A Franklin & Marshall liberal arts education taught Nicolas Rios ’23 how to think critically, communicate effectively and approach problems from multiple angles. 

“At F&M, I wasn’t just learning what to think—I was learning how to think,” he said. “That ability to analyze, adapt and connect ideas across disciplines has been incredibly valuable in the workforce.”

Rios, a business, organizations and society graduate, is now an analyst at Goldman Sachs. 

“In fast-paced environments like Goldman Sachs, technical skills are important, but what really sets you apart is your ability to collaborate, ask thoughtful questions, and think strategically,” Rios said. “Liberal arts graduates are often more comfortable navigating ambiguity, because we were trained to engage with complex issues and see the bigger picture.”

Nicolas Rios ’23

Major: Business, organizations and society

Current role: Analyst at Goldman Sachs

What did the first six months after graduating from F&M look like?

I graduated from F&M in December 2023 and started working at Goldman Sachs in February 2024. I was eager to hit the ground running in Dallas; excited to chase my dreams, yet also sad to leave behind my family and friends.

Looking back, those first six months were filled with challenges, growth and self-discovery. Naturally, that journey came with moments of fear, doubt and even sadness. Goldman Sachs is an incredibly fast-paced environment, full of some of the brightest minds I’ve ever encountered. 

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is the power of reframing—especially in moments of fear. No matter where you are in life, every situation offers a chance to shift your perspective and grow. Rather than dwelling on loneliness, I used the time to reconnect with myself and my faith. Rather than comparing myself to those around me, I began to embrace both my strengths and my limitations—because both have brought me to where I am today.

I’ve realized that life after college isn’t always “peaches and cream,” but there’s real power in choosing the person you want to be each day. That choice—over and over—is what shapes your path forward.

How did your F&M experience prepare you for where you are now?

A liberal arts education taught me how to think critically, communicate effectively and approach problems from multiple angles. At F&M, I wasn’t just learning what to think—I was learning how to think. That ability to analyze, adapt and connect ideas across disciplines has been incredibly valuable in the workforce.

In fast-paced environments like Goldman Sachs, technical skills are important, but what really sets you apart is your ability to collaborate, ask thoughtful questions, and think strategically. Liberal arts graduates are often more comfortable navigating ambiguity, because we were trained to engage with complex issues and see the bigger picture.

Compared to more specialized programs, a liberal arts education offers a broader foundation. It doesn’t just prepare you for a specific job; it prepares you for many jobs and for long-term growth. I’ve found that versatility to be a huge asset, especially in a world where careers and industries are constantly evolving.

How does your current path compare to what you envisioned in your first year at F&M?

To be honest, working at Goldman Sachs was never part of my original plan—in fact, I didn’t even know what Goldman Sachs was. As a first-generation college graduate from one of the toughest parts of Philadelphia, I didn’t have many resources or “tour guides” to help me navigate college, let alone envision a career in finance.

I came into F&M thinking I’d pursue a career in real estate. There were definitely times when I put a lot of pressure on myself to map out a perfect five-year plan. But over time, I learned that a fixed mindset can be limiting—not because your original dreams aren’t valid, but because being too rigid can keep you from embracing where life takes you. While I’m not working in real estate (yet), I’ve learned to reframe my current experience and see it as a foundation. The skills I’m building, the lessons I’m learning, and the relationships I’m forming are all tools I can apply to whatever I pursue next.

My best advice to anyone reading this is focus on growing your skill set, building meaningful relationships, and staying open to the unexpected. Learn as much as you can. Be curious. And pay attention to the things that put you in a state of flow—those moments often point you toward what truly fulfills you.

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose F&M?

I chose F&M because it felt like a home away from home. I was recruited to play football, and I still remember my coach telling me, “You’re more than just a number.” That really stuck with me—not just as a student-athlete, but as a person. From day one, I felt seen and valued beyond just what I could do on the field.

What also drew me in was the strength of F&M’s alumni network. Now that I’ve graduated, it’s amazing to see how many of us are making an impact across different industries. Being part of a community like that—one that truly supports and uplifts each other—made F&M feel like the right choice then, and an even better one now.

Nicolas Rios '23 was recruited to play football at F&M. "I still remember my coach telling me, 'You’re more than just a number.' That really stuck with me—not just as a student-athlete, but as a person. From day one, I felt seen and valued beyond just what I could do on the field," he said.

Rios began his role at Goldman Sachs after graduating from F&M. "In fast-paced environments like Goldman Sachs, technical skills are important, but what really sets you apart is your ability to collaborate, ask thoughtful questions, and think strategically," Rios said.

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