Tag: business career community

Name: Ines de la Fuente

Class Year: 2025

Title: Deals Associate

Organization: PwC

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I help companies maximize value from business deals by analyzing the companies being bought or sold, preparing for deal close, and supporting how businesses are integrated or separated post transaction.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you? 

A mix of planned and unplanned experiences led me to PwC. Being involved in business clubs at Holy Cross, including Women in Business and the Finance Club, exposed me to consulting and encouraged me to network with alumni to learn more. I became particularly interested in consulting because of its people-oriented nature and the variety of work across different projects and industries. PwC’s sophomore summer internship program, Start, gave me the opportunity to explore that interest early on. Through that experience, I gained exposure to its collaborative environment and range of work, which showed me how quickly you’re exposed to different business challenges and how no two projects are the same, constantly providing new opportunities to learn.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

Office of Admissions Tour Guide, Student Program for Urban Development (SPUD), Finance Club, Women in Business, Spring Break Immersion Program (SBIP)

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I majored in Economics, which helped me understand decision-making around how resources are allocated to meet different needs and how those decisions impact interactions between businesses, governments, and individuals. I learned that behind every decision or plan, there are trade-offs, competing priorities, and real impacts on people. I wanted to be closer to that process and support decision-making in practice, and I saw that reflected in the advisory work in consulting.

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

One key skill I developed at Holy Cross was a strong appreciation for teamwork and community. The environment really emphasized building relationships and working closely with others, which translates directly to consulting since it’s such a people-driven business. Another skill I developed was adaptability which has helped me quickly adjust to teams, business needs, and industries.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

My advice would be to focus on developing your soft skills, especially how you listen to and learn from others and how you build genuine relationships. Be kind, be curious, be engaged, and be someone people can rely on. The technical skills will come with time and are important, but your ability to connect and contribute to a team or a client is what really sets you apart.

 

7. What are your thoughts on how AI has impacted or will impact your industry? What advice do you have for students as they prepare to enter a professional world where AI is prevalent?

AI has had significant impact on consulting by making it easier to analyze large amounts of data, generate insights more quickly, and automate routine or repetitive tasks.

Name: Makayla Doherty

Class Year: 2025

Title: Senior Benefits Coordinator

Organization Name: NFP an Aon Company

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

Consulting internationally headquartered companies with U.S. offices on employee benefits, working with carriers to secure plans that meet client needs.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you? 

I knew I wanted a people-facing role such as HR but wasn’t sure exactly what path to take. A family friend and Holy Cross alum introduced me to the benefits field and connected me with others in the industry. Through those conversations, I realized it was the path I wanted to pursue and he suggested I apply to NFP. Since starting at Holy Cross, I’ve always wanted to do work that helps people and makes a positive impact on their lives. Benefits play a critical role in supporting employees and their families, and being able to contribute—even in a small way—to providing those resources is incredibly rewarding.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

Women’s Club Ice Hockey, Business Certificate Program, Campus Rec Employee, and in SPUD

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a psychology major and have always been interested in understanding how people think and act. Up until my senior year, I thought I wanted to go to grad school to become a psychologist, but I was also drawn to the corporate world. Consulting felt like a great fit because I enjoy helping people and my classes at Holy Cross gave me valuable insight into why people behave the way they do. In my role, I work closely with my account team on various projects while building strong relationships with carriers and clients.

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Holy Cross’s tight-knit community taught me the importance of collaboration and how to work effectively with others. Whether in classes or extracurriculars, I was constantly working with people and learning how they operate. Collaboration is central to my job—whether with coworkers, clients, or carriers—and understanding how each works helps me support them effectively.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

My biggest advice is to take advantage of every opportunity, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. You never know what you’ll learn or who you’ll meet.

 

7. What are your thoughts on how AI has impacted or will impact your industry? What advice do you have for students as they prepare to enter a professional world where AI is prevalent?

The people I’ve spoken with about AI feel job security remains strong—everyone needs insurance, and many aspects still benefit from human explanation. Right now, we’re exploring ways AI can make our work easier, like drafting emails or cleaning up meeting notes. For someone entering the workforce, it’s a great time to learn about AI, understand how it applies to your industry, and seek trainings that help you stand out, even though the field is still evolving.

Name: Shane Bridges

Class Year: 2025

Title:  Consulting Analyst

Organization Name: Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR)

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

KAGR provides data-driven recommendations to inform pricing and marketing strategies for sports and entertainment companies. Some of my responsibilities include data analysis, industry research, and notetaking / presenting work in meetings with clients.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you? 

