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

December 16, 2024

86 Students & 50+ Alumni Participate in Fall Break Business Workshops

Finance Boot Camp students group photo

Every fall break, the Ciocca Center holds concurrent workshops for students involved in the Business Certificate Programs to connect with alumni, make real-world connections, learn industry insights and practice presentation skills. 86 students and over 50 alumni participated in last weeks iteration, details below.

The annual Global Supply Chain Management Workshop helped 45 students understand that everything we wear, eat, drive, and consume comes through an organized supply chain from different parts of the world. The alumni presenters included Pete Mondani ’79, Roger Lobo ’04, John Burke ’10 and Conor Moynihan ’13 – all practitioners in the field. They shared the inner workings of a global supply chain and how it manages the distribution of various goods and services. Teams of 4-5 students met with Holy Cross vendors, spanning from coffee to sweatshirts, to understand the inherent political, cultural, and ethical issues. They even got off campus to experience a working supply chain during a company site visit to Polar Beverages with a tour by Chris Crowley, executive vice president of the company.

Concurrently, the annual Finance Boot Camp brought 41 students to NYC to meet alumni on Wall Street as part of the Finance & Banking Certificate program. Starting with an alumni-led current event discussion and professional communication overview, students were prepped on campus for the overnight trip to the city. Alumni at JP Morgan, Piper Sandler, CIBC, KeyBanc and Morgan Stanley hosted the cohort to share industry insights, interview tips and discuss the various fields within the industry including sales and trading, investment banking, and wealth management.

Maeley Nakamura ’26, Megan McFarlane ’26, and Lindsay Julia King ’27 shared their student experience on the College’s Instagram account, which can also be seen on @holycrossbusiness.

Congratulations to all of the student participants and a big thank you to all of our alumni who are giving back to Holy Cross, like so many have done before them.

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

September 2, 2024

Fullbridge Professional Edge Program Recap August 2024

Fullbridge Professional Edge Program Recap

This past week, Holy Cross students participated in the Fullbridge Professional Edge program, gaining invaluable experience designed to prepare them for today’s competitive job market. Participants worked in teams, tackling real-world business projects that honed their professional skills and boosted their confidence.

The program immersed students in a simulated workplace environment. Over several days, they engaged in a hands-on, experience that culminated in a final team presentation competition.

We’re thrilled to announce the finalists of this year’s competition:

Team Puma: Anna Hagan ’27, Daniel Illanes ’26, Patrick Kelly ’26, and Christopher O’Brien ’27
Team Under Armour: Maya Benet ’27, Grace Damico ’27, Kevin Greed ’26, and Conor McCann ’27
Team Lululemon: Jennifer Prince ’27, Jack Rogus ’27, Nicholas Popeleski ’26, and Johnathan Prior ’27

Team Lululemon, emerged as the overall winners and received Apple gift cards for their outstanding performance!

Congratulations to all participants! We look forward to seeing more work in our next session, starting on October 15th.

May 3, 2024

Jim Keyes ‘77 Inspires Lifelong Learning

Holy Cross recently had the honor of hosting notable alumni Jim Keyes ‘77, member of the Holy Cross Board of Trustees, who took the time on April 25, 2024 to engage with students and share insights from his new book, “Education is Freedom.” Keyes’ journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful business leader as former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster is not only inspiring but also filled with valuable lessons for young students across the globe.

Keyes began his talk by delving into his childhood, where he experienced the challenges of living in poverty with a house lacking basic amenities like running water. Despite these hardships, he was determined, always putting his best foot forward in everything he did whether it was sweeping the floors at McDonald’s with incredible speed or outworking white-collar employees at corporate internships.

One of the pivotal moments in Keyes’ early career was his internship at Gulf Oil. Here, he demonstrated his dedication and passion for his work, which quickly made him stand out among his peers. However, his commitment to excellence didn’t go unnoticed, and he encountered resistance from a colleague who felt threatened by Keyes’ hard work, fearing it would reflect poorly on others.

Keyes’ experiences shaped his belief in the power of education and continuous learning. He understands that education is not just about academic knowledge but also about personal growth and empowerment. In his book, “Education is Freedom,” Keyes emphasizes the importance of education in preserving democracy and promoting critical thinking. Keyes highlights the role of education in fostering an informed electorate capable of discerning truth from fiction. He advocates for a return to the values of civil discourse, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

“Education Is Freedom” serves as a self-help guide for individuals and society as a whole. It allows readers to embrace education as a tool for personal and collective growth. Keyes believes that knowledge is the ultimate freedom, as it provides individuals with the chance to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Keyes’ journey from childhood poverty to advocating education for freedom is a testament to the transformative power of learning. With support from Snoop Dogg, Mr. Beast, and many more influential individuals, it is no secret that Holy Cross is beyond grateful to have someone like him share their personal experience.

