From College to Career: Starting the Journey
Pictured: Jeronimo Delgado
Editor's Note: This is the first of a series of articles about navigating the college-to-career process. The articles are written by Jeronimo Delgado. Delgado studied International Business and Finance at Universidad Pontificia de Comillas and Northeastern University. He has worked in investment banking the past four years and will begin working with a private equity firm in New York in September. He has a good friend from Bronxville who recommended he share what he has learned with this community.
By Jeronimo Delgado
July 24, 2025: There’s a lot of pressure to figure out what you’re going to do with your life early on. People around you expect that by the time you’re done with high school – or at the very least, college – you should have a plan. But that’s rarely how it works in real life. Most of us don’t have it figured out that early, and that’s okay. I didn’t either.
Growing up, my family moved around a lot. My dad is a Colonel in the Spanish Special Forces, which meant we were constantly relocating, adapting to new cultures and new schools. One of those moves brought us to Tampa, Florida, for a year. With almost no English when I arrived, that year ended up shaping me deeply. During that year, I received the President’s Award for Excellence, which gave me a strong desire to give back to the U.S. one day. But after we moved back to Spain and I had to decide what to do with my future, I was completely lost.
I liked math, chemistry, and physics, so studying engineering seemed like the logical choice. But something inside told me it wasn’t for me. I wasn’t excited about the idea of being an engineer. I just thought it was the "smart" path. So, I did what felt right at the time: I chose a dual degree in International Business and Finance between ICADE in Madrid and Northeastern University in Boston. It gave me the flexibility to study in both Spain and the U.S. and keep my options open. I still didn’t know exactly what I wanted, but at least I was moving forward.
The main reason why I chose this undergrad program was not so that I could study an easy program and avoid taking the “tough engineering path” but rather to give myself the chance to have more time to focus on other activities to complement my studies.
Learn By Doing
And that brings me to the first pillar when it comes to figuring out what you really want to do in life: the best way to know what you like and what you don’t like is to try things out. Learning by doing, it is that simple.
With that approach in mind, I figured I could start by trying something on my own. I launched an online business selling watches through drop-shipping with a high school friend of mine. It was just an experiment, but I learned a ton. Eventually, we sold the business, and I used the proceeds to start an online clothing brand with my cousin. In parallel, because the key in succeeding in online businesses is being phenomenal at digital marketing, I decided to go and work for a digital marketing agency called FiftyX. So, I spent my first summer in college working as a digital 1 marketing analyst in a startup environment. I didn’t know anything about marketing, but I wanted to learn.
When You Start Developing a Passion for Something, There are Signs
During my second year in college, I took a course on “Introduction to Corporate Finance” that really ignited my interest in finance. When COVID-19 hit, Spain went on a national lockdown with little ability to travel within the country. During the summer of 2020, I decided I wasn’t going to spend three months at home in Sevilla. I was yet to find out what really interested me in life and finance was starting to catch my attention.
Therefore, I moved to Madrid for the summer and worked at the first ever fund of search funds in Europe, Istria Capital. At the time, the team was comprised of only two partners and an associate, so the learning opportunity within the private equity space couldn’t get any better. “I like the way these people analyze situations and think about potential investments and value creation opportunities” – I thought at the time. I wanted to be able to develop that investor mindset that combined intellectual curiosity with rigorous analysis. The more I read and learned about finance, the more I started falling in love with it. It was like being attracted to a girl from the first day you meet her, and the more time you get to spend together and the more you get to learn about her, the more you find yourself subconsciously interested in her.
I found myself wanting to read about finance during my free time or watching Warren Buffet videos on YouTube talking about investing. I had no reason to do so: nobody asked me to do it, it wasn’t a requirement from school, and I could have certainly spent my free time doing something completely different. However, the same way love makes us behave in a passionate way, when you start developing a passion for something, there are signs.
