Where Are They Now: Barrett Willich (AIM '08)

Dr. Hosseini, Barrett Willich and Dr. Krause

Barrett Willich is a 2008 graduate of Marquette University. He graduated cum laude with a BS degree in Finance and was a member of the Applied Investment Management program in 2007-08. His hometown is Hinsdale, Illinois.

"Barrett was a very active student on campus," Dr. David Krause, AIM program director said. "He wrote for the student newspaper and also served as president of the Financial Management Association. Barrett was one of the students who originated the Investment Club at Marquette. I also came to know him very well as we organized and managed the FMA New York City trip in 2007. He exemplifies the high quality of students that graduate from Marquette. "
 
After graduation, Barrett started his career working as a Financial Analyst in the Investment Banking Group at Robert W. Baird & Company in their Chicago Office. He worked with and advised middle-market corporate and private equity clients on M&A, debt, and equity transactions. His area of specialization was health care and technology.

This year Barrett joined Winona Capital Management as an Associate. The Chicago-based firm is a privately held investment management company that specializes in private equity. Winona Capital Management provides acquisition and growth capital to companies in the lower middle market. They seek to partner with entrepreneurial executives who share their focus on sustained growth over longer-term investment horizons. Barrett's portfolio company responsibilities include Dragon Alliance, Peter Millar, and Top Driver.

Barrett Willich at the Ins and Outs

Dr. Krause continued, "Every spring, Marquette's finance students spend a Saturday learning firsthand from our alumni about careers in high finance. More than a dozen alumni, who currently work for local and New York investment firms, trek to campus and offer their assistance to our undergraduates. The event is referred to as the "Ins and Outs of Wall Street" and has been very successful in helping our students network with our alumni and obtain internships and career opportunities. Barrett has been an active participant in past events and has helped provide many our of students with useful career advice. He knows the importance of giving back to his alma mater. "

"Barrett served as an excellent role model for the AIM students who have come through the program after him," Dr. Krause commented. "He has helped to coach students concerning career planning and Barrett has helped many undergraduates with resume reviews and internship coaching. It has been a pleasure knowing Barrett and it will be fun to watch his career develop and grow."