HBM welcomes Nik Ljoljic as an Associate and a member of the firm’s Accelerated Development Program. Nik will work with Daniel Wright, VP of Corporate Development, and the Associates team on internal consulting projects and strategic projects focused on adding value to HBM’s portfolio companies.
CC: Can you share your educational background and work experience?
NL: I am a 2017 MBA graduate from the University of Notre Dame with a concentration in Corporate Finance. During my time at Notre Dame, I worked as an Associate intern at IrishAngels, an angel investment group focused on seed and early stage investments. I was tasked with due diligence of new investments, reviewing legal documents and assisting the portfolio companies.
Prior to starting my MBA, I was a Senior Financial Analyst in the Corporate Treasury Group at Robert W. Baird. At Baird, my responsibilities included financial modeling, strategic planning and relationship management.
After graduating from Purdue University with dual degrees in Business Management and Accounting, I joined Johnson Controls as a Financial Analyst in the Power Solutions Division. At Johnson Controls, my responsibilities included conducting plant audits, supporting commercial sales, participating in the manufacturing operations developmental program and assisting with software implementations.
I am really excited about the opportunity to apply the knowledge and experience I have accrued early in my career to my responsibilities at HBM.
CC:What attracted you to HBM’s Accelerated Development Program?
NL: I was energized about the opportunity to join HBM’s program for two reasons: (1) the opportunity to help build successful companies with a great team and (2) HBM’s unwavering commitment to developing their people.
When weighing the option of pursuing a more traditional post-MBA career path, such as consulting or banking, against the opportunity presented by HBM, I asked myself a simple question: Do I want to spend my time building presentations and financial models, or do I want to spend my time building and shaping companies? For me, the choice was clear. With HBM I have an opportunity to be an integral part of the team that leads an investment and then helps ensure the investment achieves success.
The second reason I accepted the position with HBM was due to the company’s commitment to talent development. This commitment differentiated HBM from other employers. HBM’s pursuit of developing leaders across the organization really resonated with me. It is a unique culture and one I am excited to be part of for many years to come.
CC: What are your career aspirations two years from now? How do you envision HBM’s Accelerated Development Program preparing you to reach your career goals?
NL: My goal is to soak up as much knowledge as I can in the next two years so that I can build experience in areas that I haven’t had the chance to focus on thus far in my career. Ultimately, I would like to assume a management-level role within one of HBM’s portfolio companies. I know with certainty that HBM will provide me with exposure to projects and teams that will push me beyond my comfort zone. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves, working with the team and tackling new challenges that will have an impact on HBM’s business and its portfolio companies.
CC: Please share a fun fact about yourself that most people would not guess.
NL: Even though I have held five different citizenships and passports, I still consider myself a Midwesterner!
Nik Ljoljic will be joining HBM this July.