Benjamin Cohen

Sustainable Investment Professional with a Passion for Endurance Athletics

New York City Metropolitan Area

About

After graduating from Lafayette College in 2022 with a degree in Psychology and Economics, I joined BNP Paribas, where I spent nearly three years driving process efficiency improvements and leading strategic initiatives for C-suite stakeholders. In this role, I developed expertise in operational optimization, cross-functional problem solving, and executing high-impact corporate strategy projects. At the end of 2024, I stepped away from BNP Paribas to pursue a lifelong goal: hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Since then, I have also completed my first Ironman 70.3 and hiked an additional 500 kilometers across the Middle East, experiences that have strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and passion for challenge-driven growth. I am currently interning at an ESG Hedge Fund, where I focus on integrating AI systems into ESG and financial analysis, combining my background in strategy with my commitment to innovation, sustainable investing, and emerging technology.

Experience

  • Finance & Impact (ESG) Investment Analyst and Researcher at Value² The Responsible Investment House
    Mar 2026 - Present · 4 mos

    • Performed quantitative and qualitative analysis on 8+ publicly traded (clean energy & data center related) securities, and authored investment memos that contributed to firm positions • Leveraged AI tools to expand ETF pricing models, automate ESG research workflows, producing client ready ESG profiles and improving research efficiency

  • Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker Class of 2025 at Appalachian Trail
    Mar 2025 - Aug 2025 · 6 mos

    • Hiked all 2,197.4 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Baxter State Park, Maine • Completed Ironman 70.3 in Haines City, Florida

  • Rotational Analyst at BNP Paribas
    Jul 2022 - Dec 2024 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    • Led 4+ cross-functional projects focused on retention analytics, reporting automation, organizational effectiveness, and people data strategy • Automated large-scale (1,500+) legal document generation workflows, reducing manual administrative effort by more than 75% and improving process precision • Climate FRESK facilitator – facilitated 4+ half-day interactive climate seminars for 20+ professionals • Analyzed employee engagement survey data and qualitative feedback to identify workforce trends and provide actionable insights to senior leadership • Contributed to the compensation review process through the modernization of salary and bonus pool models for 8,000+ employees • Developed departmental budget forecasts and supported accounting and financial reporting activities • Supported the preparation and submission of regulatory reports across local and global jurisdictions • Ensured integrity of global data platforms through ongoing quality assurance and audit procedures

  • Executive Functioning Coach at The Marni Method
    Sep 2020 - May 2021 · 9 mos

    • Introduced practical learning and study strategies • Developed 4+ students’ executive functioning skills

  • Psychology Extern at Mount Sinai Health System
    Jun 2019 - Jul 2019 · 2 mos

    • Analyzed the test scores of Ph.D. psychology interns • Interacted with and learned from on-site therapists • Evaluated and optimized data management processes, improving reporting accuracy and operational efficiency • Sat in on psychological intakes and discussed diagnosis with therapists