Banking Real-World Experience Early: Q&A with NAF Alumna, Lara Tolan

Summer is often a season to reflect on a year of academic accomplishments. In that spirit, we asked NAF alumna—and the Alumni Host of NAF’s 21st Annual Benefit this past spring—to share some reflections on how her journey took shape. Lara Tolan’s pathway began at the NAF Academy of Finance (AOF) at East Forsyth High School in the rural town of Kernersville, NC. Early exposure to the functional aspects of financial systems through the AOF helped her grow into the accomplished professional she is today. Read on to learn about the hands-on experiences that propelled Lara forward.

Question: Could you share more about your experience at the Academy of Finance at East Forsyth High School?

Answer: Attending the NAF Academy of Finance at East Forsyth High School from 2012 to 2015 was a truly transformative experience! The program provided early exposure to the world of finance and enabled me to build foundational knowledge in areas like accounting, personal finance, and business operations. The hands-on curriculum and real-world simulations made learning practical and engaging. For example, we did an investing simulation where each student was asked to invest $100,000, as well as track the performance of our investments over the year. This is exactly the type of experience I had with NAF that drove me to want to become an investor and the reason why I’m in my current role today.

Q: What was the AOF pathway like?

A: The AOF pathway at East Forsyth followed a structured progression, beginning with introductory courses in finance and gradually moving toward more specialized subjects such as accounting, entrepreneurship, and business ethics. It emphasized both academic learning and real-world skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. It also offered valuable opportunities for students to apply their learning in real-world settings. For example, during my last year in the academy, I was able to take a business course at the local community college.

Additionally, we had opportunities outside of traditional coursework to excel, and as a result,  I held various leadership roles within the academy. I was also given the opportunity to build out various fundraising initiatives, such as establishing an annual winter formal; where collected proceeds were donated to NAF.

Q: Were there any standout teachers who helped you on your journey?

A: Absolutely—Ms. Jennifer Haymes stands out as one of the most impactful educators during my time at the academy. Her guidance, enthusiasm for teaching, and dedication to student success made a lasting impression. She not only helped me grasp the challenging coursework but also encouraged me to explore career opportunities in finance beyond the classroom. It was her consistent push for initiative and hard work that helped prepare me for college and beyond.

Q: What kind of work-based learning or internships did you participate in? How did the experience(s) create bridges to where you are today?

A: During high school, I interned at Truliant Federal Credit Union, an experience that provided me firsthand insight into financial services. During lunch, I would run a “bank” at school where students could come and deposit money into their bank accounts or ask for financial advice. Additionally, I worked as a student banker at Kernersville Elementary School, helping elementary school students understand the basics of money management and running simulated “bank accounts.”

These experiences were key in developing my confidence, professionalism, and practical understanding of financial systems—skills that directly translated into future career opportunities and helped me understand and shape the path I was undertaking.

Q: What was your college experience like? How did your academy experience prepare you for your studies?

A: I went on to study Accounting and Information Technology at North Carolina State University. The AOF program played an instrumental role in this choice, particularly the accounting course I took in high school, which sparked my interest in the subject. In college, I found that I already had a strong foundation in many concepts that others were encountering for the first time. This gave me a head start, not only academically but also in making informed decisions about my career path.

Q: Finally, what advice do you have for today’s students, who are interested in careers in finance? Are there any emerging skills you see a need for developing?

A: To today’s students interested in finance, I would say: Start exploring early and stay curious. Take every opportunity to gain real-world experience, whether through internships, volunteer work, or student-run enterprises. In terms of emerging skills, there’s a growing need for data literacy, technological fluency (especially with tools like Excel, Python, or SQL), and analytical thinking. Understanding the intersection of finance and technology is becoming increasingly vital. Soft skills like communication, adaptability, and ethical decision-making are equally important and should not be overlooked.