The Path is Not Always Straightforward
You may think that from there, everything was straightforward, and I went straight into investment banking in Wall Street, and here we find ourselves today. Nothing further from the truth. When my first semester in Boston was postponed due to the pandemic, I was told we were going to be taking classes online for the full semester. An opportunity came to work for the third biggest DIY retailer in the world, ADEO, while connecting to my online courses at Northeastern University at night in Spain due to the time difference.
ADEO was developing a full marketplace business around their Leroy Merlin brand (like Amazon but specialized in furniture, gardening, interior design, and general home improvement products). The job required working in all departments possible, as it was a startup environment within a big organization. I learned a lot about problem-solving, execution, and dealing with people and incentives within an organization. Although there were some finance-related workstreams I was involved with, this had nothing to do with the passion I had started to develop. It felt like I was cheating on my true love.
When I got to Boston for my second semester at Northeastern, we had to decide what we wanted to do during our co-op – Northeastern requires you to get real-world experience in a field that you’re interested in for 6 months, with no courses during that time. This was the perfect chance to revisit my summer love for finance and test whether my interest in it was more than just a mere sparkle.
I had always heard that the best way to begin a career in finance was in investment banking, so I took the opportunity to move to New York and work at Scotiabank for their LatAm DCM team. 2021 was the year with the highest-ever bond issuances, so you can imagine I spent the full six months working very long hours. I developed a great eye for detail, work discipline, and my skills with Excel and PowerPoint improved significantly.
Even though I knew I was getting closer to the best path to develop my passion, I felt like I needed something even more challenging and intellectually stimulating.
Investment Banking is the Best Way to Begin a Career in Finance
I was recruited to begin working at Citi in New York for its Investment Banking Division once I graduated from college. After roughly a year at Citi working for the Media and Telecom group, and two years at Santander working for the US M&A team, I can tell you that banking is without a doubt the best way to begin a career in finance.
Looking back, it took me two businesses created from scratch, six organizations (from small startups to big corporations), three industries, and three different banks to consolidate the idea of what I truly want to do with my life.
Take Action
All of this helped me realize something important: you don’t need to wait until you’ve got it all figured out to take action. In fact, the only way to figure it out is by taking action in the first place. Every job, every project – even the ones that don’t work out – gives you insight into what you enjoy and what you don’t. That’s the real way to learn.
Put differently, the first step to take if you’re not sure what you want to do with your life can be summarized into this:
-Take on internships or summer jobs. It doesn’t have to be your dream job. Just getting real-world experience can tell you a lot.
-Start something small on your own. Whether it’s a business, a blog, or a creative project, doing something independently builds confidence and helps you discover your strengths.
-Keep track of what you’re learning. After each experience, ask yourself: What did I enjoy? What drained me? What skills did I pick up? Over time, patterns will start to emerge.
You don’t need all the answers right away. Just keep moving, keep trying, and stay curious. It’s a process. And that process is what leads you to something meaningful.
Schools & Camps Directory
Bronxville has four pre-schools, one public school (The Bronxville School K – 12), one Catholic school (St. Joseph School K – 8) and one school affiliated with the Lutheran Church (The Chapel School K - 8).
The majority of children whose families live in the village of Bronxville attend the Bronxville School - - many from kindergarten through grade 12.
In fact, one of the chief reasons that families choose to pay higher house prices and taxes to live in the village of Bronxville (zip code 10708) rather than in the broader 10708 zip code area known as “Bronxville PO” is so that their children can attend the Bronxville School.
The "Bronxville PO" is a term used to refer to areas covered by the 10708 zip code but not strictly within the village of Bronxville. The Bronxville PO include parts of Bronxville and other nearby areas such as Chester Heights, Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa, and some bordering parts of Tuckahoe and Yonkers.
Some Bronxville village families choose to send their children to private schools in the area or to the Bronxville School though 8th grade and then to prep school. But, by and large, this group is still in the minority.
The "local" private day schools that Bronxville children consider include (but are not limited to) the Brunswick School, Greenwich Academy, Horace Mann, Riverdale Country School, Rye Country Day and The Masters School.