Thank you to Nico Corporon ‘26 for this event recap!

February 22, 2024

Nick Lazzaro ’23 Wins 40 Under 40 Award

In recent news, Holy Cross has been excited to witness the achievements of one of its alumni, Nick Lazzaro, a member of the class of 2023. Nick has been making headlines in the entrepreneurial realm with his company, Nick’s On-Site Detailing. His journey from a student at Holy Cross to a successful business owner not only deserves applause but also offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs within our community.

Nick’s recent recognition in the Worcester Business Journal’s esteemed 40 Under 40 awards ceremony is a testament to his dedication and innovation through Nick’s On-Site Detailing. This acknowledgment not only celebrates his achievements but also highlights his entrepreneurial spirit, which has set him apart in the business world.

During his time at Holy Cross, Nick actively engaged in the Ciocca Center Shark Tank Competition, an experience he considers pivotal in shaping his entrepreneurial path. Reflecting on this experience, Nick emphasizes the importance of effective pitching, noting how the competition provided him with a platform to refine his skills, receive valuable feedback, and gain confidence in presenting his ideas. “The shark tank competition was instrumental in my pitching skills development. It allowed me to learn from mistakes, receive feedback from alumni, and gain comfort in presenting,” Nick shared.

A key takeaway from Nick’s journey is his unwavering determination to seize opportunities and step out of his comfort zone. His decision to apply for the Worcester 40 Under 40 award underscores the significance of taking risks and putting oneself out there, ultimately leading to remarkable achievements. Nick also advises current Holy Cross students to embrace challenging coursework, believing it will equip them with the skills and resilience needed for future success.

Nick Lazzaro’s journey from Holy Cross student to a recipient of prestigious business awards is both inspiring and instructive. His story serves as a beacon of hope for budding entrepreneurs within the Holy Cross community, reminding us of the importance of perseverance, seizing opportunities, and embracing the journey towards our work.

Written by Nico Corporon ’26

January 22, 2024

Students Explore Business Over Winter Break

Kicking off the spring 2024 semester, 160+ students participated in four concurrent workshops the week before classes began. The week of January 18-22 was led by 25+ alumni presenters and mentors in the following areas:

Fullbridge Professional Edge: This simulated workweek provides exposure to the basics of business and an opportunity to collaborate in teams through active learning culminating in a final presentation where students present a growth idea for a Fortune 500 company. Special congratulations to Team Under Armour for the innovative growth idea securing them each the top prize of a $300 Apple gift card! Kathryn Sweet ’26, Charles Bacon ’27, Marisa Mamak ’27, and Mary Powers ’27 led by Coach Carmen!

Corporate Finance & Banking: 38 students toured at top Boston banks including Bank of America with Ted Lynch ‘84, SV Health Investors with Tom Flynn ‘87, and Natixis Asset Managers with Beatriz Pina Smith ‘87. The highlight of the workshop was the fourth annual networking event held at Fidelity, hosted by Tom Jessop ‘88.

Interview Prep: Personal branding and a core value proposition are key to successful interviewing. 86 students further developed their elevator pitch and practiced interview skills with the Center for Career Development followed by successful career tips from notable alumnae including Mimi Doherty ‘02 and Christina Imrich ‘08.

Marketing Communications & Sales: Alumni led 34 students through the practical exploration of advertising, marketing, sales, and public relations including, JR Butler ‘08, Catherine Cote ‘18, Tyler Dooley ‘17, Katie Macdonald ‘07, Kerri Mannion ‘19, Courtney Quinn ‘96, Cal St. Denis ‘08. Teams competed in the PepsiCo Challenge, each tasked with bringing SodaStream to the next level with short- and long-term strategic thinking. Thank you to our PepsiCo judges Rowan Burgess ’23, Maureen Connolly ’18, Alex Smith ‘14, and Chris Vandervoorn ’19.

Many of the students participated in more than one opportunity as they worked towards Business Certificate Program completion, including the month-long Excel Tutorial offered during the month of January.

Check out the @holycrossbusiness Instagram page for photos from the event and follow to stay up to date with future programming and highlights.

December 8, 2023

Entrepreneurship Course Students Pitch Business Ideas for Final Presentations

Thursday, December 7th marked the last day of classes and final presentations for students in the Entrepreneurship Class taught by Tom Patton ’86. Students presented business ideas to a panel of judges from SV Health Investors, including Andrew Capetta, A.J. Rossi, and Megan MacDonagh. SV Health Investors is a venture and private equity investor that backs entrepreneurs in the healthcare space.

