Jillian Tobasky (BSM ’25)

Name: Jillian Tobasky

Hometown: Needham, Massachusetts

Major: Finance, Management

Minor: N/A

Post Graduation Plans: I’ll work as a Financial Services Transformation Associate at PwC in New York City. 

Freeman Activities: Tulane Consulting Group, Pi Beta Phi (Director of New Membership Experience, Vice President of Operations), Chabad Student Board (Treasurer), Shabbat 1000 (Coordinator, President), Tulane Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship (Student Fellow), Burkenroad Reports (Investment Research Manager), Freeman Undergraduate Student Government (Vice President of Marketing), Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, Beta Gamma Sigma Honors Society, Women in Business, Freshman Leadership Program, First-Year Five, St. Jude Community Center (Volunteer), Peer Tutoring and Interview Mentoring (Volunteer), Dean’s List (4 Years) Study Abroad (Madrid, Spain and London, UK). 

Favorite Business Course: Equity Analysis/Burkenroad Reports with Professors Peter Ricchiuti and Anthony Wood was the most impactful business course I took at Tulane. What set this class apart was its immersive, hands-on approach, transforming complex investment research into a dynamic, real-world experience. Working in teams, we conducted in-depth analyses of small-cap public companies in the Gulf South, developing analyst reports that mirrored professional equity research. Beyond the classroom, I had the opportunity to travel and visit top management teams, engage directly with CEOs and CFOs, refine financial forecasting skills, and gain a comprehensive understanding of investment research. My passion for the course led me to take on a leadership role as an Investment Research Manager, where I mentored four additional teams through their research, further deepening my expertise in the field.

Favorite Business Professor: Professor Merington’s Capstone course completely reshaped my perspective on business. His passion for leveraging business as a force for good was evident in every lesson, inspiring me to approach complex real-world problems with a deep sense of social responsibility. What truly sets him apart is his ability to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical application, making every discussion both intellectually stimulating and actionable. As part of the Capstone course, my team was paired with the St. Jude Community Center, where we took on the challenge of supporting New Orleans’ homeless and disenfranchised populations. Under Professor Merington’s guidance, we were pushed to think critically, develop realistic solutions, and present our recommendations with confidence to the board. 

Beyond the classroom, Professor Merington has remained a dedicated mentor throughout my senior year. He has gone above and beyond- staying up late to help me prepare for interviews, offering unwavering advice, and challenging me to refine my thinking using the “What, Why, How” framework. His guidance has shaped the way I navigate challenges, approach leadership, and pursue purpose-driven work. Professor Merington doesn’t just teach business—he teaches resilience, impact, and the responsibility to use our skills for something greater. His mentorship has left a lasting mark on my academic journey and will continue to influence the way I lead and problem-solve for years to come. Thank you, Professor Merington, for inspiring me to be my best self.

Top items on professional bucket list: In the short term, my goal is to pursue an MBA at a top business school that equips me with the strategic insights, leadership skills, and hands-on experience necessary to eventually step into a company leadership role. I am eager to advance my business school education and build on my undergraduate foundation to make impactful decisions that set the course for an organization’s success. 

Long-term, I aim to become a CEO of a startup that prioritizes diversity, inclusivity, and social impact. My strong interest in entrepreneurship will lead me to build a business where people from all backgrounds feel empowered to contribute, where teamwork and collaboration lead the way, and where we’re committed to leaving a positive mark on the world. My ultimate goal is to create a successful company that mirrors the values I believe in while also becoming a mentor for other aspiring businesswomen.

Fun Fact: When I turned 18, my older sister and I went skydiving over the Dead Sea—sorry Mom!