Colleagues and friends,

I think I was supposed to make the subject line "thank you and farewell." I think I was also supposed to make this a three sentence variation of "As many of you know, today is my last day at Deutsche Bank. Thank you for the memories, let's keep in touch, cc'ing my Gmail." Well, as many of you may know, I've never been one to play by the rules. The cautious seldom err or write great poetry. To each their own I suppose.

~4 years ago today I received an offer to join the Summer 2018 Corporate Finance Intern Class at Deutsche Bank. I gladly accepted. I had some people sending me some links to Wall Street Journal articles detailing some unsavory, half-truths about DB. I had many more people in my ear telling me what they would do if they were in my shoes. Ironically, I've never cared much for consensus opinion. I did what felt right. I signed to join an institution where I felt welcomed and valued. I guess I repaid the favor in a way. I bet on DB, because, well, DB bet on me. After all, who was I but another wide-eyed, bushy-tailed 20 year old trying to make it seem like I had a much better understanding of DCF's than was actually the case (I think I get them now though).

In June 2018, after successfully traversing the delicate dance that is investment banking recruiting, I strode into 60 Wall, ready to take on the world. I bee-lined for the 42nd floor—a place I would go on to call home for the better part of the next 3 years. A place full of esoteric lingo, processes, and analyses I would go on to (try) conquer. A place full of strangers I would go on to call friends.

As I look back today at that fateful morning in June, it seems like both yesterday and a life-time ago, all at the same time. I can't quite wrap my head around it. Maybe it's all the late nights finally catching up to me. Maybe it's a 24-year old's way of reckoning with the end of a journey. I won't say I walked in the revolving doors three years ago a boy and walked out today a man, tried, tested, and ready to take on the world. I still have a lot of things to figure out (about the world and myself). I will say, however, that I walked out a much different person today.

You are an average of the people you spend the most time with.

Over the last three years, I have had the privilege of spending (lots of) time with people much kinder, smarter, more driven, more curious, more resilient, and more thoughtful than I could ever dream of becoming. I believe everyone has something they can teach me. I take it upon myself to make sure I learn.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every person I have interacted with during my time at DB. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your mentorship. Thank you for your friendship.

I walked out today with a heavy heart, but with my head held high. I was not driven away, I was called away. To do what exactly? I'm still figuring that part out. I'll make sure to let you know as soon as I do.

Until then, wishing you all the best on your journeys, as I continue on mine.

Thank you and farewell,

Jarred