Finance is becoming an increasingly in-demand field. From banking to investments, consumers will always need help managing their wealth — it’s no wonder jobs in finance are projected to increase steadily in the coming decades. Knowledge, degrees, and certifications are a must in this field, and in many cases, where a professional goes to college will affect their career.

Justin Nelson, Managing Director and Senior Private Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, acknowledges the value of education in finance. It’s why he’s so passionate about supporting undergraduates at his alma mater, Tufts University, who are interested in the field. “I made so many great friendships and met my wife there, so it’s very special to me,” Justin Nelson adds.

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However, Nelson took an unconventional path to finance, proving that people with nontraditional backgrounds can become just as successful in the field. He shares how his time at Tufts University shaped his approach to hiring and mentoring, as well as his efforts to grow the finance program at Tufts University.

Justin Nelson’s Time At Tufts

Nelson’s journey to the financial world wasn’t always clear-cut. As a student at Tufts, he began as a pre-med chemistry major before realizing he didn’t want to go down that path. “I was originally pre-med. I was a chemistry major. But in the end, I realized I hated blood,” he says. “I always enjoyed finance and made the change.”

His love for economics led him to switch paths, but Tufts didn’t have a robust finance program at the time. The liberal arts university primarily guided students toward graduate programs rather than careers in finance.

Despite these hurdles, Nelson carved his path into the industry with the support of his friends. “I had a bunch of friends who were going into finance, and we supported each other throughout the application process. I got an internship at J.P. Morgan and I’ve been there for my whole career,” he says.

Justin Nelson’s Influence On Tufts Finance

While Nelson’s educational background didn’t necessarily prepare him for a career in finance, he’s grateful for the lessons he learned at his alma mater. His early career experiences underscored the importance of mentorship and networking — opportunities he wanted to create for future Tufts students.

Justin Nelson wanted to give back to students who found themselves in a similar situation: drawn to finance, but lacking the resources to explore finance careers. “After I was at J.P. Morgan and been there a couple of years, I wanted to figure out how to give give back and help others get similar opportunities” he explains. “This is not a school that a J.P. Morgan would typically recruit at, so I think I had to push a little harder internally to be able to do that.”

At the same time, Tufts University also realized it needed to invest in its finance programs. Nelson collaborated with the university on their finance initiative on campus. This initiative introduced a finance minor and developed clubs, giving students tangible resources to learn more about careers in finance. “There are several clubs on campus that have direct recruiting opportunities for students. There’s a finance person in the career center there, so it’s changed so much,” Justin Nelson says.

Nelson’s efforts extended beyond curriculum changes. He regularly returns to campus to engage directly with students, serving as a mentor, guiding career decisions, and sharing industry insights.

He even moderated the Finance Career Forum, connecting alumni with students and providing an invaluable platform for networking and learning. “It’s an amazing opportunity for 100 students to network and hear from 10-15 alums in finance,” Justin Nelson says. Thanks to these concerted efforts, Tufts now sees many graduates enter finance each year — a remarkable change since Nelson’s time as a student.

Justin Nelson’s Lasting Vision for Tufts University

For Justin Nelson, Tufts University is more than a school; it’s where he met his wife and found his professional calling. From boosting the finance program to mentoring students, Nelson’s contributions have left a lasting legacy at his alma mater. He shows that finance isn’t about the numbers but also creating opportunities, giving back, and building connections. “I loved being involved there and being a part of it, and the school has been great and supportive,” Justin Nelson says.