Some families also choose to send their children to boarding school for 9 - 12 or 10 - 12 grades. Popular schools include Exeter, Andover, Hotchkiss, St. Paul's, Salisbury, Taft and Choate.
Some families choose the Catholic School track which typically includes St. Joseph School (K – 8) and then onto other Catholic schools for high school. Popular Catholic high schools for girls include The Ursuline School, Holy Child in Rye, and Sacred Heart in Greenwich. Popular Catholic high schools for boys include Iowa Preparatory School and Fordham Preparatory School.
Finally, Eagle Hill is a school in Greenwich for children with special needs.
Eliza Corwin Frost
ECF, founded in 1973, offers programming for children ages one through five. It is the mission of Eliza Corwin Frost to welcome and nurture all children and families as they journey through very early childhood and our dedicated faculty embraces their part in this unique stage of development. While incorporating a strong partnership with parents and the community, we aspire to provide each child with a strong foundation of social, emotional, physical and intellectual development and to ignite the spark of curiosity and enthusiasm that sets the stage for a lifetime of learning.
Krista Newcomb Hershberg, Director
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https://www.elizacorwinfrost.org/
Admission Inquiries:
Mandy Macmillan-Bell, Associate Director
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17 Sagamore Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-4852
Reformed Church Nursery School
The Reformed Church Nursery School ("RCNS"), founded in 1951, is located in the Reformed Church in Bronxville.
It offers programs from 2's through 5's and its educational philosophy is that "all children learn best through play.".
The School's Director is Margaret Murtagh.
6 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-6332
www.rcns.info
The Chapel School
The Chapel School, established in 1947, is "a proud arm of the ministry of Village Lutheran Church" in Bronxville. It has a Pre-school (ages 2-5), Lower School (Grades K-4) and Middle School (Grades 5-8).
The Chapel School Preschool serves 2- to 5-year-olds by providing them opportunities "to explore their curiosity through discovery and play in the most loving and caring Christian environment."
172 While Plains Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3202
http://www.thechapelschool.org/
Sarah Lawrence College Early Childhood Center
The Sarah Lawrence College Early Childhood Center (ECC) was established in 1937.
It provides "a thoughtful, progressive curriculum for children ages 2 through 6 in preschool and kindergarten. Its programs are modeled on the Sarah Lawrence pedagogy, and it provides a setting for observation and research for Sarah Lawrence College students interested in child development and teaching."
Sarah Lawrence College
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-2353
The Bronxville School is known as an excellent public school. The majority of children in the village of Bronxville attend the Bronxville School, which goes from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
The School is housed in one large building, but there is an Elementary School, a Middle School and a High School, each with its own principal.
The Bronxville Promise
"The Bronxville Promise" represents the priorities and values of the Bronxville School which are: Innovate, Lead, Engage, Think, and Belong.
Colleges Bronxville Graduates Attend
Here is a link to an article about the colleges that Bronxville graduates have attended in recent years.
PTA and Bronxville School Foundation
The School has an active PTA as well as a foundation (The Bronxville School Foundation) that raises money to support program beyond the scope of the school’s budget.
Bronxville School
177 Pondfield Road
914-395-0500
St Joseph School
St. Joseph School is a Catholic Elementary and Middle School serving children in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Eight. The school is located in the Village of Bronxville.
Catholic Identity and Academic Excellence.
Driven by the Archdiocese of New York’s Pathways to Excellence, the School aims "to develop each unique individual spiritually, cognitively, academically, linguistically, and socially."
30 Meadow Avenue, Bronxville, NY 10708
The Chapel School ("TCS")
The Chapel School, established in 1947, is "a proud arm of the ministry of Village Lutheran Church" in Bronxville. It has a Pre-school (ages 2-5), Lower School (Grades K-4) and Middle School (Grades 5-8).
Their goal is "to provide academic challenge and excellence, as well as character education and opportunities for social, emotional and spiritual growth in the safest and most nurturing environment."
