Spring 2021 Graduate Q&A: Jameson Hern

Finance major Jameson Hern said the College of Business has given him a real edge as he starts his position at JPMorgan Chase.

Jameson Hern reflects on his time as a student in the College of Business. Read the Q&A below to learn more about what he'll remember from his time as a Business Bobcat.

What did you study at Ohio University?

I will graduate with a degree in finance, a certificate in financial planning, and a minor in Spanish.

What organizations were you involved with at Ohio University?

I have been involved with the Copeland Scholars for four years, as well as the past co-president for the group. I am also a member of Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity and a member of the Schey. I was a part of AIESEC for a semester and I was a fellow for the Menard Family George Washington Forum for two years.

Did you have any internships? Explain your internship experience(s).

I was an intern in the Corporate Analyst Development Program for JPMorgan for the 2020 summer. It was unfortunately a virtual internship, but nonetheless was an incredible experience. We worked on a project with a nonprofit, engaged in many professional development seminars, and completed several case studies.

What is your favorite memory from being a student in the College of Business?

As controversial as it might be, cluster was one of the best semesters I’ve had. The stress that comes from cluster is a good kind of stress that teaches you so many lessons academically, professionally, and even personally. The late nights and early mornings of cluster are some that I will never forget.

What are you most grateful for about your time at OHIO/in the College of Business?

The countless people that I’ve bumped into along my journey through the College of Business completely changed the path that I have taken in life. Not to mention the incredible professional mentoring relationships I have developed with professors. Without the people I have met over these four years, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Is there a particular course, organization, event, professor, etc. that really impacted you during your time at OHIO?

I am biased towards the Copeland Scholars because I truly think that my experiences in the program, especially my freshman and sophomore years, were pivotal in setting my bar high and charging up my ambition.

What do you think was your greatest accomplishment as a college student?

I think my greatest accomplishment would be studying abroad my freshman year. Barely anyone ever studies abroad spring semester of freshman year and I took a leap of faith to do so, leaving behind all of the fresh new friends I had met during the fall semester to go abroad. This experience was deeply important to my personal development with both good and bad experiences. I absolutely would not trade that semester for anything in the world.

What is your favorite thing about Athens/what will you miss the most?

I love the outdoors and I have never been much of a city person. Athens combines the resources of a big city into an intimate spot tucked away in the beautiful part of the state that is Athens County. I will miss the connectedness of Athens and the surreal separation it has from the fast-moving pace of “real life.”

What will you be doing after graduation? What are you most looking forward to about starting your career?

I will be living in Columbus, OH, and working for JPMorgan as a full-time employee in the Corporate Analyst Development Program. I am so excited to meet new people and develop more professional relationships that I am sure will impact and guide me just as much as the relationships I made in Athens did.

What is one skill/concept you developed in the College of Business that you will apply to your future job and beyond?

I think through countless group projects and presentations, the College of Business has given me a real edge in the work world. I am very comfortable now with presenting an idea and setting the bar high for the work that I do. I have heard employees comment on other OHIO graduates as having this same skill which is always great to hear.

If you could give current or future Ohio University students one piece of advice, what would it be?

Four years goes by quick and all those moments where you thought “I will apply for that group next semester” become your biggest regret. You don’t have time to waste in your college career. There is no real consequence that comes from simply applying for an organization or whatever it may be. You may be told no but even then, you have one more interview under your belt and one more experience that you can learn from. More experience is never a bad thing and the next time you go to apply for something you will feel more confident in your abilities from the mistakes you learned from in the past. In short: Never waste a good learning experience.