I am lucky to have had opportunities to work with Campus Rec for three years as well as the Worcester Red Sox through the Academic Internship Program (AIP) as a Business Analytics intern. Both of these experiences, with their fun and energetic work environments, fostered my interest in the sports industry. I didn’t know what type of work I wanted to do after college, but really enjoyed the multidisciplinary course work at Holy Cross. Consulting seemed like the perfect balance for me of quantitative and qualitative work, and I’m still benefitting from doing a little bit of both!

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

Dance Ensemble, Club Swim, and the Office of Campus Recreation.

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

Mathematics, with minors in Statistics and Education; I’ve always been passionate both about math and helping others understand the subject, but wasn’t dead set on one over the other. I’d spent years analyzing “clear cut” quantitative data, but it wasn’t until my senior year at Holy Cross that I was introduced to qualitative research through my Education minor capstone. That class opened my eyes to a completely different approach to data analysis that I hadn’t fully understood previously. In my work now I have already analyzed both quantitative survey data and expert interviews, so having a well-rounded skill set to pivot between research types has been helpful.

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Active listening and oral presentation skills.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Two things:

Take as many different types of classes as you can; I especially recommend dance and acting classes where you can put yourself out there and add more movement into your school week! You may discover a new interest (or several!) and can learn a lot about yourself and what you’re capable of.

Don’t stress too much about the job search process (if that’s even possible). There were many times where I felt behind as more of my peers secured post-grad plans, but now I’m almost six months into a job I look forward to going to every day! You will find something that’s right for you in due time.

 

 

Name: Gabriella Uccellini

Class Year: 2019

Title: Senior Managing Director, Finance

Organization Name: United Group

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

United Group is a private, vertically integrated real estate company that specializes in Class A Multifamily and Active Adult. On a day to day basis, I work in collaboration with my colleagues on construction loan closings, bridge/ perm debt refinances, equity placements, and acquisitions/dispositions.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you? 

Holy Cross has a strong alumni network and wonderful employment office that prepared me for my first career opportunity. Through a personal connection, I began my career at M&T Bank in Boston with their CRE Team through their Relationship Management Development Program. In my 5 – years’ experience at M&T as a Portfolio Manager and Credit Underwriter, I learned from amazing managers, mentors, and colleagues and developed a passion for the CRE industry.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

Women’s Division 1 Lacrosse Team; Study Abroad Maymester Program, Rome, Italy

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

Majored in Mathematics and Economics. I knew I wanted a career in Finance and have always loved Math, so I wanted to double major in both to better prepare me for my next chapter.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Integrity, Accountability, and Teamwork

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Holy Cross provided me with a wonderful educational and athletic experience. My greatest joy from Holy Cross was all of the wonderful friendships and memories I have today from my 4 years at HC. I recommend fully engaging in as much activity and opportunities as you can, with your friends, teammates, professors, and other colleagues.

 

7. What are your thoughts on how AI has impacted or will impact your industry? What advice do you have for students as they prepare to enter a professional world where AI is prevalent?

I think it candidly depends on what industry you end up. AI can be a great tool to use but at the end of the day you are still responsible for the final product and your best work. In the Finance and CRE development sector it isn’t as heavily used due to certain financial and legal restrictions and confidentiality reasons.

Name: Jacqueline Snyder

Class Year: 2025

Title: Analyst

Organization Name: Lloyds Bank

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

My job gives me the opportunity to experience 4 different areas of corporate banking, where Excel and PowerPoint are very prevalent as I analyze financial data and market trends and support senior bankers across various business lines during my rotational program.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you? 

To be honest, I didn’t have a ton of prior knowledge about the recruiting process for finance my sophomore year, so when I started seeing me peers had accepted IB internships in the Winter of 2023 for the Summer of 2024, I went into panic mode. I thought IB was what I wanted to do because naively, that was all I really knew about finance at the time. When I realized I was behind on that recruiting timeline, I noticed the Lloyds application was still open and decided to apply. That turned out to be the best blessing in disguise. While 19 year old me thought that IB was my calling, 22 year old me knows that I would not have enjoyed it in the long run. Instead, Lloyds gave me a chance to step into a rotational analyst program where I could explore different areas of finance that I hadn’t been exposed to before, and I’m so grateful that I was offered the full-time rotational analyst position at Lloyds following the internship. What initially felt like a missed opportunity actually became the exact redirection I needed. I realized Lloyds was the right fit for me because of the culture of the bank and how the role enables me to combine the things I love – the analytical side of numbers and the people side of engaging in conversations and building relationships.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was on the women’s soccer team, a member of Alpha Sigma Nu and the Economics Honors Program, I worked for the Economics Department as a grader, and I volunteered for Big Brother Big Sister and Working for Worcester,.

