Welcome to Julian's Portfolio

A portfolio showcasing my academic growth, analytical skills, research interests, and career development as a Finance & Business Analytics student at Midwestern State University in the Redwine Honors Program.

About Me

My name is Julián Meneses, and I am an international student from Ecuador pursuing a double major in Finance and Business Analytics at Midwestern State University. Moving abroad for my education has shaped me in meaningful ways—it taught me independence, discipline, and the value of long-term planning. These experiences laid the foundation for my academic interests and the career path I hope to build.

I chose Finance and Business Analytics because I am drawn to the intersection of quantitative reasoning, financial strategy, and real-world decision-making. I am particularly interested in portfolio management, credit markets, and the analytical frameworks that drive sound investment decisions. One of my short-term goals is to earn the CFA Level I certification before graduating in May 2028, strengthening the technical and ethical foundation I want for my professional life.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend law school with the goal of becoming an estate planning attorney. I hope to combine legal training with my financial background to help individuals and families make thoughtful, long-term decisions about their assets and future. My broader aspiration is to build a career grounded in integrity, continuous learning, and the ability to make a positive impact on others' financial well-being.

My journey—from Ecuador to MSU—reflects a commitment to growth and a desire to build a life guided by discipline, curiosity, and purpose. I plan to use every academic opportunity, research experience, and professional challenge to prepare for the future I envision.

Academics

I am currently excelling as a sophomore at Midwestern State University, majoring in Business Analytics and Finance, with a strong GPA of 3.75. My academic journey is marked by a robust integration of quantitative analysis, financial modeling, and data-driven decision-making, driven by a keen interest in deciphering the dynamics of financial markets amidst shifting economic climates.

Recently, I was honored to be selected as a EURECA Undergraduate Research Scholar, an accolade that highlights my commitment to conducting advanced research under the guidance of esteemed faculty. My project is focused on a comparative analysis of the volatility of U.S. Treasuries and high-yield (junk) bonds across diverse market conditions. Through this research, I confidently utilize Bloomberg terminals to delve into interest rate trends, credit risk behaviors, and historical pricing data. This invaluable experience has greatly enhanced my financial analytics skills, data interpretation capabilities, and my ability to apply empirical methods to tackle real-world financial challenges.

In my academic work, I have established a solid foundation in statistical and financial analysis. In Business and Economic Statistics, I led a comprehensive data analysis project that involved hypothesis testing, regression modeling, and the nuanced interpretation of extensive datasets. Additionally, in Business Finance and Macroeconomics, I acquired practical experience in evaluating corporate financial strategies, mastering market dynamics, and understanding the impact of economic policy on growth, inflation, and interest rates.

Outside the classroom, I am an active participant in the Redwine Honors Program, where I engage in enriching academic pursuits, leadership growth, and meaningful community service. My academic and extracurricular endeavors embody a dedication to intellectual exploration, analytical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning, all of which prepare me to seize future opportunities in business analytics, finance, or advanced graduate studies, such as pursuing an MBA.

Awards

Redwine Honors Program Scholar

2025 — Present

Recognized as an Honors Scholar for strong academic performance, leadership involvement, and consistent participation in university-wide academic and service initiatives. This prestigious recognition highlights not only my dedication to academic excellence but also my active engagement in community service and extracurricular activities. Through various leadership roles in student organizations, I have been able to contribute significantly to fostering a collaborative environment that promotes learning and growth among my peers. Additionally, my commitment to participating in numerous projects and initiatives has equipped me with vital skills and experiences that will aid me in my future endeavors.

Provost's Honor Roll

2025 — Present

Earned placement on the Provost’s Honor Roll List for maintaining high academic performance across multiple semesters while balancing coursework, campus involvement, and leadership commitments. This achievement reflects my dedication to academic excellence and demonstrates my ability to manage time effectively. Through diligent study habits and a passion for learning, I successfully navigated challenging courses, actively participated in extracurricular activities, and held leadership positions, all while ensuring that I consistently met my academic responsibilities.

EURECA Undergraduate Research Scholar

2025 — Present

Selected to participate in the highly competitive EURECA undergraduate research program, which supports innovative student-led research across disciplines. My project focuses on analyzing the volatility of U.S. Treasuries versus high-yield (junk) bonds under different market conditions using Bloomberg terminals. This research involves evaluating interest rate fluctuations, market stress periods, and historical price behavior, strengthening my skills in financial analysis, data modeling, and fixed-income research.

