EXPLORE

FINANCE • NYC

January 4-7, 2026

Experience the fast-paced world of Wall Street

This immersive career experience connects undergraduate brothers with accomplished alumni and industry leaders across investment banking, venture capital, and alternative investments. Dive into the fast paced world of finance and sharpen your professional edge. Learn what it takes to thrive in the industry, hear real-world stories from professionals who’ve made it, and chart your own course in the financial capital of the world.

Explore is presented by the Nelson Leadership Institute.

Who Should Attend

Undergraduate brothers interested in investment banking, venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, or related fields who want hands-on exposure to real-world projects and industry professionals.

What to Expect

You’ll experience four days of hands-on learning and networking with Phi Psi brothers, alumni, and industry experts.

What You'll Learn

Get ready to learn what it takes to thrive in the industry, hear real-world stories from professionals who’ve made it, and chart your own course in the financial capital of the world.

FEATURED COMPANY

Berenberg Capital

Founded in 1590, Berenberg is one of the world’s oldest investment banks, blending centuries of tradition with modern innovation in global finance. With expertise spanning equity research, investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, the firm is known for its sharp insights and strong relationships across international markets.

Learn more about Berenberg Capital >>

FEATURED COMPANY

REDBIRD Capital

Redbird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that partners with visionary entrepreneurs and industry leaders to building enduring businesses. With over $10 billion in assets under management, RedBird has been behind high profile ventures in sports, media, technology, and financial services, including partnerships with the NFL, AC Milan, Skydance, and many other household names.

Learn more about Redbird Capital >>

MEET THE HOSTS

ZACHARY BRANDTLY

Purdue '12 | Head of U.S. Investment Banking at Berenberg Capital Markets
Zachary Brantly Purdue ’12 leads Berenberg’s U.S. investment-banking activities. He joined Berenberg after roles in equity capital markets and investment banking (including Crédit Agricole CIB) and was promoted to Head of U.S. Investment Banking in December 2020. Brantly holds a BS in Economics from Purdue University.

MIKE ZABIK

Indiana '03 | Partner and Head of Financial Services at RedBird Capital Partners
Mike Zabik Indiana ’03 leads Redbird’s financial services investments and portfolio financing initiatives. Since joining RedBird, he has overseen over $1.5 billion in investments across multiple platforms and completed more than 20 acquisitions. Mike began his career at Deutsche Bank and held roles at Kelso & Company and Ares Management before joining RedBird, and he holds a BS in Finance and Accounting from Indiana University.

NICHOLAS HSU

Stanford '04 | Managing Partner at Palm Drive Capital
In his role at Palm Drive Capital,  Nick Hsu Stanford ’04 has helped lead the firm’s global venture investments for nearly a decade. Prior to venture capital, he spent six years at Palantir Technologies, working on data-driven solutions for governments and enterprises worldwide. Nick holds a B.A. in International Relations from Stanford University and an MBA from INSEAD.

JUSTIN KONG

UMN Twin Cities '13 | Associate Director at Nearwater Capital

Justin Kong Minnesota ’13 currently serves as Associate Director at Nearwater Capital, a specialty finance firm focused on structured asset financing and risk-retention sponsorships. Previously, he held leadership roles in derivatives sales at Crédit Agricole CIB and Mizuho, and began his career managing structured derivatives partnerships at Cargill, where he advised corporate and institutional clients on multi-billion dollar hedging strategies. Justin earned a B.S. in Business from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and also studied at the University of Technology Sydney.

ZACHARY BRANDTLY

Purdue '12 | Head of U.S. Investment Banking at Berenberg Capital Markets
Zachary Brantly Purdue ’12 is Head of U.S. Investment Banking at Berenberg Capital Markets in New York, where he leads the firm’s U.S. investment-banking activities. He joined Berenberg after roles in equity capital markets and investment banking (including Crédit Agricole CIB) and was promoted to Head of U.S. Investment Banking in December 2020. Brantly holds a BS in Economics from Purdue University.

MIKE ZABIK

Indiana '03 | Psrtner and Head of Financial Services at RedBird Capital Partners
Mike Zabik Indiana ’03 is a Partner and Head of Financial Services at RedBird Capital Partners, where he leads the firm’s financial services investments and portfolio financing initiatives. Since joining RedBird, he has overseen over $1.5 billion in investments across multiple platforms and completed more than 20 acquisitions. Mike began his career at Deutsche Bank and held roles at Kelso & Company and Ares Management before joining RedBird, and he holds a BS in Finance and Accounting from Indiana University.

NICHOLAS HSU

Stanford '04 | Managing Partner at Palm Drive Capital
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JUSTIN KONG

UMN Twin Cities '13 | Associate Director at Nearwater Capital
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SCHEDULE

Schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Arrival + Welcome
  • Morning + Afternoon – Arrive to NYC; Check into hotel
  • Evening – Welcome Dinner at St. Pat’s Bar & Grill
    • Kick off the week with good food and great company. Enjoy time with your brothers and get ready for an unforgettable New York experience.

Industry Overview
  • Morning – Career Readiness Workshops
    • Level up your professional game with sessions on resumes, LinkedIn, interviewing, and networking. Build confidence and polish skills that set you apart.
  • Afternoon – Industry Overview
    • Examine investment banking, global markets, and a firsthand look at one of the world’s oldest and most respected financial institutions, Berenberg Capital Markets. 
  • Evening – Activity: Hockey Game @ Madison Square Garden
    • Utah vs. Rangers — brotherhood, competition, and the thrill of New York hockey all in one night.

Industry Immersion
  • Morning + Afternoon – Site Visit / Breakout Tracks
    • Discover how venture capital, private equity, and alternative investments turn bold ideas into billion-dollar businesses. 
  • Evening – Alumni Networking Dinner
    • Build your network where it matters most—over dinner with Phi Psi alumni who are making their mark in finance, construction, and beyond.

Explore + Wrap-Up
  • Morning – NYC Immersion
    • Explore the city that shapes industries and inspires leaders.
  • Afternoon + Evening – Travel Home

READY FOR WALL STREET?

This is your chance to learn where the financial world moves fastest. Explore: Finance will take you inside Wall Street, connecting you with Phi Psi alumni and leaders shaping global markets. Spots are limited, so don’t wait to apply.

Deadline to apply is October 6, 2025.

WHAT BROTHERS SAID ABOUT EXPLORE

“These three days benefited my professional career more than the last 2.5 years in college. The hands-on experience, talking to people who want to see us succeed, and the connections made are irreplaceable.”
Past Explore Participant

“Networking is one of the most important components of business that assists young professionals in early growth and success, and building that network with the alumni involved will continually assist in our future opportunities.”

Past Explore Participant

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All undergraduates interested in investment banking, venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, and related financial careers are encouraged to apply.

Note: Previous Explore attendees are ineligible to apply.

Absolutely not! All Explore programs (no matter the career sector) are open to all undergraduates, regardless of what you’re studying.

The program runs from January 4-7, 2026. Applications are open from September 6 through October 6, 2025.

There is no cost to apply for all Explore programs! Thanks to the Nelson Leadership Institute, Travel, food, lodging, program costs, and instruction are all included. You’ll only need to pay a $250 registration fee after your application is accepted.

We know cost can be a factor. Financial assistance may be available!

Please complete the application on the Foundation Portal. Applications must be submitted by October 6 to be considered for this program.