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I chose Economics as my major because I came into Holy Cross knowing I wanted to eventually work in finance. While my classes didn’t dictate the exact career path I would take, they gave me a strong foundation in how markets and economies operate on a global scale. That perspective has been really valuable during the short time I’ve already grown in my career.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

One of the biggest skills I took from Holy Cross was how I analyze and question things. My economics classes sharpened the way I analyze problems and look for patterns, but it wasn’t just econ, it was the variety of courses outside my major that pushed me to see things from alternative perspectives. That mix in the curriculum taught me not to get stuck in one way of thinking, and that’s something I use every day in my work. Additionally, and I think most importantly, I appreciate Holy Cross’s focus on developing the whole person. It wasn’t just about academics, it was about how you engage with people, how you listen, and how you form meaningful relationships. Those experiences have shaped the way I work with others and approach conversations, which has been just as important as any technical skill I’ve learned.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

I would network with alumni as much as possible. That’s how I learned more about finance and about the internship role I was applying to at Lloyds. In my opinion, our alumni network is one of the best aspects of Holy Cross and I have found it to be an amazing asset. Personally, I found Holy Cross alumni in fields that I was interested in through LinkedIn and reached out to them to set up a call. In hindsight, those conversations taught me more about finance and the process of getting a job than any of the research I tried to do on my own.

 

7. What are your thoughts on how AI has impacted or will impact your industry? What advice do you have for students as they prepare to enter a professional world where AI is prevalent?

Everyone is implementing AI into their daily work, regardless of the industry, so learning how to use it to your advantage has become a staple in the workplace. I would recommend familiarizing yourself with it sooner rather than later. Learn how to build models through it that can help you to expedite the speed at which you get work done. I haven’t seen AI replace many jobs in my 2 months in the workforce so far, but it is definitely being used to automate some day-to-day tasks.

Name: Baker Earl

Class Year: 2019

Title: Internal Client Advisor

Organization Name: JP Morgan Asset Management

1.In one sentence, what does your job entail?
Working in Tandem with my external partner in the consulting and sales of my firm’s products (Mutual Funds, ETFs, Alternative investments etc.) as well as providing market and portfolio insights from our team at JP Morgan, to our clients.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  
When I graduated, my first job out of college was in a completely different industry (tech recruitment). I knew I wanted to be in finance and after 2020, I decided to make the career switch to what I’ve always wanted to do. And worked to get my finance certifications, and started my first job in the financial services industry as a Client Service Analyst at another Asset Management firm before coming over to JP Morgan.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?
Women’s Lacrosse team, SAAC, and the Fullbridge business program.

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
Political Science- I liked the relevance of the current events aspect of Political Science and think it’s incredibly applicable to what I do now, keeping up with what’s going on in the markets daily, and how it affects us, and our clients.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
Preparation, teamwork and collaboration, and communication.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?
It’s never too late to make a switch, if you want to change your career path go for it! If you put in the work it will pay off.  And use your Holy Cross network. Every HC alum I’ve met in my professional life has always been so excited and willing to help, and have a networking conversation. The Holy Cross community is something that is incredibly unique and special, use it to your advantage!

Name: JP Cunningham

Class Year: 2023

Title: Commercial Credit Analyst

Organization Name: Bank of America

 

1. In one sentence,  what does your job entail? 

I analyze industry, collateral, and financial trends of clients while partnering with Underwriters, Credit Officers, and Client Managers to evaluate credit risks and formulate loan structure. 

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

Holy Cross has several events to connect students to the financial services industry such as the Corporate Finance & Banking Workshop, the Fullbridge Workshop, and the Global Supply Chain Workshop. I participated in all of these, among others, and think they are awesome resources to allow students to dip their toes into different areas and network with professionals in those areas. Separate from planned events, the Center for Career Development and Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society are two readily accessible places for students to drop-in for information and general support with any and all steps of career exploration. All of the above were huge helps during my four years as they aided me in choosing which areas I wanted to explore and pursue or rule out as a future entry-level position. 

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

On campus, I worked as an intern in the Ciocca Center during the fall of ’22 and worked as a PCA in the Center for Career Development during my senior year. I also enjoyed playing intramural sports like soccer and basketball with my friends. In the greater Worcester community, I was involved with Working for Worcester and acted as a Site Manager for two years. 

