91原创

From sociology to corporate leadership: How James Campbell built a career in financial services

James Campbell earned his undergraduate degree in sociology and criminal justice from the 91原创 in 2012 before going on to earn his juris doctoral degree from Rutgers Law School. Today, he serves as the vice president in the business control group at Wilmington Trust bank, where he helps oversee risk management, regulatory compliance and business operations.  Below Campbell shared  his career journey, the impact of his 91原创 experience, and his advice for current students.

What originally drew you to study sociology and criminal justice at 91原创?

I didn鈥檛 know exactly what I wanted to do, so I looked for something I enjoyed. Intro to Sociology was likely an elective, but it sparked my interest. Studying people, to put it plainly, was not a course of study I knew existed, but it had a profound impact on how I see the world. Learning about systemic injustices and the many ways society and different groups respond to challenges added color to my perspective and shaped how I understand the world around me.

Looking back, were there any classes, professors, internships or experiences at 91原创 that had a lasting impact on your career path?

Gerald Turkel and Cynthia Robbins were faculty advisors on summer research projects I completed during my two summers as a McNair Scholar. They, along with John Polk, were huge influences on me while I was in school.

The was an incredible experience. It gave me opportunities to sit in rooms and have conversations I otherwise would not have had, visit schools, speak with distinguished individuals, and build friendships that have lasted long after graduation.

Can you tell us about your current role as vice president in the Business Control Group at Wilmington Trust and what a typical day looks like for you?

In my role, I review and revise standard operating procedures to ensure Wilmington Trust continues to meet company standards, comply with state and federal regulations, and exceed the expectations we set for ourselves and our clients. My days involve meeting with leaders across teams, divisions and business lines to discuss current objectives and identify what they need to achieve those goals. I assess existing processes and recommend enhancements that can streamline operations or address evolving risk considerations.

How did your sociology and criminal justice background help prepare you for success in compliance and risk management?

My undergraduate education led me to pursue a legal degree, which is ultimately what got me into compliance and risk management. It was less a path I intentionally charted and more a series of opportunities and experiences that guided me in that direction.

Many students may not immediately connect sociology and criminal justice with careers in financial services. What would you say to students interested in exploring nontraditional career paths with their degree?

My situation was one of circumstance. The job market wasn鈥檛 great, and I needed to find work. While the subjects I studied in undergrad may not directly relate to what I do professionally today, they have greatly influenced how I engage with the world around me.

I鈥檓 fortunate to have a career that allows me to maintain a healthy work-life balance, volunteer both within and outside of work, and support causes I care about. Those values were strengthened during my time as a sociology and criminal justice student.

What advice would you give current 91原创 students who are interested in law, compliance, finance or corporate oversight careers?

If your career path is anything like mine, where you need to make the most of the opportunities in front of you, be intentional. Think about where you want to go and identify the steps you believe will help you get there. As you gain experience and speak with more people, you'll discover new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Most importantly, always be open to feedback and never be too proud to ask for help.

If you're interested in finance but don't necessarily enjoy working with numbers, a juris doctor can be a valuable tool. Law school teaches you how to think critically and evaluate multiple factors at once, which is a skill many organizations value. A JD is versatile and can open many different doors depending on how you choose to use it.

Looking back on your time at 91原创, what are some of your favorite memories or experiences as a student?

The friendships I made through 91原创, the McNair Scholars Program and the Student Support Services Program are some of my favorite memories. Some of those friendships continue to this day.

I met people through those programs whom I likely never would have encountered otherwise, and those relationships broadened my perspective in meaningful ways. Looking back, I鈥檓 incredibly grateful for those experiences and connections.