intern – Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society Blog

October 1, 2024

Leveraging a Liberal Arts Education: Sean Mullaney ’20 on Building a Career in Real Estate

I was given the opportunity to have a conversation with Holy Cross alumni Sean Mullaney ‘20, a distinct graduate of Holy Cross who’s career is a testament to taking advantage of his liberal arts education to pursue a successful career in the Real Estate Investment industry.

Sean began his professional career by landing an internship role at a prestigious brokerage firm, Newmark, going into his Junior year at the college. That Summer, Sean worked as a part of the Capital Markets team in London. The following Summer, Sean stayed with Newmark where he was a Leasing Intern in New York City. Following his graduation from Holy Cross, Sean took a job with Brookwood Financial Partners, LLC, where he worked on Acquisitions as well as Asset management. In January of 2021, Sean took a new role at a leading pure-play commercial real estate investment management firm, Clarion Partners. The Firm is headquartered in New York with a presence in major markets across the United States and Europe. After about eleven months with the company, Sean was promoted to Senior Analyst, his current role.

Sean accredited Holy Cross to much of the success he has had in his early professional career. He spoke extremely highly of the Holy Cross alumni network and explained the importance of utilizing that to your advantage when looking to begin your career: “People from Holy Cross are more than willing to help. If you don’t reach out, someone else will.” Taking initiative was another thing Sean pressed on during our conversation. Getting out there and taking advantage of everything that Holy Cross has to offer is not something you can take for granted.

“People from Holy Cross are more than willing to help. If you don’t reach out, someone else will.”

Communication and the skill to build and maintain relationships are two of the more important aspects of a liberal arts education. Sean talks about how real estate is a people-driven industry, and he has found his liberal arts education to suit him very well in this profession: “Being a man and woman for others. Thinking impactfully. Being a server and a leader. Doing things for the good of doing things, not just for the benefit of yourself.” He goes on to say how he found these traits were often carried by a majority of the students at Holy Cross.

Written by Kevin Birenbaum ’26

February 29, 2024

Student Highlight: Nico Corporon ’26

My name is Nico Corporon and I am a current second year Political Science major pursuing a business certificate in business fundamentals and entrepreneurship. During my time at Holy Cross, I have engaged in a diverse set of activities, including membership in HC Launch, Finance Club, Men’s Club Hockey, and serving as an exam proctor. Most recently, I will be taking up the opportunity to serve as an intern for the Ciocca Center this spring semester.

My involvement with the Ciocca Center has been incredibly transformative so far. Through HC Launch, I collaborated with a local Worcester startup named Multiscale Systems, contributing to a complex research project focused on the manufacturing of Gen IV Natrium Reactors. This eight-month project provided me with the opportunity to delve into the nuclear energy sector, engage one on one with C-Suite executives, and produce a comprehensive research document piling over one hundred pages in length.

Additionally, the Ciocca Center has served as a platform for honing my skills through participation in business competitions, similar to the recent Innovation Challenge hosted by Sideline Swap. Looking ahead to this upcoming internship, my focus will be on enhancing student involvement in Ciocca Center events, fostering greater engagement on social media, and connecting with alumni to produce insights into maximizing not only my potential within the Ciocca Center, but the rest of my Holy Cross peers.

I am very grateful for what has come through my involvement in the Ciocca Center thus far, and look forward to what lies ahead!

June 28, 2022

English & Art History Major Pursues Career in Investor Relations

My name is Audrey (Qianqian) Wang ‘25 and I am a rising sophomore at Holy Cross, majoring in English and Visual Art History with a Certificate in Business Fundamentals. This summer I am an office intern at the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society. Some of my responsibilities include digitizing the Center’s files, drafting promotional materials, and identifying statistics to support the College’s celebration of coeducation next academic year.

Earlier this summer I participated in the Fullbridge Professional Edge Program, a weeklong intensive, virtual program (online due to a COVID-19 surge) designated to pave the way for Holy Cross students to succeed in the demanding business world. Since its founding in 2011, the Fullbridge program has been uniquely positioned to help aspiring individuals at every level bridge the knowledge and skills gap with immersive, affordable training, reaching over 350,000 learners worldwide. Born into a business family in a metropolitan, fast-paced Chinese city and growing up in both Massachusetts and China, I felt the Fullbridge program has empowered me to step out of my comfort zone. I can now confidently analyze the discrepancies between Chinese and American business cultures.

