Nick Goomer wanted to chart a more deliberate career path–and this intention led him to pursue his MBA at Berkeley Haas and then investment banking at Morgan Stanley. In this Real Humans: Alumni, Nick shares what he discovered along the way, including the community, common values and more. Read on for his story.
Nick Goomer, Berkeley Haas MBA ’24, Associate at Morgan Stanley
Age: 27
Hometown: Millbrae, CA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: UC Berkeley, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Consultant, EY-Parthenon, 2 ½ years, management consulting
Post-MBA Work Experience: Associate, Morgan Stanley, seven months, tech investment banking
Why did you choose to attend business school?
I realized the more I learned about the incredible opportunity to expand my network and grow in a business school environment, the more I knew that pursuing an MBA was the right choice. While my career in management consulting was rewarding and impactful, the fast-paced nature of the work left little time to step back and think strategically about my next steps. Business school offered a chance to slow down, reflect and chart a more deliberate path forward. I was excited by the opportunity to learn from exceptional peers, gain new perspectives and deepen my leadership skills—all of which would help me solve complex challenges and make a lasting impact in my career.
Why Haas? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I only applied to Haas because it blended the familiarity of Berkeley’s forward-thinking culture with the tight-knit learning environment I was seeking. My undergrad experience showed me that UC Berkeley celebrates diverse backgrounds and encourages real innovation—and Haas takes that spirit to the next level in a smaller, supportive community. Additionally, staying in the Bay Area was a top priority for me, as it’s a thriving center for both tech and finance, and Haas’ alumni network provides an incredible edge in both fields. My brother, Thomas (a fellow double Bear and current investment banker at JPMorgan), had nothing but glowing things to say about the program, further convincing me that this was where I’d gain the right mix of skills, connections and culture to excel in my investment banking career.
What about your MBA experience prepared you for your current career at Morgan Stanley?
My MBA experience taught me to think strategically and act decisively. Haas immersed me in diverse perspectives, which boosted my problem-solving skills—a must for navigating complex deals in investment banking. I also took full advantage of the program’s focus on technology, studying cutting-edge trends that come up every day in tech-focused transactions. Beyond the classroom, working with classmates on club projects and real-world case competitions helped refine my teamwork and leadership abilities. And, of course, the Haas network, both faculty and alumni, provided invaluable mentorship and connections, giving me insights into deal dynamics that I’ve since applied in my role at Morgan Stanley.
What was your internship during business school? How did that inform your post-MBA career choice?
During my MBA, I interned as a summer associate in the tech investment banking division at Morgan Stanley. I was on live deals, working directly with fast-paced startups and established tech giants. Seeing how these companies navigate growth and risk in real time gave me a powerful understanding of the strategic and analytical skills required for success. The role energized me, showing me how my passion for technology and finance could intersect to create real impact, and that solidified my decision to pursue tech investment banking full time after graduation.
Why did you choose your current company? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to work?
I knew I wanted to do tech investment banking, and Morgan Stanley’s tech team stood out immediately. The firm has one of the most prolific track records in the industry, having led some of the largest tech IPOs in history and advised on transformational M&A deals that have shaped the sector for decades. But beyond its reputation and deal flow, what truly set Morgan Stanley apart was its culture—both in the people who worked there and in the group’s approach to problem-solving. I saw a direct alignment with the core Haas principles that had drawn me to business school in the first place: Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself.
At Morgan Stanley, these values aren’t just words—they define how the team operates. The firm takes a first-principles approach to advising clients, constantly challenging conventional thinking and pushing for the best possible outcomes. There’s an ingrained culture of intellectual curiosity, where even the most seasoned bankers continue to learn, adapt and refine their craft. Despite working on high-profile, high-stakes transactions, the team fosters a collaborative and humble environment where ideas are valued based on merit rather than hierarchy. That combination of innovation, excellence and humility was exactly the kind of environment I wanted to be part of.
Additionally, through the Haas Finance Fellowship program, I had the opportunity to meet Mark Edelstone, a UC Berkeley alumnus and one of the most respected figures in tech investment banking. His impact on the industry is undeniable, but what stood out to me was his deep commitment to mentorship and his support for Berkeley students (both in the undergraduate and MBA program). Hearing firsthand from Mark about Morgan Stanley’s feedback-driven culture, its storied history in the sector and the unparalleled opportunities for growth, mentorship and deal experience reinforced everything I already believed. Between the firm’s world-class platform, its unmatched access to the most innovative companies and its strong community of Haas alumni, I knew Morgan Stanley was the best place to launch my post-MBA career.
Advice to current MBA students:
—One thing you would absolutely do again as part of the job search?
Haas does an incredible job of providing support to students pursuing investment banking through career center-sponsored events and by employing industry experts like Bill Rindfuss and Abby Franklin. Scheduling weekly meetings with Bill and Abby was critical to my recruiting process and helped immensely in refining my technical skills, sharpening my interview strategy and navigating the nuances of different banks and teams. Bill’s deep industry knowledge and connections provided invaluable insight into what top firms look for in candidates, while Abby’s coaching helped me develop a polished, confident approach to networking and interviews.
Beyond technical preparation, their guidance extended to the less tangible but equally critical aspects of the recruiting process—helping me craft my personal narrative, tailor my outreach to different banks and effectively manage the high-stakes, high-pressure nature of recruiting. Their support, combined with Haas’s structured approach to investment banking prep, made the process far more manageable and ultimately positioned me to succeed in landing a role at a top firm.
—One thing you would change or do differently as part of the job search?
I would have started networking earlier and maintained more consistent touchpoints with Haas alumni who were already in investment banking in the Bay Area. The Haas community here in the Bay is incredible and everyone is incredibly willing to help and support new students looking to recruit.
—Were there any surprises regarding your current employer’s recruiting process?
I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged senior bankers were throughout the recruiting process. They took the time to get to know candidates beyond technical skills, ensuring a strong cultural fit and a shared commitment to collaboration. The process had a genuine focus on mentorship and long-term potential. What also stood out was the firm’s deep commitment to the technology sector—senior bankers were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the industry, and it was clear they were looking for candidates who shared that same enthusiasm.
—What piece of advice do you wish you had been given during your MBA?
Truly savor every moment because the MBA experience goes by faster than you expect. Between recruiting, academics and social events, it’s easy to get caught up in the next deadline or milestone, but looking back, I realize the most valuable part of the journey was the people. Be intentional about deepening relationships—with classmates, professors and industry mentors—because those connections shape your career and perspective long after business school ends.
