Twins David and Eric Barroso Lean on Each Other for Success, Graduate With a 4.0

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University of Oklahoma Price College of Business 4.0 graduates David and Eric Barroso have always been on similar paths. It’s hard to avoid when you’re not just brothers, but twins – a dynamic that’s anything but bland.

“It’s kept us from getting too bored since we always have each other to do stuff with,” David said. “I’ve always had someone to rely on for anything I need and a default study partner.”

Having another person there for the aptly named “Barrosos,” as their friends refer to the identical twins, helped build a foundation for success.

Born to a Spanish-American household in Chicago, Illinois, The Barroso family moved to their father’s native Spain in Madrid for a portion of their childhood. The seeds of their passion for finance were laid when a cousin in Spain opened their eyes to the world of investment banking. It was a moment that wouldn’t bear fruit initially but would influence their lives down the road.

The twins and their family moved back to the United States after they turned nine to Frisco, Texas, where they set up roots. As the twins entered high school, they began to think of their futures and where they would want to spend what would likely be the last few years of their young adult lives together.

OU came into the picture early.

“I wanted to be at a school that was close to home, had a fun atmosphere, had good sports teams, and would challenge me academically, and OU fit all of these criteria,” Eric said. "After doing a second campus visit, it was clear that OU was where I was going to enjoy my college experience the most."

“Looking back, I know I made the right decision and can say that I’ve enjoyed college to the fullest here,” David added.

Finance is an unofficial family legacy for the Barrosos, between their cousin’s introduction to the world of investment banking and the twins’ older sister Emma was already a successful analyst with JPMorgan in New York City.

It seemed destined that the twins would follow suit, but it wasn’t the “Day One” mission.

“We didn’t fully commit to pursuing it as a career until we joined Wall Street Sooners (OU’s investment banking/Wall Street club) as freshmen here at OU,” Eric said. “We had a few mentors who helped us out with preparation and guidance, as it is a very competitive recruiting process.”

With their family history, experience with Wall Street Sooners and the twins’ genuine love of numbers, finance became both their collegiate and professional goal. But it wasn’t enough just to earn a degree in the field — the twins sought success in the form of eight flawless academic semesters.

Earning a 4.0 for a semester is a difficult task that tests one’s self-determination, time management and ability to make sacrifices, a monumental achievement worthy of praise. Of the over 6,000 graduating students this May, only 154 undergraduate students earned a perfect grade-point average during their collegiate careers. Even for the Barroso twins, it was an endeavor that did not come easy.

“Maintaining a 4.0 was certainly difficult, as each class brings its unique challenges,” David admitted. “We had to be very consistent and efficient with our time.

“It was pretty difficult to maintain a 4.0 for all eight semesters,” Eric added. “Not only were there a lot of hard tests and group projects to navigate, but time management was required since we were involved in a variety of commitments. Being involved in organizations on campus, recruiting for investment banking internships, having a fun social life, and keeping my grades up was a lot to juggle.”

Just as the twin dynamic helped the two young men navigate a childhood on two continents, it helped them achieve their goals. Whether there were tests to study for, internship commitments or leadership roles, the twins had each other’s back.

“I’d say sophomore year was the toughest, given that we held leadership positions in a few organizations,” David said. “We were recruiting for investment banking internships and lived in a fraternity house with many distractions. But it was also helpful that we took most of the same classes together and could keep each other accountable.”

The twins' hard work paid off with more than their 4.0 medallion. Each brother earned a high-profile, job but for the first time, will be separated by 1,600 miles. Eric will be joining his sister in New York City as an investment banking analyst at Bank of America, while David will begin his career as an investment banking analyst at Moelis & Company in Houston.

While the separation may be bittersweet, the Barrosos know their time together has prepared them for a successful career.

“This is going to be a big change for us,” Eric said. “We honestly will be so busy with our jobs that we wouldn't be spending too much time together anyway.”

“It’ll certainly take some time to get used to not being around each other anymore,” David added. “On the bright side, [our older sister] lives in New York, so I'll definitely go and visit them as often as I can.”