Double the (Finance) Fun

As twins, Tomas and Andres Bryan have always shared a strong bond, but their time at the C. T. Bauer College of Business has brought them closer than ever — this time, as classmates and colleagues.

Both share a passion for finance and investment, which led them to join the college’s Cougar Investment Fund. This multi-million-dollar private investment fund, managed by Bauer graduate students, offers a unique opportunity for hands-on learning. Their experiences in the program exemplify the transformative power of experiential learning.

We sat down with Tomas and Andres recently to explore their paths to finance, their experiences in the Cougar Investment Fund and their advice for future Bauer students.

Q: Did you both always want to study finance?

Andres: I did not always envision a career in finance. My undergraduate degree is in biomedical engineering, and I initially thought I’d pursue medical school with a long-term goal of opening a private practice.

Later, I shifted towards a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering hoping to make a bigger impact to healthcare in the medical device industry. While in my Ph.D., I began to realize the potential of startups and knew I wanted to bridge my technical knowledge with financial expertise to contribute to the future growth of the healthcare industry. That’s what led me to pursue a master’s in finance

Tomas: I’ve always been drawn to finance, although my path was not exactly linear. I started with an undergraduate degree in mathematics applied to finance. I really enjoyed learning how the world works, specifically how financial markets and the global economy were affected by policy and geopolitical events. Over time, my interest in problem-solving and analysis aligned with a career in finance. Now, I’m also pursuing a master’s in finance to take that interest to the next level.

Q: What led you to join the Cougar Investment Fund?

Andres: As someone coming from a non-traditional finance background, joining the Cougar Investment Fund was a way to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to break into investment banking, private equity or venture capital. The experience has been incredibly valuable so far.

Tomas: The Cougar Investment Fund has been a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in fund management. It's taught us what it means to be a fiduciary and provided hands-on learning about the fund management industry. My goal was to develop these kinds of skills, and the CIF has been instrumental in helping me do exactly that.

Q: What’s the most important thing you've learned from the Cougar Investment Fund?

Andres: For me, it’s been about mastering the technical aspects, like analyzing financial statements, SEC filings, earnings calls, and the industry as a whole. These are crucial skills for valuing and forecasting securities effectively.

I'm also currently the Cougar Investment Fund secretary. It’s been a great way to understand the bigger picture of fund management as I prepare the fund’s presentations and draft weekly financial reports.

Tomas: The most significant lesson has been learning how to value equities for long-term investments. The tools and techniques I’ve gained, like modeling and analysis, are essential for any aspiring investor looking to participate in the growth of the U.S. and global economy.

Tomas Bryan (Left) and Andres Bryan (Right) in the AIM Lab for the Cougar Investment Fund.

Q: What are your goals after graduation?

Tomas: I’m currently a financial risk consultant at PwC, which has been a great foundation for my career. Looking ahead, I hope to advance within PwC and explore opportunities in the deals platform, particularly in mergers and acquisitions or private equity. Ultimately, becoming a partner would be a dream goal.

Andres: I’d like to start in investment banking to gain industry experience before transitioning to venture capital, where I can leverage my engineering background to support startups.

Long-term, Tomas and I have discussed starting our own fund. But that’s a goal for down the road, after we’ve gained more experience.

Q: What advice would you give to students?

Andres: My journey started in biomedical engineering, and now I’m here in finance. It’s OK to not know exactly what you want to do at 18, 19 or even 21. The important thing is to stay open to growth and opportunities. Just make sure you choose a major that aligns with your interests and future goals. If you see a unique opportunity, don’t hesitate — take the leap.

Tomas: Like my brother said, if you see something that you really want, go get it. Pursue what excites you. Life isn’t always a straight path, and that’s OK. The key is to keep moving forward and stay focused on your goals, even if the journey takes unexpected turns. With determination and adaptability, you’ll get where you want to go.