Student Spotlight: Jason Garland, Jr.

Jason Garland, Jr. is making remarkable strides in his academic and professional journey. As a junior triple majoring in Finance, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Jason is ready for a promising business career. His commitment to leveraging every opportunity for growth and development is evident in his proactive approach to coursework, scholarships, internships, and extracurricular activities.

As a senior at Pittsburgh CAPA, Jason was drawn to Duquesne’s program and campus for several reasons. Wanting to stay close to his family, he felt a strong sense of belonging during his tour—something missing at other schools. He credits his Student Success Coach, Chris Hilf, as a key influence in his decision to attend, stating, “Chris understands that I have big goals. He elevates me, lets me know about new opportunities, and supports my triple major by helping me map out my graduation plan.”

Extracurricular and Internship Success

Jason credits much of his success to his early involvement with the Asset Management Group @ Duquesne (DAMG), where he took advantage of career development opportunities, including guidance on internship and job-searching strategies, as well as networking with professionals from leading financial firms. These career development opportunities inspired Jason to secure multiple internships while at Duquesne, which include:

• Blue Tree Venture Capital: As a member of the due diligence team, he analyzed potential investment opportunities.
• Venture Starters nonprofit: Engaging with start-up founders and investors, he gained exposure to a variety of emerging industries.
• Hewlett Packard (HP) Corporate Venture Capital and Business Analytics: He assisted with identifying potential investments and acquisitions.
• Project Destiny: During a seven-week real estate private equity training program, he underwrote multi-family deals and competed in a private equity-style pitch competition.
• Access Distributed Training Program: As one of 60 students accepted, he completed rigorous finance training through Financeable, completing investment banking and private equity case studies and networking with financial professionals. He currently serves as a mentor for new fellows.

In 2024, Jason received the prestigious Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Scholarship, awarded by the Executive Leadership Council (ELC). This honor placed him among the top 4% of applicants. It gives him access to professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities with fellow ELC scholars and members, senior-level executives, and prominent global business leaders. In the Summer of 2026, Jason will be one of only two students selected to intern at HSBC’s investment banking infrastructure finance team in New York City.

Embracing Duquesne’s Spiritan Mission 

After taking Dr. Amy Yurko’s Financial Accounting course, Jason volunteered with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which assists people in underserved communities with 
completing their tax returns. His commitment to community service extends to his involvement in Duquesne’s Spirit of Community Scholars program, where he volunteers with Just Harvest, a nonprofit that helps low-income households facing food insecurity.

Jason participated in a tech-focused growth equity immersion with PeakSpan Capital, where he improved his leadership skills by mentoring students in DAMG. Jason was named a 2027 Management Leadership for Tomorrow Career Prep Fellow. He is a Fall 2024 initiate to The Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

In Spring 2025, Jason studied abroad in Ireland as part of Duquesne’s study abroad program. While in Ireland, he traveled to many other cities, including Paris, Barcelona, Iceland, and London.

A Difference-Making Future 

Expected to graduate in the Spring of 2027, Jason’s long-term career goals are ambitious. He aims to establish a private equity or venture capital firm based in Pittsburgh, with a focus on investing in emerging markets such as Africa, India, and Brazil. Jason’s vision is to create international internship opportunities for students in the Pittsburgh area, bridging the gap between local talent and global markets.

Jason’s journey is a testament to his determination, foresight, and passion for the business world. With a clear vision for the future and a proven track record of success, Jason is poised to continue leading as a truly inspirational and impactful difference-maker.