Students pitched their ventures on a variety of innovative topics including:

PennyVentures, an app to support students who study abroad that combines budgeting, social media, and connections to local restaurants and services vetted by users.
Bass River Cruise, a luxury boat company providing unique water bound experiences on the Cape.
Splitz, an app that easily divides expenses for group online orders.
VapeEscape, nicotine patch therapies in fun shapes and colors to encourage young adults to quit vaping without the stigma.
UniBite, an app to aid college students in maintaining healthy and nutritious diets.

After deliberating, the panel announced the winning teams. Second Place went to Team UniBite comprised of Devyn Gianino ‘25, JP McCarthy ‘24, Ashley Bunici ‘26, and Nico Corporan ‘26. First Place went to team VapeEscape comprised of Eileen Evans ‘25, Mikey Rufino ‘24, and Mary Pat Sayre ‘24.

To close the event, Cassie Gevry, Associate Director of Business Certificate Programs for the Ciocca Center at Holy Cross, shared the dates for upcoming spring events such as CrossTank, the annual Holy Cross spring pitch competition, to be held on March 25, 2024. She also announced that the city of Worcester will hold the inaugural WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown on April 2, 2024 where winning teams from their respective college competitions will compete for capital from real sharks. This year, competing colleges include Holy Cross, WPI, Clark University and Nichols College. Students from the Entrepreneurship course were encouraged to compete.

December 5, 2023

No More Confusion: Your Ultimate Guide to Marketing Communication Lingo

Considering that every industry has its own language, concepts and acronyms, try to familiarize yourself with this list if you are interested in the Marketing Communications industry. The list of need-to-know terms will continue to grow as time, techniques and technologies advance so feel comfortable asking about a term or acronym if you are unfamiliar with it because chances are that others are also in the dark when they hear “UX”, “KPI” or “CTA”.

Analytics

In marketing, analytics refers to the process of analyzing data to determine the return on investment of a particular marketing activity. Marketers may also use the term analytics to talk about the dashboard or system they use to review and track this data.

B2B

This acronym is shorthand for business-to-business marketing. B2B companies are those that market their products or services to other businesses.

B2C

This acronym stands for business-to-consumer marketing. B2C companies sell their products or services directly to the end consumer.

Brand

A brand is the way a company is perceived and experienced by potential customers. Pieces of a brand include its logo and other design elements, the voice it uses when interacting with customers and the target customers it’s known for serving.

Brand awareness

The extent to which potential customers are familiar with your company and the distinct images or qualities that are associated with what you are selling.

Buyer persona

Buyer personas are the imaginary people marketers target when they design ads or create content like website copy. Although buyer personas aren’t real people, they are created based on data from actual consumers. These personas are then used to inform the audience, tactics and tone of the messages delivered.

Call to action (CTA)

A call to action is a prompt that encourages website visitors to take a certain action, such as subscribing to an email newsletter or submitting a contact form. CTAs are used to guide potential customers through the next step in a sales funnel. Campaign

A campaign is a cohesive set of marketing activities designed to achieve a specific goal, like increasing sales for a certain product or spreading awareness of a new product feature.

Case study

Case studies are a type of content that typically showcases a company’s work with a past customer, often with a heavy focus on statistics or other quantifiable data that help highlight how the company achieved the desired results.

Cold calling/emailing

A tactic used by salespeople to contact potential customers via phone or email with whom the company has had no previous contact.

Content

Content is any piece of information that’s created to be viewed by an audience. This could include blog posts, email newsletters, social media posts, videos or even print brochures.

Customer journey

Continue reading “No More Confusion: Your Ultimate Guide to Marketing Communication Lingo”

November 13, 2023

2023 Innovation Challenge – Recap

The Ciocca Center, in partnership with HC Launch, hosted the annual Innovation Challenge yesterday afternoon. Yesterday’s competition revolved around business solutions for SidelineSwap, the premier marketplace dedicated to connecting athletes and sports enthusiasts in the dynamic world of sports gear selling. Founded by Brendan Candon ’10 in 2015, SidelineSwap has a remarkable track record of facilitating transactions exceeding $250 million and has earned its place among the fastest-growing global marketplaces, as recognized by the esteemed Andreessen Horowitz A16z Top 100 list. Backed by influential investors, including strategic partners such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and eBay, SidelineSwap is not only a platform for buying and selling sports equipment but a community-driven hub that empowers athletes to access quality gear affordably. The recent addition of the Trade-in Platform further exemplifies SidelineSwap’s commitment to innovation, enabling retail partners to create circular shopping experiences and fostering a sustainable and accessible marketplace for sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Students were tasked with pitching one of three solutions proposed by the CEO himself:

Identifying Potential Sales Opportunity:

Identify a sport with over $10 million annual secondhand gear sales potential, requiring research on market size and characteristics for a successful second-hand marketplace.

Creating a User Experience Using AI:

Design an AI-driven user experience to address user problems and drive positive outcomes for SidelineSwap.