The majority of my cohort were also first-year students exploring business. On the first day of the program, I was immediately fascinated by the face-paced yet highly interactive learning environment made possible by experienced coaches and passionate participants. We built relationships through daily virtual webinars, Zoom office hours, and breakout room discussions. Additionally, it was a great opportunity to make new friends on campus who share the same passion.

We developed skills like data analysis, business IQ, design thinking, emotional intelligence, real-world problem solving, idea flow, and situational awareness which all matter to organizational excellence, test decisions made under pressure, and correlate with outstanding performance.

Continue reading “English & Art History Major Pursues Career in Investor Relations”

May 19, 2022

Thomas Cotter 17 and Brendan Quinn 06 Advocate for Learning and Discovery

Welcome to Season 3 of the Mission Driven Alumni Podcast! New episodes will be released throughout the spring and summer of 2022.

In this episode, Conor Joslin ’23 interviews Thomas Cotter ’17 and Brendan Quinn ’06. Thomas and Brendan met while Thomas was a student at Holy Cross. Their professional journeys converge thanks to the app INDX, a startup co-founded by Thomas and funded by Brendan. Through INDX, they hope to channel their energy and create a product that fosters learning, discovery and growth for all. True entrepreneurs at heart, they show us what’s possible when you take a problem and focus your efforts on finding a solution.

Interview originally recorded in March 2022.

Listen to the podcast interview with Tom Cotter and Brendan Quinn ;06 interviewed by Conor Joslin ’24, fall 2021 Ciocca Center intern.

May 16, 2022

Chris Man ’00 is Passionate Advocate for Better Business and Greater Good

Welcome to Season 3 of the Mission Driven Alumni Podcast! New episodes will be released throughout the spring and summer of 2022.

The first episode of season 3 features a conversation with Chris Mann ’00. Chris has built his career around making a difference in the lives of others. He’s joined in conversation with JP Cunningham ’23. They discuss Chris’ time at Holy Cross and how he has carried the HC mission to serve others throughout his life and career.

Listen to the interview with Chris Mann ’00, VP & Head of Community Affairs at Bain Capital, by JP Cunningham ’23, fall 2021 Ciocca Center intern.

Interview originally recorded in November 2021.

April 25, 2022

Prof. Chu Reflects on Career at Holy Cross

Group of students with Prof. Chu — Prof. Chu with participants of the 2011 Summer Business Program.

Conor Joslin ’23, the student intern for the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society, interviewed Prof. David Chu upon hearing about his retirement at the end of the current academic year.

CJ: Let’s start with a little background about your pre-Holy Cross life.

DC: I grew up in Hong Kong and came over to the United States for college. I went to a small college called Anderson College, where there were 2,000 undergraduate students. Anderson College is a liberal arts institution and I majored in accounting and business, which enabled me to study accounting and business while fulfilling all of the liberal arts requirements; so I had a very well rounded education. Then I went to graduate school at Indiana University in Bloomington where I got my MBA and went on to get a PHD. I then taught at Indiana University while my wife was finishing up her medical training. After that, we decided to look around, and Holy Cross offered me a position, which I was very thankful for. My wife also got a job at what was then called the Fallon Clinic, and we moved out here. I started in the fall of 1991, and it has been a great career since.

CJ: What are your roles and responsibilities as the director of the Ciocca Center? What are the more challenging aspects of your job? Continue reading “Prof. Chu Reflects on Career at Holy Cross”

April 7, 2022

Conor O’Reilly ’18 Reflects on the Holy Cross Advantage

Conor O’Reilly ’18 – psychology major
Account Executive, Oracle NetSuite
Interviewed by Ciocca Center intern, Conor Joslin ’23

“You have to recognize that you have an advantage. Having gone through that major and learning all of those essential skills is a benefit that not a lot of people get to learn through their college education if they’re not going to a school like Holy Cross”.

Please share a bit about your background, where you’re from, and why you decided to attend Holy Cross?

