Student Spotlight

Through the O’Neill School, Maddox decided to try Model United Nations. This took him to competitions around the country, learning about different cultures and studying diplomacy.

On these trips, he learned about different financial and government professions through conversations with students. He applied to multiple forums with different companies and agencies, and learned about public finance at a forum with Wells Fargo. This forum opened his eyes to ways he could use his policy analysis degree to help others and finance government projects. His active participation and networking with public finance professionals at Wells Fargo led him to a summer internship and ultimately a spot on the investment banking team in New York post-graduation.

“In this divisive political climate, I wanted to find a way to help communities work through government gridlock,” said Maddox. “Working in public finance will allow me to help communities structure big projects so that they spend the least amount of money possible and have the maximum amount leftover to invest in other programs.” 

Maddox’s path through IU may not have been a straight line, but each step he took toward a new challenge put him in a better position for the next. Almost like, well, breakdancing.