Elizabeth Perez
Elizabeth Perez (’22)
Investment Banking Associate, Citi
Los Angeles, CA
Congratulations on your graduation! What’s next?
I am currently an investment banking associate at Citi in the Los Angeles office. My regional team covers the Industrial space across transportation, infrastructure, and metals and mining. Citi prides itself on being one of the most global banks, and I’ve had the opportunity to work on cross-border global deals and transactions since interning last summer.
When you started at Anderson two years ago, what was your plan?
Before Anderson, I had diverse leadership and management experiences across market research, consulting, sales and DEI in tech and social impact, working directly with executives. Increasingly, I was curious about the role finance and capital markets plays in advancing communities at scale. I found myself wanting to explore the field of finance after developing a strong relationship with my former CFO at Year Up — who is now president of the national organization. Shout out to Ellen McClain for motivating me to experience business school and finance!
How has the Anderson experience changed you?
There’s an expression in Spanish that goes, “Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres.” Roughly translated, it means “Tell me whom you’re with, and I’ll tell you who you are.” On a two-dimensional level, the MBA experience feels simply like a golden ticket to your dream job. Having completed the UCLA Anderson MBA experience, I am more appreciative of how the community and the people transform each other in this brief journey. The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management was a fountain of friendship, wisdom, support and mentorship I never really knew I needed until I joined UCLA Anderson and had it. Through Consortium, I had the support of a community with shared values, coupled with a sincere commitment to and unparalleled belief in equity and inclusion. I was able to strengthen my confidence in my own decision-making by watching my peers be the powerful leaders they are at Anderson and beyond.
What lesson or piece of knowledge you learned at Anderson has stuck with you, as part of personal and professional life today?
UCLA Anderson is a student-driven community where truly everyone wields power and influence in shaping the school experience for their peers and the next class. It’s an opportunity to use your voice in a myriad ways, both big and small. Every action and role at UCLA Anderson matters, and leadership can be found everywhere. Your unique leadership style is welcomed here.
Was there a class, experience or involvement opportunity that was a highlight during your time at Anderson?
Alongside my favorite peers, Ann Lih (’22) and Andy Jones (’23), I led an Anderson tradition that started with the previous class. AnderStories is a monthly oral storytelling event where students are encouraged and empowered to share the journeys, passions and motivation that make up their authentic selves. We were able to build a safe space to highlight the powerful stories and experiences that shaped my peers into the leaders they are today. I was inspired by the vulnerability and bravery of my peers who were willing to share the most intimate parts of themselves on such a public platform.