Inspiring Young Alumni: Catching up with Andrew Lobo ’21
Since sharing his story for the St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) Inspiring Young Alumni Wall, Andrew Lobo ’21 has continued his studies in statistics and economics at Harvard University while playing Division I volleyball.
Following his freshman year, Lobo had the privilege of completing an enriching internship at CIBC Capital Markets as a summer analyst. Despite being the only freshman analyst on his CIBC team, he seized the opportunity to personally engage with board members along with the CEO, chair of the board, and chief legal officer who are Harvard graduates. Upon completing his internship, Lobo accepted an offer to return to CIBC as an equity research summer associate at CIBC Asset Management in the summer of 2023. The opportunity allowed him to gain valuable experience working with some of North America’s largest companies to shape their strategic direction and conduct daily comprehensive company valuations and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) assessments.
In April 2023, Lobo accepted a summer 2024 position with Lazard as an investment banking analyst on the Capital Markets Advisory team in New York. This opportunity will allow him to collaborate with various companies in their efforts to raise debt and equity through initial public offerings (IPO) and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Lobo hopes to excel in investment banking over the next few years, with long-term aspirations to transition into the dynamic tech and venture capital industries.
Please describe your history with St. Mike’s.
I graduated from St. Mike’s with the second-highest GPA in my class. While there, I played volleyball and basketball, captained the volleyball team, and held various leadership positions such as head prefect, Student Government senior councillor, Wellness Team president, Clover Hill House captain, Mass choir member, and DEI team member.
How would you describe your time at the school?
My experience at SMCS was invaluable and incredibly fulfilling. Our dedicated teachers consistently went above and beyond to cater to our academic needs, offering office hours and presenting us with thought-provoking assignments and tests that pushed us beyond our comfort zone. St. Mike’s struck the perfect balance between collaborative learning and healthy competition, evidenced by the exhilarating race to achieve a ‘Top 5’ average and win the esteemed Basilian Scholarship.
The student body was exceptionally motivated and ambitious, and it’s inspiring to witness the remarkable accomplishments of my former classmates through updates on LinkedIn and Instagram. Despite the physical distance, I cherish the enduring friendships I forged at St. Mike’s — I still stay in close contact with so many of them.
How did SMCS prepare you for and propel you into life?
My time at SMCS instilled in me time management and organization skills. Balancing a demanding schedule of eight classes, sports, and co-curricular activities was undeniably one of the most challenging experiences of my life. But it also taught me so much about what it takes to succeed. By taking the most challenging courses and actively participating in sports and clubs, I satiated my desire to learn about the world around me while having a fun time. It certainly prepared me to manage a rigorous course load and compete as a Harvard Division I athlete.
Moreover, St. Mike’s offered numerous opportunities that significantly shaped my professional interests. Engaging in community learning initiatives and learning from inspiring guest speakers broadened my horizons and provided valuable insights. Additionally, my leadership positions during high school honed my ability to manage complex projects and collaborate effectively within a team setting.
How do you live out the Basilian motto of Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge?
At Harvard, I proudly served as the vice president of Harvard Global Research & Consulting Group (GRC), a U.S. registered non-profit entirely led by undergraduates. We engage in pro-bono consulting projects with prominent global non-profit organizations.
In this leadership role, I collaborated with C-suite executives regularly and oversaw impactful projects with renowned non-profits such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, YMCA, and others, with our recommendations being implemented on a national and even international scale. Engaging with senior leadership provided me with the unique opportunity to expand my professional network and forge connections with executives at the helm of some of the world’s most recognizable brands.
Beyond my involvement with Harvard GRC, I actively participate in a weekly Catholic Men’s Athlete Bible study, which has been instrumental in nurturing my faith and strengthening my relationship with God while away from home. This diverse group, comprising athletes from various sports ranging from football to water polo, has played a pivotal role in guiding my path as a student, athlete, and above all, as a Catholic in a world increasingly influenced by secular values. I attribute the values of faith, character, and service instilled in me to my time at SMCS, where attending Mass in the chapel with Fr. May, CSB and Fr. Leung, CSB, and exploring Catholic literature with teachers like Mr. Stokes and Mr. Cahatol, fostered a deep appreciation for my faith.
What advice do you have for current students?
Make the most of the opportunities available at St. Mike’s! Some of my fondest memories were shooting hoops, studying in the cafeteria, and fooling around in the hallways until late evening every day, followed by my TTC commute back to Scarborough.
In the classroom, challenge yourself and cultivate good study habits. Your time at SMCS flies by, so make the most of it by learning as much as possible from your teachers, who have a wealth of experience and knowledge. This foundation will serve as the bedrock of your academic journey in university. Additionally, explore outlets beyond the classroom to pursue your interests. I was inspired to start a nonprofit after participating in Dr. Lumsden’s ’96 design thinking sessions and completing a summer internship with Play4Tomorrow, a SMCS partner organization.
Embrace the unique opportunities, engage in meaningful experiences, and discover your passions at St. Mike’s. These formative years will shape your academic and personal growth, setting the stage for a fulfilling future.
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