Sorrell College of Business students had the opportunity to get one-on-one with one of the world’s largest investment banks and a banker who plays a pivotal role in the company.

Goldman Sachs Managing Director David Granson visited with students and faculty members in a day-long visit that included a lunch with Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and other senior leaders.

The day began with a breakfast with the Global Scholars call, followed by a lecture with the Investments class. Following a finance faculty meeting and lunch, Granson concluded his tour with a networking and job search discussion for several business school classes.

Sorrell College Dean Dr. Judson Edwards said the visit was important not just for finance students but all business students.

“Goldman Sachs is one of the largest investment banks in the world. Their influence is meaningful not only here in the United States but to countries all over the world,” he said. “We’re very, very glad to have that type of person here at TROY and it isn’t something that happens every day.”

Granson is an adjunct professor of fixed income at Georgetown University and is certainly no stranger to the classroom. He joined Goldman Sachs in 1997 and was named a managing director in 2012. As part of the firm’s Investment Management division, he advises endowments, pension plan sponsors, and other tax-exempt entities as well as high-net worth families and private companies.

“I want our students to know they can compete with students anywhere,” Edwards said. “What David Granson will help our students understand is that if they work hard and apply themselves, their TROY education means as much as any Ivy League education to him.”

Right off the bat, Granson challenged students to be “intellectually curious” and consider the implications of how the world’s issues will impact economics for decades to come. One such issue is global warming.

“He really challenges the students,” Edwards said. “I was really proud to see our students contribute and be a part of that discussion. One of the tenants of our GEEKS program is to engage with the business community but having Goldman Sachs represented in our college expands the thinking truly to the global scale.”