UTSA finance alumnus finds success on Wall Street
Sergio Silva Cisneros
(November 29, 2016) – Almost a decade ago Sergio Silva Cisneros,'09 CFA made a decision that would not only impact his life, but the lives of countless UTSA finance students. He decided to found the Investment Society, a student organization dedicated to educating future business leaders about the financial markets and the economy.
The organization's motto is to outperform, and Silva Cisneros certainly has done that as a shining example of what UTSA finance students can accomplish.
He was the first UTSA student offered a securities internship with Goldman Sachs in New York City. A job offer soon followed from the firm in their Emerging Markets team when he graduated. In May 2014 he was recruited away by Barclays to grow their Latin American division.
Why did you found the Investment Society?
I would see athletes, musicians and artists practicing their craft throughout campus, and I thought that finance students needed that same experience. We needed a place to practice and apply what we were learning in class.
We began as a small group hovered around a single Bloomberg terminal in the Business Building. We had a vision for success and a goal of making it to Wall Street. Since then the Investment Society has grown past our original expectations.
What is a typical day like for you?
Working in the equity derivatives sales-trading team at Barclays, I get into the office each day at 6:45 a.m. so that I can catch up on the overnight news. Clients come in around 7:30 a.m., and we get them ready for the trading day ahead. At 9:30 a.m. the equity markets open, and I'm on my Bloomberg all day. I'm either quoting trades, pitching trades or executing trades until the market closes at 4 p.m. Then, I conduct economic analysis before and after hours. You need to have your fingers on the pulse of the economy throughout the world. Anything can change the fabric of value.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is the trading and executions side. It is fast-paced with a lot of pressure and excitement that can occur in a 20-second window. Also, since I cover the Latin American region, I enjoy representing a global investment bank internationally when I travel to visit clients.
Who was your favorite professor at UTSA?
Professor Ron Sweet, MBA '91 made all the difference in the world for me. He taught us that numbers and formulas are the same whether we are in San Antonio or New York City. He was instrumental in my belief that I could thrive on Wall Street. He gave us the knowledge and the coaching to be successful.
Do you have any hobbies?
I compete in triathlons at the half-Ironman distance. They appeal to my competitive nature.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate. Driven. Entrepreneurial.
What advice do you have for business students?
Open your eyes and look for opportunities and challenges. Find something that will make you happy and play to your strengths. Start early. It is a competitive field. Get involved and take on leadership roles.
Why are you proud to be a Roadrunner?
I find parallels between my story and UTSA's. We both had potential that is now being realized. I was lucky to be there during that time. I'm proud to wear the colors and honored to be a Roadrunner.
UTSA is ranked among the top 400 universities in the world and among the top 100 in the nation, according to Times Higher Education.
- Wendy Frost-------------------------------
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