For Natnaele Gulte, a current sophomore from Sachse, Texas, joining the Canfield Business Honors Program was a decision sparked by inspiration and solidified by experience. The summer before senior year of high school, he attended the McCombs Future Executive Academy. That is when he first heard about Canfield BHP from Karl Spencer. At a MFEA session the guest speaker was Clint Tuttle who is now Natnaele’s professor for MIS 325. Now double majoring in Canfield BHP and Management Information Systems with a Computer Science certificate, Natnaele is continuing to build on the foundation that first brought him to McCombs. His journey so far has been marked by both academic challenges and transformative professional experiences.
Natnaele’s favorite class thus far was BA 151H, a required Canfield BHP course, with an impactful speaker series. “One of the guest speakers I met in Lyceum ended up inviting me to brunch while I was in New York the following week,” he shares. She made a pivot from MIS to Finance where she now works at Lloyds Bank and shared plenty of insights about the finance world. He also credits Professor Almazan’s class for deepening his understanding of business
Beyond the classroom, Natnaele stays busy with a wide range of extracurriculars. He’s a member of Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) and Thrive Scholars. These two programs have provided mentorship, career guidance, and a strong professional network. Through Delta Sigma Pi (DSP), he found a brotherhood and a way to give back through service. These groups give him a community outside of McCombs and a chance to connect with people from different walks of life.
Natnaele’s summer experiences have also played a significant role in his growth. He externed at Citadel in New York last summer. He obtained this role through his involvement in Thrive Scholars. He spent the summer exploring hedge funds, asset management, and Python programming. “It was incredible—learning how Citadel trades, meeting executives like CEO Ken Griffin and COO Gerald Beeson. It broadened my view of finance and tech.” He also held roles at Tower Extrusions, where he reviewed logistics documents, and completed a PwC x Outamation AI externship, gaining exposure to AI tools that extract data from financial documents. “Canfield BHP students actually helped me prepare for that interview,” he adds, reflecting on the tight-knit community.
Balancing a packed schedule isn’t always easy, but Natnaele has developed systems to manage it. “Google Calendar is my best friend,” he laughs. He also uses Microsoft To-Do. His tip is to plan 2-3 days in advance. Over planning creates too much stress.
In five years, Natnaele hopes to be working in FinTech or product management in his dream city—Chicago. “Canfield BHP has prepared me with the tools, resources, and people to get there. The alumni network, career advising, and mentorship have made a real impact.” Natnaele says the support he’s received from Canfield BHP advisors Stephanie and Ryan has helped him feel grounded through both academic and career decisions. “Having someone to turn to makes a huge difference. Whether it’s about classes or career prep, just knowing they’re there is comforting.”
When asked what advice he’d give incoming Canfield BHP students, Natnaele emphasizes the importance of mindset. “Imposter syndrome is real, but don’t compare yourself to others. You got here for a reason—focus on your own growth. There are so many resources in Canfield BHP to help you succeed.” From nighttime football games to the energy of OU weekend, Natnaele is making the most of his time at UT Austin. Reflecting on how far he’s come, he shares, “Canfield BHP constantly pushes me to be better. The people here inspire you to grow—and those connections will pay off in the long run.”