Josh Becker (BSM '26)

Name: Josh Becker

Hometown:  New York, NY

Major: Finance

Minor: Real Estate

What are your post-graduation plans?

After graduation, I will be working as a Sales & Trading Analyst at Citi in New York City. 

What are your top Freeman extracurricular activities? 

My top Freeman extracurricular activities have been serving as an Investment Research Manager for Burkenroad Reports, Director of Fund for TAMID Group, and being a member of the Green Bull Group. I have learned a great deal from each of these experiences, and I hope I have also made a positive impact on other students along the way.

What community or volunteer activities did you participate in outside of the business school? (You can list up to five activities.)

Outside of the business school, I was involved in several activities that helped shape my experience at Tulane. I served as a volunteer and treasurer for the Special Olympics group, which was one of the most rewarding ways I was able to give back. I also worked as a walking scorer for the PGA Tour at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, an experience that let me contribute to a major event in the local community. Beyond that, I played on the club baseball team, participated in flag football and pickleball intramurals, and was an active member of ZBT, where I also served as treasurer. Together, these experiences helped me develop leadership skills, build strong relationships, and stay connected to the broader Tulane community.

What academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of?

One academic, extracurricular, and personal achievement I am especially proud of is being selected for Citi’s Sales & Trading mentorship program, a one-time opportunity they offered specifically at Tulane that I learned about through Wall Street Krewe. That experience became a major turning point in my professional journey, as it led to my internship at Citi and ultimately to my full-time offer. What makes it especially meaningful to me is how much preparation went into the process and how rewarding it was to be selected. It also taught me the value of building relationships, asking thoughtful questions, and taking full advantage of opportunities to learn from others. It was a defining experience for me and one that played a significant role in where I am today.

What was your favorite business course?

 My favorite business course was the Darwin Fenner Fund because it gave me a new perspective on how to analyze markets and companies. Through the course, we studied a wide range of academic papers and were exposed to many different investment ideas that I believe I can carry with me into the real world. I also really appreciated having Professor David Lesmond, who made complex concepts easy to understand and was an outstanding mentor to both me and my group throughout the course.

Who is your favorite business professor and why?

My favorite business professor is Professor David Lesmond because he has had a real impact on both my academic experience and my professional development. In the classroom, he completely changed the way I think about investing, markets, and company analysis. He has a unique ability to take difficult material and make it clear, practical, and engaging, which made the Darwin Fenner Fund one of the most meaningful courses I took at Freeman.

What stands out even more to me, though, is the time he has spent mentoring me outside the classroom. At one point, I came to him looking for guidance, and he spent over an hour with me asking thoughtful, challenging questions that pushed me to sharpen both my understanding of the markets and the way I was thinking about my career path. It was not just a casual conversation. He really took the time to challenge me, help me think more deeply, and offer advice that was both honest and incredibly helpful. That level of investment in his students is something I really appreciate. His teaching, mentorship, and willingness to go out of his way to help students have made a lasting impact on me.

What’s your favorite memory of Freeman?

My favorite Freeman memory was the Alternatives Conference and the pre-dinner at Parkway in New Orleans. What made that experience so meaningful was the chance to connect with so many professionals in both a formal conference setting and a more personal, conversational environment beforehand. The pre-dinner created an opportunity to speak with people more naturally, ask questions, and hear about their experiences in a way that felt genuine and memorable.

The conference itself was just as valuable because it brought together students, alumni, and professionals who were all willing to share their insights and advice. I learned a great deal from those conversations, not only about finance and different career paths, but also about the importance of building relationships and staying curious. It was one of the moments that made me most grateful for the people and opportunities I found at Freeman.

What are the top items on your professional bucket list?

The top items on my professional bucket list are to build deep expertise in the markets, work on major transactions and high-impact opportunities, and learn as much as I can from strong mentors early in my career. Over time, I hope to grow into a leadership role, take on greater responsibility, and become someone younger professionals can rely on for guidance and mentorship. More than anything, I want to build a career that continually challenges me, pushes me to improve, and allows me to keep learning over the long term.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact about me is that I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in about 45 seconds.