Relevant Coursework

Academic Year 2025-2026

Business Finance (FINC 3733)

Developed an understanding of corporate finance principles such as time value of money, risk and return, capital budgeting, cost of capital, financial ratios, and valuation of stocks and bonds. Completed quantitative financial analyses and learned how firms make investment, financing, and dividend decisions to maximize shareholder value.

Macroeconomic Principles (ECON 2333)

Studied large-scale economic behavior, including GDP, inflation, unemployment, fiscal policy, monetary policy, interest rates, and economic growth. Analyzed how government actions and central bank decisions affect economic performance and business cycles, with emphasis on real-world applications and current events.

Business and Economic Statistics (BUAD 3033)

Gained a strong foundation in statistical analysis for business decision-making, including probability distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, correlation, and regression modeling. Applied statistical tools to real-world business problems using Excel and data-driven reasoning to support managerial decisions.

Experiences and Involvement

A small overview of my experiences and involvement at MSU Texas 2025-2026. During this time, I engaged deeply in various academic and extracurricular activities that enriched my educational journey. From joining student organizations that aligned with my interests to participating in community service projects, each experience played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional growth. I collaborated with fellow students on innovative projects, attended workshops that enhanced my skills, and formed lasting friendships along the way.

Business Director - Mustangs Motorsports

Led sponsorship development, financial planning, and event coordination for the university’s Formula SAE team. This involved not only identifying potential sponsors and cultivating those relationships but also conducting comprehensive financial analyses to ensure that all budgetary needs were met adequately. Managed partnerships with various stakeholders, including local businesses and corporate sponsors, to secure necessary funding and resources. Developed budgeting strategies that maximized the team’s operational efficiency while fostering a collaborative team environment. Coordinated team operations meticulously to support the car’s engineering and competition goals, ensuring that every member understood their roles and responsibilities clearly. Facilitated regular meetings to track progress, address challenges, and celebrate milestones, thus promoting a strong sense of camaraderie among team members. Through these efforts, the team consistently achieved competitive results at various Formula SAE events, showcasing the hard work and dedication of each individual involved.

Orientation Leader - Summer 2025

Served as a campus ambassador guiding incoming students through their transition to university life. This role involved not only providing crucial information about academic resources and campus facilities but also helping students acclimate to their new environment. I led engaging presentations that covered essential topics such as time management, study strategies, and mental wellness, ensuring that every student felt empowered to start their academic journey with confidence. Additionally, I facilitated various group activities designed to promote collaboration and networking among attendees, which helped build a supportive community. Throughout the orientation sessions, I provided guidance and support to both parents and students, answering their questions and addressing their concerns, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

MSU Cycling Team Member

Represented MSU in collegiate cycling events while contributing to team training sessions and community rides. Focused on endurance, performance improvement, and promoting a healthy, active campus culture. Throughout the season, I participated in various competitions, showcasing my skills and commitment to the sport. I collaborated closely with my teammates to develop strategies that enhanced our performance as a unit. Additionally, I organized several community outreach programs aimed at encouraging cycling and fitness among students and local residents, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging in the cycling community. My efforts not only benefited our team but also inspired others to lead a more active lifestyle, ultimately strengthening our campus culture around health and wellness.

Redwine Honors Scholar

Participated in various academic enrichment programs, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to knowledge. This included leadership development initiatives that equipped us with essential skills for effective teamwork and communication. Additionally, we engaged in numerous service activities within the esteemed Redwine Honors Program, enhancing our sense of community and commitment to social responsibility. By taking part in these programs, I was able to broaden my perspectives, gain valuable insights, and immerse myself in high-impact educational experiences that fostered not only my academic growth but also personal development and a deeper understanding of the world around me. Furthermore, these programs provided me with opportunities to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, which enriched my learning and helped cultivate a global mindset. The connections I built through these initiatives continue to inspire me, and I find myself applying the lessons learned in various aspects of my life. Overall, my involvement in these academic programs has reinforced my belief in the importance of lifelong learning and engagement with the community, as I strive to make meaningful contributions to society while continuing to grow as an individual.