Houston Republic

Aaron Strassner’s life as a Houston investment banker took a big turn when the COVID-19 pandemic sent him home to work.

The Patrick Henry College Class of 2013 graduate sees this as an opportunity.

“It’s really given me and my wife both the opportunity to spend more time with each other and really rekindle my marriage,” he told the Houston Republic, “and reconnect with old friends.”

Now he’s contemplating how he wants to continue moving forward with his life. As an investment banker, he spends most of his time in the office, working until the late hours every day. Working remotely has given him a chance to step back and reflect on what this opportunity might bring.

“We both are very blessed to have our jobs and have our careers – even during the pandemic –flourishing,” Strassner said.

The investment banker said his career took an unusual path after majoring in political science at Patrick Henry College.

“I had every intention to work in politics in D.C.," he said "I worked for a very brief time for a fundraiser in D.C. and I enjoyed that experience.” 

But then matters changed when he realized he wanted to go back to Houston.

His dad worked in the oil and gas industry, and Strassner wanted to follow in his footsteps. He and his father created a family oil business with his brothers where business went well until the 2014-2015 oil crash.

With his life changed, he attended Rice Business College, and says Patrick Henry College had taught him the critical skills he needed.

“Every time I saw a problem arise I knew I could work through that problem,” Strassner said. “It also gave me the unique ability to communicate. I think that communication has really helped me in my first job.”

At first he didn’t fully understand the oil and gas industry, being young and new in the energy field.

“But then as I transitioned to get my MBA at Rice University, those skills again helped me succeed in business school,” he told the Houston Republic.

Although he didn’t pursue his dream of working on D.C. for long, Patrick Henry College provided the skills he needed like critical thinking and communication.

As an investment banker, communication is critical. Strassner said it’s one thing to put up a fancy model and run all the numbers the client wants to hear. But if a banker can’t communicate, they can’t let clients know what it means. And they won’t be an effective thinker.

Strassner said he’s uncertain what his future will look like. He doesn’t know if he’ll still be an investment banker in 20 years.

“The timeless skills I learned, timeless lessons I learned at Patrick Henry always will stay with me,” he said. “My future is always going to be more informed.”

The many friends he gained at Patrick Henry College remain friends. He said having like-minded cohorts is a benefit for every step of life.

“I think the pandemic already has turned the world upside down," he said. "It takes a lot of courage to move forward in a meaningful way.” 

He believes the Christian beliefs and education he gained not only at Patrick Henry but throughout his life and career can guide him on the path for career, family and all else in life.