3 students, 3 paths: Stories of early career wins

When Jade, Jaime and Christian first came across Capital One, they were students searching for direction, opportunity and community. Each of their career journeys began through conversations with Capital One associates who were volunteering at college conferences and networking events to help students explore what’s possible.

For all three, those moments of connection became the start of something bigger—a community that would support, challenge and inspire them to grow. Years later, they’re the ones standing on the other side of the booth, returning to the same events that once opened doors for them, now mentoring the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Their journeys reflect a full-circle story of growth and giving back, and how Capital One invests in early talent long before day one.

Jade: Building a career with purpose, from student to mentor 

When Jade attended her first Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) seminar as an undergrad at Indiana University, she was still figuring out what a career in business could look like. MLT connected her with mentors who helped her see what was possible, which led her to internships, business school at Harvard and ultimately to Capital One’s Students and Grads MBA Development Program for Product Management.

The graduate program proved to be the perfect foundation for Jade’s career, combining her love for strategic thinking with her passion for making a difference. Today, she’s a product manager on the CreditWise team, helping consumers build financial confidence through accessible tools and features that help them better understand how decisions impact their credit. 

Her current role is a powerful blend of problem-solving and product innovation—and she believes the exciting work she gets to do every day was made possible by the supportive culture of mentorship that welcomed her the moment she joined the graduate program.

She still remembers her first week surrounded by a small group of peers from across the country, where the expectation wasn't perfection, but potential: “You’re not expected to know everything,” she said. “You’re expected to be eager and curious. The company meets you with training, mentorship and trust.”

Today, Jade volunteers with MLT, mentoring undergrads who are now standing at the same crossroads she once faced and helping share the valuable resources available here. “Capital One doesn’t just hire early talent,” she said. “We set you up for success.”

Jaime: Finding belonging in leadership

As an industrial engineering student at the University of Central Florida, Jaime didn’t know much about Capital One beyond the credit cards in his wallet. But when he came across the Capital One booth at the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) conference, what he learned impressed him. “Everyone I spoke to was sharp and very genuine,” he said. “They were interested in helping me figure out where I could fit.”

Inspired by his experience at the career fair, Jaime joined Capital One as an intern, where he immediately felt supported. “People wanted to see me grow,” he said. After graduating, he entered the Management Rotation Program, which gave him opportunities to take on new challenges and expand his skills. 

Early in the program, he was paired with a mentor who encouraged him to take on more ownership over his day-to-day work. “I told my manager I wanted to build my skills,” he said. “He then gave me bigger projects and more visibility to other leaders. That kind of support builds your confidence fast.” 

The early investment quickly paid off for Jaime. He now leads a cross-functional team responsible for data reporting and analytics across the enterprise and recently presented at Data Week, an internal event designed to showcase innovative data solutions. 

He also takes time out of his schedule to serve as a Capital One ambassador at SHPE each year, helping students navigate career decisions. “It’s surreal to walk into the same conference hall and see the next generation of engineers asking the same questions I used to have,” he said. “You realize you’re part of something bigger. Capital One is truly building future leaders.”

Christian: Turning curiosity into a career in tech 

Christian’s journey with Capital One began through a chance encounter at a networking conference, where he met an engineer who shared what it was like to build technology that impacts millions of customers. At the time, Christian was studying mechanical engineering at the University of Oklahoma and exploring how his skills could translate into a tech career. 

That conversation opened his eyes to new possibilities for his career. So when he met more Capital One associates a few months later at a student leadership event, he knew it was the right path to take. “It clicked,” he said. “I knew Capital One was my chance to pivot into a tech career.”

Christian soon joined a program designed to help non-computer science majors transition into software engineering. “I made lifelong friends,” he said. “That network stayed with me even after the program. It’s how I knew I’d always have people to reach out to as I grew.”

Christian now works as a software engineer on digital products that serve millions of Capital One customers. He’s also active in community building across Capital One, as well as the SHPE community, mentoring students and peers alike. 

“I know how much a single conversation can change someone’s career path,” Christian said. “If I can be that person for even one student, it’s worth it.”

Creating tomorrow’s leaders, today 

For Jade, Jaime and Christian, Capital One’s investment started before their first day and continues to shape their careers today. From conference introductions to mentorship programs to full-circle leadership, their journeys show what it means to be part of a company that grows with you every step of the way.

Ready to take your first step? Explore how Capital One helps students and graduates grow their careers.