I am from Andover, MA which is just about thirty minutes north of Boston. Growing up, Holy Cross always had a fantastic reputation. I had toured it one spring day and it was a beautiful sunny day on campus. Students were out and I just kind of felt at home there. So I applied to Holy Cross kind of knowing that was where I wanted to go. I had no idea what I wanted to study at that point in high school, but I knew that it was the place for me. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Can you speak a little bit about what your major was and the impact that it had on your professional career?

Continue reading “Conor O’Reilly ’18 Reflects on the Holy Cross Advantage”

March 31, 2022

Alumn Shares Path from History Major to Tech Sales

Brendan Sullivan ’86 took the time to answer some questions regarding his experiences on the hill and career upon graduation. Brendan was first introduced to Holy Cross by his grandfather, Bill Brennan ’30, and uncle, Jeff Brennan ’60, who both attended Holy Cross as student-athletes. Brendan really wanted to attend an institution with a strong academic reputation and was looking for a college that stood out upon other colleges and universities. His trip to campus, hosted by the football team, solidified his decision to attend Holy Cross due to the experience that he had upon his visit.

“I think studying history and just the entire experience at HC helped me become a much better communicator and gave me insight on what joining the business world would require to be successful” Continue reading “Alumn Shares Path from History Major to Tech Sales”

November 22, 2021

Susan Killilea Coburn ‘92 P24 Advice for Business Career

“The ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply a strong work ethic are really key skills when you’re thinking about a career in business.” – Susan Killilea Coburn ‘92 P24

Graduating from Holy Cross in 1992, Susan Coburn recently took the time to reflect on her years before, during, and after her time on the Hill. Due to her initial interest in law and history, she was drawn to the College because it checked all of her boxes, including being a strong liberal arts school, allowing her to major in History and minor in Spanish while also exploring a wide range of subject matter. She is very appreciative of the holistic education Holy Cross provides for students as well as the strong foundation on how to think critically and communicate effectively–two skills that will go a long way in the business world. Susan appreciates the strong alumni network the College has, helping her easily stay in touch with her classmates to this day. She found that the College’s social justice mission has greatly impacted her life and allowed her to gain new perspectives on pressing issues in the world today. Her husband Ed Coburn ‘93 is a JVC alum and an attorney practicing municipal law. She stays in contact with her HC friends, most recently through a group started by her classmates in the Class of ‘92, which acts as a grassroots anti-racism alliance.The group now has over 90 members and focuses on dialogue, understanding and action. She and Ed have two daughters, with their eldest now attending Holy Cross in the Class of 2024.

“I was at Holy Cross for four years, which was an amazing experience, but I would say my connection with Holy Cross since then has been far richer.” Continue reading “Susan Killilea Coburn ‘92 P24 Advice for Business Career”

October 10, 2021

Ciocca Intern: JP Cunningham ’23

My name is JP Cunningham ‘23 and I am a junior at Holy Cross majoring in International Studies, with a thematic focus of International Political Economy and a regional focus of Europe. I am also in the process of pursuing my Certificate in Business Fundamentals, having completed the Excel Tutorial and the Fullbridge Program and Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) workshop. So far, my experience with the Ciocca Center has been very enlightening in helping me gain real-world business experience. For example, the Fullbridge Professional Edge Program was a very exciting, fast-paced workshop that allowed me to put myself in a realistic office-like environment and work with a team on a growth opportunity for a specific company. In addition, the GSCM workshop provided an in-depth look at the many components of the global supply chain as well as the opportunities to meet with different supply chain managers, including a site visit to the Polar Beverages manufacturing warehouse right here in Worcester. This workshop was very interesting given the many complexities and relevant issues within the supply chain in today’s post-pandemic climate.

Through the Academic Internship Program, I am taking the course Sports Marketing & Sponsorship with Dr. Robert Prior while I am interning in the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, & Society for the internship requirement. Throughout the semester, I will be conducting interviews with alumni to shed light on their various career paths and stories throughout their professional careers while tying the liberal arts to the business world. I think this will be a great opportunity for me to explore different fields of business and expand on different skills. I am hoping to get my foot in the door of the business and finance world in the coming months and am excited to see where this unique opportunity takes me.

JP Cunningham ’23 interviewed several alumni for the internship: