In the competitive world of finance, opportunities are often hard to come by, especially for
students from non-core schools. Justin Nelson, a Tufts University alumnus from the class of 1998,
has been instrumental in bridging this gap for students aspiring to enter the
finance industry. Currently a Managing Director at JP Morgan, Nelson has
utilized his position to create a pipeline for Tufts students into one of the
world’s leading financial institutions.
When Nelson was a junior at Tufts, the path to landing a finance internship was unclear. The lack
of a structured recruitment process on campus meant students had to rely on
personal connections and luck. Nelson himself secured an internship at JP Morgan Private Bank through friends already in the industry. This experience left a lasting
impression on him and sparked his determination to make the process more
accessible for future students.
By 2006, Nelson had begun his mission to establish Tufts as a core school for JP Morgan’s asset
management group. His initial efforts were self-funded, covering travel and
accommodation costs to visit the campus, collect résumés, and meet with
students. Over time, his dedication bore fruit. By 2009, Tufts was officially
recognized as a core school, largely thanks to Nelson’s relentless advocacy.
Justin Nelson’s efforts have significantly impacted the career trajectories of many Tufts
graduates. Jon Trott, a 2010 graduate, is one such individual. Facing the
daunting job market during the financial crisis, Trott secured a JP Morgan
internship in 2009 and later a full-time position. Trott attributes his success
to Nelson’s support, underscoring the tangible benefits of these recruitment initiatives.
Today, there is a robust network of Tufts alumni at JP Morgan, actively involved in recruiting
and mentoring students. Nelson continues to be a key figure in this network,
contributing to events and initiatives like the Tufts Financial Network’s Wall
Street Crash Courses. His efforts have not only strengthened ties between Tufts
and JP Morgan but have also provided invaluable opportunities for students to
launch their careers in finance. Like this page on Facebook, for more information.
Learn more about Justin Nelson on https://tfn.tufts.edu/blog/news/2011/10/01/member-spotlight-justin-nelson-a98-opening-doors-to-students-at-jp-morgan/