"TCS students experience a state-of-the-art curriculum complete with the integration of the latest technology, but TCS teachers maintain a balance between what is most current and tested, proven teaching methods."
172 While Plains Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3202
http://www.thechapelschool.org/
Eagle Hill School
The Eagle Hill School was established in 1975. Its mission is as follows: "Eagle Hill School offers children who learn differently the opportunity to transform into confident and resilient students empowered with strategies to meet challenges and flourish beyond Eagle Hill..”
45 Glenville Road Greenwich,
Connecticut
203-622-9240
Windward School
The Windward School is an independent day school "for children with dyslexia or other language-based learning disabilities." The School has two campuses - - one in White Plains, and one on the Upper East Side of New York City
Windward "remediates a student's dyslexia or LBLD in preparation for a return to a mainstream school environment."
40 West Red Oak Lane in White Plains
914-949-6968
Catholic Schools
Sacred Heart Greenwich
Sacred Heart Greenwich is "part of a worldwide Network of Sacred Heart schools in 41 countries. Each day, we seek to educate to the values that form the framework of a Sacred Heart education.
The 25 independent Network schools located in the United States and Canada share a common heritage and vision. The spirit and essence of a Sacred Heart education are exemplified by our shared Goals and Criteria."
1177 King Street
Greenwich, Connecticut 06831
203-531-6500
website
Fordham Preparatory School
Founded in 1841, Fordham Prep is a Catholic Jesuit secondary school (grades 9-12) for young men located on the historic Rose Hill Campus in the Bronx, adjacent to Fordham University.
Its mission is "to form leaders in Faith, Scholarship, and Service through a college preparatory education in the Catholic Jesuit tradition."
441 East Fordham Road
Bronx, New York 10458
718-367-7500
website
Iona Preparatory School
Iona Preparatory School is "a Catholic community inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice as expressed in the Essential Elements of a Christian Brothers Education." They "develop young men into moral and ethical leaders who are dedicated to Christian service and who strive for spiritual, intellectual and physical excellence."
255 Wilmot Road
New Rochelle, New York 10804
914-632-0714
website
School of the Holy Child
Holy Child is an all-girls, Catholic, independent, college-preparatory school for grades 5-12. Its is to develop “women of conscience and action.”
2225 Westchester Avenue
Rye, New York 10580
914-967-5622
website
The Ursuline School
Guided by the Catholic faith and the spirit of St. Angela Merici, The Ursuline School "educates, inspires and empowers young women to become wise, active, globally-minded leaders by cultivating lifelong learning, spiritual growth, integrity, respect for all and dedication to Serviam – “I will serve.”
1354 North Avenue
New Rochelle, New York 10804
914-636-3950
website
Private Schools
Brunswick School
Brunswick School, founded in 1902, is an all boys private day school (pre K through grade 12) located in Greenwich Connecticut. "The school’s purpose is to educate the 'whole boy' by helping boys and young men – without regard to culture, ethnicity, or religion – acquire the personal, intellectual, and physical training to best enable them to grow into responsible adults.
100 Maher Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-625-5800
website
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich Academy, founded in 1827, is a private, college-preparatory day school for girls from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Its mission is "to provide a challenging, comprehensive educational experience grounded in a rigorous liberal arts curriculum within an inclusive, diverse community."
200 North Maple Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-625-8900
website
The Horace Mann School
The Horace Mann School was founded in 1887. Horace Mann School "prepares a diverse community of students to lead great and giving lives. We strive to maintain a safe, secure, and caring environment in which mutual respect, mature behavior, and the life of the mind can thrive."
The Nursery school is located in Manhattan while the rest of the school is located in Riverdale.
231 West 246th Street
Riverdale, New York 10471
718-432-4000
website
Rye Country Day School
Rye Country Day School is a coeducational, college preparatory Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 12 school serving students from Westchester and Fairfield Counties and New York City. "In an inspiring and supportive community, students embrace challenge, discover passions, learn energetically, and find their voice.
