Volunteer Spotlight: Eric Taylor (B.S.’13)
Welcome to the third in a series of Q&As through the month of April that spotlight just a few of VCU’s most dedicated and committed alumni volunteers to celebrate National Volunteer Month. This week, meet Eric Taylor (B.S.’13). Eric is a leader of the VCU Alumni NYC Chapter and is a mentor and speaker for VCU’s business students. He also connects with VCU finance students every year when they visit New York City where he now lives.
Please tell us a little bit about your time at VCU.
I am a finance and economics graduate of the School of Business from the Class of 2013. I was drawn to VCU by the then-new business school and Capital Markets Center, along with the city environment and the university’s diversity.
I took an active role in the business school, participating in several student organizations. I was a very active member of the Student Managed Investment Portfolio, participated in the CFA Investment Research Challenge and had leadership roles in the Future Business Leaders of America and Finance Management Association organizations. I took full advantage of what the business school had to offer, and I’m very proud to be a VCU alumni. I always look for opportunities to give back whenever I can.
What have you been doing since graduating from VCU?
I started my career at J.P. Morgan, where I first interned during the summer of my junior year and returned full time after graduating from VCU. At J.P. Morgan, I worked in finance and strategy roles in the Asset Management and Private Bank divisions. After several years at J.P. Morgan, I ended up finding an opportunity in the sports industry. Fast forward to today, I am the chief financial officer of GSE Worldwide, a sports and entertainment marketing, management and production company, where I oversee all aspects of finance, accounting and operations across the company.
Tell us about your involvement with the VCU Alumni NYC Chapter and giving back to current students.
I’m a leader of the VCU Alumni NYC Chapter, where I help organize, promote and manage local alumni events in the city. Over the past year, we’ve hosted a variety of social, networking and community-focused events that bring alumni together from all backgrounds, including basketball watch parties, happy hours, yoga and axe throwing, among other events. We’re also excited about a lineup of new events planned later this year. It’s been great to see turnout grow over the past few years.
I also give back to current students through guest speaking and mentoring, both in person and virtually. Most recently, I joined an alumni panel this past March for finance students visiting New York City, and I’ve also spoken for a VCU Center for Sports Leadership class. In addition, I mentor students in the business foundations class and last semester visited campus to meet them in person at their end-of-semester event.
Why is it important to you to be involved with alumni events and to mentor students?
Mentorship had a real impact on my own path, so I see it as a way to give students both perspective and confidence. At VCU, especially in finance, students are competing with top talent nationwide, and having guidance can push them to aim higher and pursue opportunities they might not otherwise consider.
Getting involved with the VCU New York Chapter was something I always wanted to do. After the pandemic, engagement was low, and I saw an opportunity to help rebuild the chapter by bringing more people together, strengthening the network, and creating a more active, supportive alumni community.
What advice would you give to other alumni about the best ways to get involved?
There’s no amount of time that’s too small to make an impact, whether it’s once a year or more regularly. Even a small effort, like helping one student or reconnecting with fellow alumni, can go a long way. It’s also a chance to strengthen VCU’s presence beyond Virginia and showcase the talent coming out of the university.
What is the most rewarding thing about being involved with VCU Alumni and students?
The most rewarding part is helping students set themselves up for success and seeing more of them land great opportunities each year. It’s also fulfilling to bring alumni together and build a strong sense of community. Seeing people connect over a shared VCU experience and school spirit is always great. Even something as simple as watching a VCU basketball game with a group makes it more meaningful.
What have I not asked you that you’d like us to know about?
There are more ways to get involved than people might realize, and I try to share those opportunities to encourage others to participate. I’m always open to staying engaged. Whether that’s mentoring, speaking or coming back to Richmond. I plan to continue being actively involved however I can.
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