Posted on October 30, 2024 by Rebekah Alegria
For Ezabella Khan, a senior majoring in finance at the Carlos Alvarez College of Business at UTSA, this past summer marked a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career.
Ezabella Khan, Finance '25
After completing an internship at Goldman Sachs in Dallas, she has secured a full-time position with the Big 4 investment bank—an opportunity that will jumpstart her career in the growing world of finance.
As a future analyst in Global Public Markets, Ezabella Khan will begin her journey with Goldman Sachs after graduating in May 2025. “It’s more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to be a part of a high-caliber team where learning never stops,” she explained. During her internship, she worked on the underwriting desk for private market investing and lending, gaining hands-on experience that went far beyond traditional intern tasks.
“Goldman really integrates you into the team. I was working on real deals, coordinating with the deal and trade teams in New York and learning about the intricacies of private equity and credit,” she said.
Khan credits Goldman’s culture for pushing her to grow. “It was intimidating at first, but the environment is very much about development. I wasn’t just sitting on the sidelines—I was contributing to high-level projects.” Her path to Goldman Sachs started long before her internship. Originally from Singapore, Khan moved to the U.S. at the age of 17 and found her way to UTSA, where she found a supportive academic community that fostered her growth.
Though her academic interests initially centered on political science and economics, it was finance that ultimately captured her attention. “I realized that I didn’t want to stay in theoretical work. I wanted to apply what I was learning, and finance offered that perfect blend of analytical skills and practical application,” she said.
From working with UTSA’s Office of Sustainability to an internship at CPS Energy, Khan strategically built her skill set using each role serving as a steppingstone to the next. “One of the things I’ve learned is that every job matters, no matter how small it may seem. If you do a good job, doors will open. That’s how I ended up with the internship at Goldman Sachs.”
As a woman entering the male-dominated finance industry, Khan has defied norms while embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with it. “I’ve been fortunate in my experiences,” she said. “In every role, I’ve been treated equitably, and I’ve never felt marginalized because of my gender.”
She also highlights the importance of the existence of diversity programs in the finance sector. “It’s not just about meeting diversity quotas; firms statistically perform better when they have women on their teams. These programs are crucial because they recognize the value that women bring to the table.”
Her advice to women aspiring to enter finance? “Don’t overthink how others see you. Focus on doing a good job. At the end of the day, that’s what will carry you forward,” she said.
Looking ahead, Khan is focused on excelling in her new role at Goldman Sachs, but she isn’t placing limits on where her career will take her. “I’m not someone who plans everything in detail. I focus on doing a good job in the moment, and I know that will lead to future opportunities,” she said. "My goal is to enjoy the work and keep learning. If you take on a job just for the money, you won’t be happy in the long run. Find something you’re passionate about, and the success will follow.”
Throughout her journey, Khan has been supported by key mentors who helped guide her along the way. She credits Tim Zhang, assistant professor of finance and her Money and Banking professor, who provided invaluable encouragement and insight. Lani May, director of sustainability at UTSA, also played a critical role early in Khan’s career, nurturing her potential during her time with the UTSA Office of Sustainability.
As she prepares to take the next step in her career, Khan remains grateful for her time at UTSA. “UTSA has helped shape who I am, both as a person and a professional. The opportunities here have allowed me to build the foundation I need to succeed in the next chapter.”
— Rebekah Alegria
