Student’s global lens shapes path from Penn State to energy finance

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State student Morgan Overman draws on his global upbringing to understand the ties between finance and society.

Overman, a fourth-year Schreyer Scholar double-majoring in African studies and finance with a minor in international business, was born in Dakar, Senegal, and raised across multiple African countries. This upbringing, he said, instilled in him a global perspective and understanding that actions can ripple beyond national borders.

“I’ve learned to view events not just through a local lens, but with an appreciation for their broad, often international impact,” said Overman, currently a Pittsburgh resident. “I believe in comparing ourselves not only to those within our own country, but to people around the world.”

This outlook has allowed Overman to better understand international finance and economic development. In his African studies major, he’s learning about a spectrum of topics related to the continent including biodiversity, regional developments, art history and, more recently, the continent’s role in international politics. At the same time, he has a strong appreciation for the role of finance as the foundation of modern economies.

“Witnessing stark differences in levels of development firsthand has taught me that achieving lasting progress often requires difficult tradeoffs and a focus on long-term solutions, even when short-term approaches may be more immediately popular,” Overman said.

Overman’s educational journey has been shaped by his experience in the French education system and an American international school. These experiences have led him to realize that what matters most is to adapt to all situations to achieve your goals.

The mentorship he has found in the classroom has further strengthened this mindset. Overman credits Bruce Heilman, assistant teaching professor of African studies, and Peter Mhando, teaching professor of international business and international affairs, as important models on his academic journey.

Courses taught by both professors gave Overman insights into complex financial systems and global contexts, helping him approach industry challenges with an international outlook. He believes these skills will benefit his future career decisions in the energy industry.

Overman has applied the lessons learned in his coursework through hands-on finance experience. His interest in the energy industry was influenced by his position with the Nittany Lion Fund, a student investment fund with the Smeal College of Business.

“I started as an associate covering the energy sector, where I was responsible for preparing pitch materials and conducting analysis on energy companies,” Overman said. “I then served as lead analyst for the energy sector for a year, managing the fund’s portfolio of energy stocks and overseeing investment decisions within that sector.”

The position gave Overman early exposure to career opportunities in finance and led him to a summer analyst internship with Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. (TPH&Co.), the energy-focused business of Perella Weinberg Partners (PWP). As a summer analyst, Overman was responsible for creating materials for management presentations, organizing due diligence tracking and responses, and conducting background research across verticals. 

“This experience gave me the chance to work directly with deal teams, develop my professional skills and build a strong foundation in finance and the energy sector,” Overman said. “A standout moment for me was when a deliverable I prepared received almost no comments from the associates and was sent directly by the director to the client.”

Overman said he credits the College of the Liberal Arts and its Virginia Todd Chapel Executive Internship Program for supporting his professional and academic journey.

“I’ve benefited from an outstanding academic environment and, thanks to the Chapel Executive Internship, received generous enrichment funding for my summer internship,” he said. “I’ve also been fortunate to receive an additional scholarships from the college, which has allowed me to focus more deeply on my studies and career goals.”

He found that same sense of support and curiosity through his experience in the Schreyer Honors College, which values diverse backgrounds and fosters connections with students from a wide range of disciplines.

“Living in Schreyer’s Globe Living-Learning Community in Simmons Hall during my first year allowed me to build friendships and exchange ideas with peers from diverse backgrounds right from the start of my college journey — an experience I remain truly grateful for,” Overman said.

Embracing and combining different passions is something Overman advises everyone to do. By combining a technical major with an interdisciplinary one, he was able to take courses in art, history and geography while still meeting his degree requirements.

“You’ll get even more out of both fields,” he said. “This kind of diverse academic exposure is truly invaluable in college.”

After graduation, Overman will return to TPH&Co. as an investment banking analyst working in energy finance. At some point in the future, he said he hopes to work overseas.