HWS News
12 January 2026 Wilkins '28, Cano '28 Selected for Prestigious Nomura Early Careers Summit Series
Economics majors earn coveted spots in Nomura’s national program, gaining mentorship, technical training and early exposure to global finance.
Olivia Wilkins ’28 and Daniel Cano '28 have been selected to participate in the highly competitive Nomura Early Careers Summit Series, an immersive program that introduces talented undergraduates to the fast-paced world of global markets and investment banking. The program, open primarily to sophomores, offers interactive virtual sessions, hands-on skills challenges, mentorship and direct engagement with leaders across Nomura’s global financial network.
Wilkins, an economics and mathematics double major who hopes to pursue a career in investment banking, says the opportunity represents an important step in her professional development.
“I am incredibly excited and grateful to have been accepted into the Nomura Early Careers Summit Series,” she says. “It feels rewarding to see my interest in finance recognized by a global firm like Nomura and I’m looking forward to learning from professionals across the firm.”
The Summit Series provides participants with exposure to key areas of the industry through sessions on investment banking fundamentals, company valuation, macroeconomics, networking and interview preparation. Students also receive mentorship and gain an inside look at the culture of Nomura, a firm operating in approximately 30 countries and known for its integrated global markets and investment banking divisions.
"What really stood out to me about Nomura and this program is the emphasis on purpose, teamwork and integrity, and how those values show up through hands-on mentorship," says Cano, an economics major.
This opportunity was made available to Wilkins and Cano through the HWS Finance Society of the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education.
Caroline Martocci ’22, a securitized products associate at Nomura, played a crucial role in preparing Wilkins for the series, prepping her on what to expect and tips for applying.
Cano credits Martocci, along with Managing Director at Nomura Securities and HWS Trustee Gordon Sweely ’86 and Executive Director of Rate Sales Chris Swan ’13, for providing helpful advice about working in the role.
Nomura is a global financial services group that connects markets across East and West, offering innovative solutions through its core business divisions: Global Markets and Investment Banking. As Asia’s global investment bank, Nomura combines a strong international presence with deep regional expertise, providing distinctive opportunities for clients and for early-career talent interested in finance.
A member of the Hobart and William Smith sailing team, Wilkins has competed in 17 regattas in her first three semesters in Geneva. As a first-year student, she participated in the ICSA Women’s Dinghy National Championships, helping William Smith finish 12th in the Eastern semifinals. Wilkins also helped the Herons finish third at the MAISA Women’s Team Race Championships. This past fall, she helped HWS place seventh at the MAISA Women’s Fall Dinghy Championship.
Cano is a member of the Hobart lacrosse team. As a first-year, he played all 14 games on attack, starting the final 12. Cano produced a season-high four points in a dramatic 13-12 come-from-behind win over Bucknell, including a goal and an assist in the fourth quarter as the Statesmen rallied from a 12-9 deficit. He finished the season with 11 points on six goals and five assists and was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team.
