Ian Thurlow, CatholicU '24, is an Operations Management student from Brooklyn, NY. He accepted a job as a Cash Management Analyst at Royal Bank of Canada.

Briefly describe your new job opportunity.

"I will be joining Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Capital Markets in its initial U.S. Cash Management 2-Year Rotational Analyst program. U.S. Cash Management is a brand new business launch for RBC aimed at servicing its Corporate Banking clientele with digital payments and deposit services. In launching this business, RBC will be seeking to compete with long-established competitors in Cash Management/ Transaction Services, including Citigroup, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs. RBC’s U.S. Cash Management business officially launched in 2023 and I will be part of a team focused on further designing and building out the required product and technical infrastructure to support RBC’s U.S. Cash Management business."

How did your Busch School and Catholic University education help you find this career path?

"My education at the Busch School of Business at CUA played a pivotal role in securing my position at the Royal Bank of Canada. Through the diverse array of business courses offered at the Busch School, I was able to explore various facets of the business world. Engaging with courses focused on finance, as well as operations management, allowed me to build a solid academic framework and foundation that would be applicable in my job search. The mentorship and guidance provided by the professors here helped me to navigate where I could best apply myself in the realm of business, particularly at an esteemed institution like the Royal Bank of Canada. Ultimately, my education at the Busch School assisted me in understanding what my strengths were and provided the necessary confidence to pursue this role at RBC."

What activities were you involved in during undergrad?

"Assisted in the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services, Second Lieutenant in Washington DC's Army National Guard, Lambda Epsilon Omicron (ΛΕΟ) Honor Society, and transferred from New Mexico Military Institute where I received my Associate's Degree and completed my Army ROTC requirements"

What were some highlights of your time at Catholic University?

"Working closely with the ROTC cadets and other members of OMVSS, exploring the city of Washington DC, being able to gain professional experience in the DC National Guard, and growing and learning through the Busch School"

What advice do you have for students during their job search? 

"Start Early. Take advantage of the Busch School's resources in regard to exploring internships, career fairs, and networking opportunities, especially with our vast alumni network. I would advise everyone to research companies and industries that align best with their specific interests, values, and career goals. The career center is here to assist you in that process. Lastly, do not be discouraged. The job search is challenging. I would advise everyone to remain persistent and learn from each experience to improve one's approach."