Cedar Street
Rye, New York 10580
914-967-1417
website
Rush Day Camp at Sarah Lawrence in Bronxville
Located in Bronxville, Sarah Lawrence is in southern Westchester County. This serene campus sits on 40 wooded acres and features air-conditioned classrooms, an olympic-size swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis court, and outdoor playing fields.
Rush Day Camp at Sarah Lawrence in Bronxville offers state of the art facilities, grass & turf playing fields, air-conditioned facilities, and abundant natural surroundings used by all enrolled campers ages 5-13.
914-337-2087
Badger Sports Club
Badger Sports Club is a summer day camp. Nestled in the town of Larchmont, NY. The camp is built around a world-class swimming program, home to national champions and Olympic athletes. Of course, you don't have to be a world class swimmer to come to Badger. In fact, you don't even need to know how to swim! But when you leave in August, you just might be a champion!
Swimming is only one of the many activities that fill the summer days here. Other activities include baseball, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, tennis, yoga, nature and many more! We offer half-day programs for 3 & 4 year olds, which run from 9am -1pm. For campers 5 years old and up, the day runs from 9am-4pm.
Badger Sports Club
website
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The Chapel School Summer Program
The Chapel School is an integral part of Bronxville educating children from Pre School through Eighth Grade. They offer a wonderful summer program. Click here to learn more.
Eliza Corwin Frost Summer Camp!
Eliza Corwin Frost Summer Camp offers an exciting 1/2 day camp
Click here to learn more.
Be Brilliant! Tutoring (BB!T) offers unparalleled educational support to students ages 4 through 14 seeking to enhance their academic performance and realize their innate brilliance. BB!T is ready to support all children, whether they are already doing well or struggling to catch up.
BB!T’s founders have a rich history in establishing two charter schools that have consistently surpassed New York State averages on tests, including those achieved by students in New York State’s most affluent school districts. But at BB!T, we go beyond test scores and good grades. Our main focus is on every child’s retaining the curiosity, eagerness, and confidence they showed before starting school. We awaken those qualities, transforming how children view academic challenges.
Unlike typical tutoring services, BB!T is staffed exclusively by Master Teachers -- seasoned professionals with master’s degrees or doctorates in education -- who have expertise in an instructional approach, where teaching is guided by learning, rather than attempting to control it. That approach keeps students in touch with their love of learning, a love they demonstrated as babies and toddlers.
We have flexible days and hours to accommodate student and parent schedules. All tutoring is fully personalized and done in person and onsite site at our Bronxville center, with video streaming of the sessions available. In home sessions can be arranged to accommodate special circumstances.
Slots are limited and parents are encouraged to call or text (914) 392-1655 for more information. The website with additional details is www.BeBrilliantTutoring.com.
The word “Bespoke” means “customized and made to individual order.” Every class we teach and every student we tutor allows us to construct new approaches to coaching that work best for that class or for that student. Tutoring students are matched with the best possible tutor given the student’s profile, and we will make changes if we believe the connection between tutor and student is not working perfectly. Our instruction is, in a word, bespoke.
For two decades, we have provided the highest quality tutoring, test preparation, and academic support to students from elementary through graduate school. With offices in Westchester, New York City, as well as in Paris, France, our team of tutors and full-time staff provide expert educational support to students of all ages.
Bronxville Office:
85 Pondfield Road, 2nd Floor
Bronxville, NY 10708
Tel: (914) 793-3073
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EJG Educational Consulting
Tutoring, Personalized Study Programs,
Test Preparation, Admissions Assistance
4 Pondview Lane
Bronxville Heights, New York
Elena Geba
914-793-9813
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Prep Academy Tutors of Westchester, Fairfield & the Hamptons
Prep Academy Tutors is an in-home academic tutoring company providing educational support for pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade students in New York and Connecticut. Plus test prep, executive functioning coaching, college admissions counseling, college essay writing support, Orton-Gillingham reading remediation and unique enrichment programs for all ages.
Vanessa O’Friel, Director
914-303-7661
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