firms.

During my initial week at Tuck, I faced my first-ever technical interview at an investment firm. Regrettably, I struggled to provide satisfactory answers to the questions posed. However, by the culmination of my time at Tuck, I had another opportunity to interview, this time with TD Cowen — the institution where I will embark on my post-college career. I was able to successfully answer all the questions and bond on a personal and professional level with the bankers. This is just one of the many ways in which Tuck Bridge equipped me to thrive as a woman in finance.

What was a highlight of your Tuck Bridge experience? 
I firmly believe that some of the most valuable experiences from the Tuck Bridge Program occur after its completion. The friendships forged and knowledge gained during this program is instrumental in achieving success, both academically and professionally. Many of my closest friends today are people I met through the Tuck Bridge Program, as the shared experience of living and learning together at Dartmouth College for a month creates a profound bond. Moreover, Tuck alumni share a unique connection that fosters a remarkable community of driven and passionate individuals. The alumni community among Tuck Bridge participants mirrors that of your college institution; you can confidently reach out to any alumni, and there is a high likelihood that they will respond to your questions and engage in discussions, ranging from personal matters to your professional journey. This network is truly invaluable.

Tell us about your role today. What have you been up to since Bridge? 
On the last day of the Bridge Program, as we nervously prepared for our final capstone presentation, I received a call from one of the managing directors at TD Cowen, offering me a position as a summer investment banking analyst in their New York office. This professional opportunity was truly transformative, pushing me to grow in ways I had never anticipated. Working at TD Cowen meant facing new and exciting challenges every single day, with no two days alike. While it was a demanding summer, it also made me realize how much I loved my job and how grateful I was for my team. I decided to accept their offer to return full-time as a Capital Markets Investment Analyst after I graduate from Smith College. I couldn’t be more excited to embark on my career with a company that is dedicated to the success of every team member and to be surrounded by fellow Tuck Bridge alumni.

Is there a specific lesson or skill you learned in Bridge that you utilize in your role today? 
The primary lesson I learned from Tuck Bridge was the significance of listening and learning from the diverse range of experiences each person brings. In college, you often find yourself among peers who share similar hobbies and interests. However, as you embark on your professional career, you encounter individuals who are distinct in their unique ways, much like the diverse community at Tuck Bridge. It becomes crucial to understand how to interact with each person in a manner tailored to their personality. Tuck Bridge provided me with the tools to refine my communication and interpersonal skills. In the finance industry, the ability to network and establish connections, even over seemingly minor commonalities, will get you the furthest.

Marc Perry Bridge’04, Yale’04

Founder & CEO of BuiltLean

Why was it important to you to attend the Tuck Business Bridge program? What skills were you trying to round out?
Before I graduated from Yale University in the spring of 2004, I had not yet secured employment. As a History major, I knew attending the Tuck Business Bridge program could help differentiate myself from other candidates, and highlight my commitment and interest in business and finance. I also sought to gain a better understanding of the business world in general and gain knowledge of aspects such as basic financial modeling.

What was a highlight of your Tuck Bridge experience?
What makes the program special is the people. That may sound cliche, but it’s true. We received world-class instruction from top instructors who deeply understood the subject matter academically and experientially. Additionally, there were administrators like Paul Doscher, the former Marketing Director of the program, who consistently emanated positivity and passion for the program, providing unwavering support for participants. Lastly, as a Bridge participant, you are a part of a cohort of accomplished, intelligent people who, too, want to make the most of their skills and talents.

Tell us about your role today. What have you been up to since Bridge?
I’m the founder and CEO of BuiltLean. I wear many hats and play many roles. It’s a 15-year-old bootstrapped startup with minimal overhead and excellent reach and impact. It’s my responsibility to make sure our clients are happy, team members are happy, the business runs smoothly, and we are fulfilling our mission.

What impact do you want to make with your work?
Ultimately, the grandiose ambition is to help people who are suffering and improve the health and well-being of people and the world. On a more granular level, we focus on helping busy professional men with consistent eating and exercise challenges. They’ve become overweight, out of shape, and feel sluggish and unhappy.

We help empower these men to transform their bodies and health. Many are in positions of power, which can have a ripple effect. The health of their families improves, even their community, and possibly much more.

Is there a specific lesson or skill you learned in Bridge that you utilize in your role today?
As I reflect on the experience, I feel grateful and responsible for the privilege bestowed upon me. I’ve worked very hard, but I’ve had many opportunities and more support than 99.9 percent of people on Earth. The Tuck Business Bridge program reflects world-class education and guidance, and I feel a duty to continue educating myself, seeking the truth as best as I can, and helping share this wisdom and knowledge I learn with others. It’s not a specific thing, but more of a standard of excellence that I appreciate about my Tuck Business Bridge experience.

Alan Musabeyezu Bridge’23, Wooster’25

Intern at Interclear

Why was it important to you to attend the Tuck Business Bridge program? What skills were you trying to round out? 
My decision to enroll in the Tuck Business Bridge program was driven by my desire to cultivate fundamental business skills, such as finance and strategy, which are highly relevant to my prospective career. Concurrently, I was eager to explore my career path in greater detail.  My participation in the program also provided me with the opportunity to evaluate whether pursuing an MBA aligned with my long-term career aspirations.

What was a highlight of your Tuck Bridge experience?
The people were undoubtedly the highlight for me. While I initially approached the Bridge program with a goal-oriented and skill-focused mindset, the experience turned out to encompass so much more, particularly on a social level. Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, all striving for similar objectives, was a remarkable aspect. Every interaction during the Bridge program taught me valuable lessons.

Tell us about your role today. What have you been up to since Bridge?
Since finishing the Tuck Business Bridge program, I’ve been working for Interclear, a company founded by Tim Burkly Bridge’08. Interclear specializes in developing data-driven risk management tools for emerging markets. In this capacity, I have been working on Market entry projects for African markets. My responsibilities primarily revolve around extensive market research, which entails researching credit bureaus in various African countries; analyzing the economies of these countries; assessing the conditions of their commercial banking sectors; and thoroughly understanding the regulatory landscapes on credit reporting and fintech.

Is there a specific lesson or skill you learned in Bridge that you utilize in your role today? 
The Excel classes, led by Professor Regan, provided me with extensive knowledge that has been instrumental in my work today. Given my current research-oriented position, there is a substantial amount of information that requires careful analysis. The Excel techniques I learned have proven immensely valuable in efficiently organizing the data for the project.