Building with Purpose: ’24 Grad Erick Angwenyi’s Journey into Finance and Leadership
As a Finance and Accounting student at the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, Erick Angwenyi is already gaining traction in one of the most competitive fields in business. This summer, he will step into a role with J.P. Morgan as a Global Markets Summer Analyst, part of the firm’s Commercial & Investment Bank Fellowship Program in New York City, an opportunity that reflects both his growing expertise and his commitment to the field.
But Erick’s path into finance did not begin with a long-term plan.
“It’s funny because I was originally applying to colleges to do Music Education or Performance,” he said.
That direction shifted after conversations with his uncle, who works in finance. What started as a simple influence quickly became something more. By the end of his first semester, Erick knew he had found the right fit.
“After my first semester, however, I knew that business was where I’m supposed to be.”
Since then, he has developed a strong interest in understanding how financial markets shape the world and how relationships drive success within the industry.
“I’ve loved learning about how the world works through the lens of financial markets and how relationships are at the center of the financial services industry,” he said. “As someone who’s driven by people and relationships, I’m interested in any markets-focused, client-facing role.”
That focus has already translated into meaningful experience. In addition to his upcoming role with J.P. Morgan, Erick has served as a Fixed Income Analyst with Atkins Investment Group, where he has built practical skills in market analysis and investment strategy.
While his career direction seems an obvious fit, Erick’s time at Portsmouth Christian Academy was less about having everything figured out and more about discovering what mattered most.
“To be completely honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do while in high school,” he said. “I knew that whatever I ended up doing, I wanted to be able to interact with people and have a positive impact on them.”
That mindset was shaped by the people around him. Teachers and mentors played a significant role in helping him explore different interests and build a foundation that would carry into college.
He talked about Mrs. Veno helping him cultivate a love for music and his trip to Puerto Rico with PCA’s Missions Club as defining experiences in his high school career. At the same time, Leadership in Action with Mr. Heckelmann and Head of School Mike Runey sparked a deeper interest in leadership.
“I learned a great deal in both experiences and still use what I learned today in college,” Erick said.
Transitioning into college brought new challenges, especially the shift toward independence.
“The biggest challenge I’ve had to grow through is adjusting to making decisions on my own for myself,” he said. “In college, there’s no one to force you to do pretty much anything.”
That reality pushed him to define his priorities and pursue them intentionally. Attending a secular university also strengthened his personal faith.
“This experience alone has taught me that I have to make my faith my own and stand strong in the face of adversity,” he said.
From the start, Erick made a decision to fully invest in his college experience.
“The best advice I was given in my first semester in college was, ‘It’s not about where you go to college. It’s about how you go to college.’”
He has lived that out through involvement in investment groups, leadership programs, marching band, and international experiences, including a trip to Uganda. Each opportunity has required discipline and initiative, but the impact has been lasting.
“There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, but being able to reap the fruits of my labor and continuously glorify God throughout has been incredible,” he said.
Looking back, Erick sees PCA as the place where the habits behind his success were first formed.
“PCA showed me the importance of community and how to build meaningful relationships with anyone,” he said. “The strong community at PCA pushed me to excel in everything I did.”
That environment helped him develop the discipline, curiosity, and consistency that now define his approach to both academics and professional growth.
“Although I did well academically at PCA, the grades didn’t matter as much as the discipline, hard work, and relationships I built there,” he said. “PCA is where I learned how to do the small things and do them well.”
Those small things are now shaping a big future. As Erick continues to pursue opportunities in finance, his path remains grounded in relationships, driven by purpose, and strengthened by the foundation he built at PCA.
