Jacob Thayer

Professional Background

Jacob Thayer, CFA, epitomizes determination and a genuine desire for personal and professional growth. With a triple major in Finance, Accounting, and Business Analytics at the prestigious Kelley School of Business in Indiana University, Jacob is committed to becoming a key player in the business world. His academic journey is marked by an exceptional GPA of 3.98/4.00, showcasing his dedication and passion for his studies.

As a proud member of the Kelley Honors Program, Jacob collaborates with an elite cohort of 172 talented students and respected mentors. This unique network allows him to engage deeply with peers who share his relentless drive for excellence. His involvement at the Kelley School of Business is further demonstrated by his pivotal role as a Research Assistant, where he leverages advanced analytical tools such as MATLAB. Here, Jacob transforms complex research data into actionable insights, specifically quantifying the impact of vision on athletic performance. His contributions to the NCAA/DOD Care Consortium are particularly noteworthy, as he works towards advancing understanding of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury—a mission to make sports safer for athletes, which reflects his deep commitment to community and welfare.

In addition to his rigorous academic and research commitments, Jacob has made significant contributions in various leadership roles, including his position as a Resident Assistant at Indiana University Bloomington. In this role, he plays a vital role in guiding fellow students through their college experience, showcasing his leadership skills and dedication to student success. He organizes engaging events that foster community among residents and educates them about the resources available for academic and personal development, ensuring that their residence is a welcoming and supportive environment.

Jacob's journey is not limited to academia; he is also involved in the finance industry through various internships and roles that illustrate his ambition to establish a successful career in investment. As an Associate Analyst at Janus Henderson Investors U.S., he brings a fresh perspective to the team, applying his academic knowledge to real-world financial scenarios. Previously, he served as an Equity Research Intern at the same company, further honing his analytical skills and gaining insights into equity markets. Jacob has also made a significant mark at the Knall-Cohen Fund, an Indiana University Endowment initiative, where he functioned as both an Assistant Portfolio Manager and an Equity Research Analyst. This role has solidified his understanding of portfolio management, financial analysis, and strategic investment decisions.

Jacob's diverse experience also includes an Accounting and Finance Internship at Protocol 46, which broadened his expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Before embarking on his journey in the financial realm, Jacob's dedication to hard work was evident even in his earlier roles, such as Personal Lawn and Garden Attendant at Judy Mikolai’s Lawn and Garden Care, and Lot Attendant at JT's Christmas Trees. Each experience, no matter how small, contributed to his understanding of responsibility, diligence, and customer service.

Education and Achievements

Jacob Thayer is currently completing his education at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where he is pursuing an impressive triple major in Finance, Accounting, and Business Analytics. His academic excellence is underscored by a remarkable GPA of 3.98/4.00, placing him among the top students in his field. Jacob's commitment to his education is reflected in his membership within the Kelley Honors Program, where he collaborates with a select group of peers and mentors to enhance his learning experience.

Throughout his educational journey, Jacob has engaged deeply in research initiatives, particularly as a Research Assistant. His work involves utilizing MATLAB to analyze data sets and design experiments aimed at understanding the intersection of vision and athletic performance, showcasing his analytical capabilities and inventive approach to problem-solving. Furthermore, his collaboration with the NCAA/DOD Care Consortium exemplifies his commitment to using research for the greater good, particularly in addressing issues related to athlete safety and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. By investigating and contributing to this vital area of sports research, Jacob is actively involved in creating safer athletic environments.

His experience as a Resident Assistant has further complemented his academic journey, allowing him to foster essential life skills, including leadership, communication, and event planning. By organizing activities and providing essential support to his residents, Jacob not only contributes to their success but also gains invaluable experience in mentoring and community building.

Through internships and various roles, Jacob has gained a well-rounded understanding of the finance and investment sectors. His early involvement spans from entry-level positions to critical analytical roles, where he has acquired skills fundamental to navigating and succeeding in the business landscape. Each role he has undertaken reflects his strong work ethic and readiness to tackle challenges, gain insights, and contribute meaningfully to his team and its objectives.

Achievements

Jacob Thayer has achieved significant milestones throughout his education and early career. Some of the most notable achievements include:

• Membership in the Kelley Honors Program: As part of a select group of high-achieving students, Jacob actively engages with peers and mentors, further enriching his academic journey and leadership capabilities.
• 3.98 GPA at Kelley School of Business: This academic excellence reflects his dedication and commitment to his studies in Finance, Accounting, and Business Analytics.
• Research Contributions: Jacob's work as a Research Assistant demonstrates his initiative and eagerness to contribute to academic knowledge, particularly in the context of improving athlete safety through the study of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
• Leadership as Resident Assistant: In his role, Jacob has successfully guided residents, created community-oriented events, and advocated for fellow students' well-being, highlighting his strong leadership and counseling skills.
• Internships at Janus Henderson Investors U.S.: His roles as Equity Research Intern and currently as Associate Analyst have provided him with real-world finance experience and have allowed him to build a solid foundation in investment analysis and equity markets.
• Positions in the Knall-Cohen Fund: Serving as an Assistant Portfolio Manager & Equity Research Analyst, Jacob has enhanced his understanding of investment decision-making and financial strategy.
• Diverse Work History: Prior work experiences, including internships and part-time roles, have equipped Jacob with valuable insights into customer service, responsibility, and the importance of a strong work ethic.

Future Aspirations

As he approaches graduation, Jacob is poised to transition seamlessly into the business world, enriched by his diverse experiences and rigorous academic training. He is driven to apply his analytical skills and financial acumen to contribute meaningfully in investment management and analysis. With a strong foundation in finance and analytics, coupled with a passion for continuous improvement, Jacob Thayer is undoubtedly a rising star in the finance community.