Designing a Solution For Cleaning Bats and Clubs in Bulk:

Propose solutions for efficiently cleaning baseball bats, softball bats, and golf clubs in bulk before listing on SidelineSwap.

Integrating AI into the UI: Securing 1st place, API-tizer tackled the challenge by suggesting an innovative incorporation of AI into SidelineSwap’s user interface. Rather than taking the conventional route of directly enhancing the user experience, API-tizer put forth a groundbreaking proposal to integrate AI seamlessly into SidelineSwap’s UI. This integration, facilitated through an API, was specifically aimed at photo verification and data-related processes for enhanced verification. The team not only addressed the prompt but also demonstrated forward-thinking by devising cost-effective strategies for the smooth integration of this advanced tool. Their pitch underscored a profound understanding of how strategically deploying AI could fortify user trust and elevate the overall credibility of the platform.

Savvy Sam: Claiming the 2nd place position, Team Sam directed their focus toward creating a more personalized and efficient user experience. Their innovative solution involved introducing a virtual chat assistant, named Sam, to SidelineSwap’s website. This AI-powered assistant was conceptualized to facilitate personalized user interactions, streamlining the process for users to find customized sports gear more efficiently. Team Sam’s approach emphasized the importance of user-centric design and showcased a commitment to enhancing the overall journey for SidelineSwap users, aligning with the prompt’s objective of using AI to drive positive outcomes for the business.

Squeaky Clean Solutions: The Clean Team, securing 3rd place, devised a meticulous solution aimed at optimizing the cleaning process for SidelineSwap. Acknowledging the operational challenge of managing thousands of sports products, especially baseball bats, softball bats, and golf clubs, the team presented an innovative proposal. Their approach involved implementing ultrasonic cleaners for golf clubs, demonstrating a practical and cost-effective strategy to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in the cleaning process. The Clean Team’s pitch showcased a thorough understanding of the operational intricacies within SidelineSwap’s warehouses, highlighting the significance of maintaining product quality through streamlined cleaning procedures.

Thank you to our judges, Tom Brennan ’86, Terry Waters ’81, and Brendan Candon ’10 for their invaluable time, expertise, and thoughtful evaluation during the SidelineSwap Innovation Challenge.

Winners:

API-tizers (Meggan Fourie ’25, Maura Switzer ’25, Ivor Teagle ’25)

1st Place – $1,000: API-tizers (Meggan Fourie ’25, Ivor Teagle ’25, Maura Switzer ’25)

2nd Place – $500: Team Sam (Nico Corporon ’26, Sean Doyle ’26)

3rd Place – $250: Clean Team (Briana Sullivan ’24, Nico Popeleski ’26, Maya Kryzwda ’24)

Written by Liz Garfield ‘24

November 8, 2023

2023 Women in Business Conference Recap

The 18th annual Women in Business Conference at Holy Cross held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 was an empowering and inspirational event for alumnae and students alike. It focused on various aspects of women’s careers and personal growth within the business world. Here are a few key takeaways from the conference:

Empowerment and Inspiration: The conference serves as a beacon of empowerment and inspiration for women pursuing success in the business industry. It aims to encourage women to strive for their goals and advance their careers while networking with other alum.

Diversity: Marybeth Kearns-Barrett ‘84 P22 27, the Director of the College Chaplains, emphasized the importance of diversity in her message. This underscores the significance of inclusivity in the business world.

Holy Cross Impact: Christine Anderson ’99, who is the Global Head of Corporate Affairs at Blackstone, served as the keynote speaker. She discussed the value of her liberal arts education in her career journey and highlighted that success in business is not limited to specific majors. Anderson pointed out that the finance industry, though still male-dominated, is a great place for women to work. She encouraged women to actively participate in discussions and engage in the field. She mentioned that Holy Cross’s mission statement still resonates with her, suggesting that the college’s values of “being women for and with others” continue to guide her in her career.

Networking and Support: Anderson called for students and alumni to support each other and work to strengthen their network at Holy Cross. This highlights the importance of networking and building a supportive community which Holy Cross fosters.

Continuous Improvement: The call for students to always strive to be better indicates the importance of personal and professional growth and development.

Overall, the conference provided a platform for women to learn from successful women in business, gain insights into career development, and foster a sense of community and support among students and alumni. It emphasizes the value of education, diversity, and the importance of women’s active participation in traditionally male-dominated fields like finance.

Special thanks to the conference student organizing committee led by Liz Garfield ’24, Bridget Hayden ’24, Sydney Ives’ 24 and Alexandria “Sasha” Paradise ’24. Your year-round leadership and enthusiasm in bringing together alumnae and students has been notable. Thank you!

Written by Liz Garfield ‘24 & Ariana Clark ‘25.