2012 Robert D. & Margaret A. Wark Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Kareem grew up in Downey, California. He played basketball and football in high school but ultimately decided to pursue an education at the prestigious UCLA. He initially started out as a pre-med student but eventually switched to Business Economics. Kareem has completed a private equity real estate internship at Bruin Capital, an investment banking internship at Imperial Capital, LLC, and a wealth management internship at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. He enjoys playing basketball, working out, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Lakers.

Future Plans: Kareem plans to pursue an investment banking internship this summer, where he will hope to secure a job offer. After two years in banking, he may decide to move on to private equity, a hedge fund, corporate development, or venture capital, with the option of simply staying in investment banking, as well, if he likes it enough. A long-term goal of his is to eventually start his own restaurant later in life when he has the time and capital necessary for it to succeed. He also plans to undoubtedly pursue investment opportunities in real estate on the side.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: The way this scholarship helps me is two-fold. First, it allows me to not have to work as many hours during the school year so that I can focus on my studies. Keeping my GPA high is important to me for securing a banking internship this summer as well as for possibly getting into a top MBA program down the road. Secondly, it allows me to not be burned out for my summer internship. This scholarship allows me to go into the summer internship well-rested, stress-free, and ready to absolutely kill it and secure that job offer. I would like to thank the Wark family from the bottom of my heart for their extreme generosity and dedication to my success. Their kindness is truly appreciated.