Building Experiences at Utica, Building Wealth at Goldman Sachs: Maame Yaa Boakye ‘20

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Building Experiences at Utica, Building Wealth at Goldman Sachs: Maame Yaa Boakye ‘20

Maame Yaa Boakye, Class of 2020, in black shirt and green jacket.

“The comprehensive curriculum, covering management, economics, finance, accounting, personal finance, and more, provided a multifaceted understanding of how businesses truly operate."

Professor Thomas Rossi, Maame Yaa Boakye '20, and Professor Zhaodan Huang

As a Corporate Financial Analyst at Goldman Sachs Ayco, Maame Yaa Boakye ‘20 plays a pivotal role in overseeing essential finance processes, encompassing monthly forecasting and in-depth analysis.

But growing up in Accra, Ghana, in West Africa, she was analyzing a future made possible through higher education, and she had her sights set on Utica.

“I always envisioned my university education in the United States,” she says. “After applying to several schools and securing acceptances, I carefully selected Utica University. The decision was driven by the university's low student-to-faculty ratio, which appealed to me. Additionally, the Economics Business and Finance program stood out for its intriguing curriculum and well-structured format, aligning perfectly with my academic interests and aspirations.”

Her time at Utica was filled with a multitude of memories she cherishes to this day, particularly her involvement with the International Student Society, where she formed strong connections with fellow international students, as well as working with the Office of College Events and Conference Programs.

“It was a fulfilling endeavor where we orchestrated and supported events for external organizations during the summer, all held on our vibrant campus,” Maame recalls. “This allowed me to work for exceptional individuals such as Debbie McQueary, Diane Pudney, and Joni Pullium—remarkable women who significantly enhanced my college journey. Noteworthy events like Midnight Breakfast and themed meals during Thanksgiving and Christmas in the cafeteria enriched my overall Utica experience.”

Today, she puts those experiences at Utica to work at the leading global financial institution Goldman Sachs Ayco - a more than century-old, multinational organization delivering a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals.

“My responsibilities extend to collaborating with cross-functional teams across the firm, actively contributing to diverse projects. Through rigorous data analysis and processing, I drive strategic decision-making, providing crucial support to senior management when needed. This dynamic role positions me as a key contributor to the firm's financial operations, ensuring accuracy and insight in every facet of our financial endeavors.”

And she says it was the Business, Economics, and Finance program at Utica that laid the strongest foundation for my entry into the professional world.

“The comprehensive curriculum, covering management, economics, finance, accounting, personal finance, and more, provided a multifaceted understanding of how businesses truly operate. The advantage of small class sizes at Utica meant that professors were attuned to your attendance, often reaching out if you missed a class, fostering a sense of accountability. The ease with which I could connect with professors outside of class for valuable interactions further facilitated my learning experience. Professors such as Mehmet Sencicek, Thomas Rossi, Zhaodan Huang, Margaret Morgan-Davie, Richard Fenner, and others left a profound impact on me. Every experience, regardless of its scale, played a role in shaping my life and career, and for this, I am eternally grateful to Utica University.”

Outside of work, Maame devotes her time to family, friends, and actively participating in community service through volunteer work with various organizations, both within the firm and personally.

“My leisure interests are diverse and dynamic, encompassing the thrill of action movies and series, the exploration of new destinations through travel, and the soulful enjoyment of music across different genres. Additionally, I prioritize spiritual enrichment by attending church regularly.”

Maame Yaa Boakye '20 speaks with students in the Utica University Investment Club about her journey from Utica to Goldman Sachs.

Shortly before Winter Break, Maame returned to Utica University to share her wealth of knowledge and experience, speaking to students in the Investment Club, where she discussed her career journey, her education and the work she performs at Goldman Sachs Ayco.

“As an alum, I see this as a chance to share insights with the Utica Business and Economics community, encouraging them to explore opportunities in the corporate world and consider further education in economics and business. This talk is not just about my experiences but also about inspiring the next generation at Utica.”

As she relayed her own experiences to the latest generation of Utica students, she emphasized the importance of each step of their own individual journeys and the impact they make along the way.

“I urge both current and prospective students to wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to every aspect of their lives, whether in academics or professional pursuits, recognizing the profound impact each experience has on their individual journey. Actively seeking diverse internship opportunities across various sectors within the expansive fields of economics and finance is a strong recommendation. Understanding different segments not only broadens knowledge but also streamlines the decision-making process when selecting a career path post-graduation. Additionally, I stress the crucial significance of setting both short-term and long-term goals. This not only provides a tangible framework for monitoring progress but also acts as a guiding force, ensuring focus and alignment with personal aspirations.”