In Sales and Trading interviews, Julian Beban ’26 didn’t lead with derivatives, yield curves, or complex calculus. He began with Gregorian Chant.
“I contrast my liberal arts experience with business programs,” says Julian, a Mathematics major at Holy Cross. “I would talk about a Gregorian Chant class alongside my advanced math courses.”
The pairing wasn’t random, it was strategic. Gregorian Chant requires pattern recognition, structural analysis, historical context, and disciplined listening. Advanced mathematics demands abstraction, precision, and logical rigor. At first glance, they sit at opposite ends of the academic spectrum. But in interviews, Julian used them to demonstrate something more powerful than technical proficiency: intellectual range.
The ability to navigate disparate disciplines became a key differentiator. Through the Finance Club and the Finance and Banking Certificate through the Ciocca Center, Julian refined his interest from general finance to the trading floor specifically. Alumni and upperclassmen helped him understand the nuances of roles across the industry and, more importantly, the personality traits that thrive in each. “From this, I was able to target trading as the sector that I thought met my interests and skills best,” he says.
He translated insight into action through internships at Seabury Capital and, most recently, as a sales and trading summer analyst at BNP Paribas. Both were facilitated by Holy Cross alumni. Building relationships authentically, directly, and with genuine curiosity enabled him to leverage the network for guidance, industry insight, and long-term connections.
For Julian, the liberal arts edge isn’t a talking point. It’s a strategic advantage. Being able to discuss Gregorian Chant and advanced mathematics in the same breath demonstrates adaptability, intellectual curiosity, and an aptitude for learning across disciplines. These are the qualities that set him apart in finance.
Written by Curran Deehan ’28.