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I majored in International Studies with a thematic focus in International Political Economy & a regional focus on Europe. I really enjoyed how the major requirements allowed me to take courses across departments like Economics, Political Science, Spanish, History, and more. The beauty of the liberal arts education coupled with this major is that it forces you to apply yourself across disciplines and think critically about a wide range of subject matter, two things that have helped me early on in my career. 

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Communication, concise writing, and being able to clearly and effectively present both written and verbal ideas/arguments are a few skills I was able to develop at Holy Cross which I use everyday at work.  

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Make the most of your time on the Hill and in the city of Worcester because both are special places.

Name: Alif Kanji

Class Year: 2018

Title: Investment Banking M&A – Senior Analyst

Organization Name: Canaccord Genuity

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail? 

The chief role an investment banking analyst plays is to support deal execution and client advisory by conducting financial analysis, preparing key presentations, and managing due diligence to help a company achieve their strategic goal of being acquired, acquiring another company, or raising capital through the public or private markets. 

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

 I had not initially planned to pursue a career in financial services; the decision came during the latter half of my time at Holy Cross. Being late to the process and unfamiliar with the structured interview cycles, I began my career at State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) in the SPDR division, where I focused on the financial sales of ETFs. After about a year, I realized I wanted a more analytical and fast-paced role, which led me to explore opportunities in investment banking. The Holy Cross alumni network was instrumental in helping me navigate this transition, particularly given the regimented recruiting process in investment banking, where lateral hires are rare. Despite having three years of work experience, I was still required to complete an internship at the first investment bank I joined before securing a full-time role. Though my path to banking was unconventional, I’m grateful for the journey and the decision to make the leap.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

During my time on campus, I was primarily involved with The Holy Cross Crusader and worked on a few personal projects that I initiated with classmates.  

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I majored in Environmental Science, though when I decided I wanted to work in financial services, I declared an Economics major. 

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

One of the most valuable skills I developed at Holy Cross is the ability to quickly and efficiently learn new concepts, a strength cultivated through the breadth and rigor of a liberal arts education.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

While preparing for investment banking interviews and networking with Holy Cross alumni in the field is essential, my key advice is to broaden your perspective beyond the well-known “bulge bracket” banks when applying for internships or jobs. While these firms may have strong brand appeal, there are many other exceptional opportunities at “elite boutiques” and “middle-market” firms. These firms often provide hands-on experience and greater exposure to the full spectrum of the M&A process, allowing you to develop a well-rounded skill set and gain valuable insights into the investing landscape.

Name: Paul L Gaudio

Class Year: 2017

Title: Client Advisor

Organization Name: Crestwood Advisors 

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I provide personalized, comprehensive financial advice to help individuals achieve their goals and live their lives to the fullest.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? 

During my Sophomore year at Holy Cross, I randomly stumbled upon a list of over 100 financial advisors in an issue of Boston Magazine. At the time, I didn’t know anything about financial planning, but I knew I should be looking for internship opportunities. I ripped those pages out of the magazine and emailed every advisor asking if I could work for free to gain experience. One of the advisors responded and mentioned that he had also gone to Holy Cross and would love to help me (Thank you, Tom!). This led to a paid internship the next summer, my first job out of college, and a passion for financial planning that grows stronger every day.

 

3. How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

After just a few client meetings, I realized that being an advisor is an extremely rewarding experience. When you are someone’s trusted advisor, you get to experience and share their full range of emotions. You feel the thrill of giving them the green light to retire, or go on their dream vacation, but you’re also there to guide them through the most difficult times in their lives, such as losing a loved one. At every step, you are the one providing reassurance that they are going to be ok. I knew it was a good fit for me because I was having a positive impact on people’s lives. 

 

4. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was a member of the Holy Cross Rugby team and a site manager for Working for Worcester. I also spent a semester during my senior year as an intern for the Holy Cross Investment office. 

 

5. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a Math Major, which kept me busy! In this industry, it certainly helps to be good with numbers. Does that mean you need to be a Math, Econ, Accounting, etc. major to be a successful financial advisor? Not at all. Being skilled with numbers is valuable, but more importantly, you need to be curious, empathetic, and a good listener. This industry is shaped by constant change and innovation, which keeps the work exciting and the learning never ending.

 

6. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

At Holy Cross, I truly learned to enjoy being a man for others. When you find something that you are passionate about and translate your passion into an opportunity to help others, it is incredibly powerful. If you continuously capitalize on opportunities to help others in your profession, you create value that will naturally lead to success.

 

7. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

If you think you might be interested in something, then pursue it— it could lead to a passion! In college, it is ok to feel unsure of what you want to do, but you need to put in the work to allow opportunities to present themselves. The reason I am where I am today is because I took the initiative to email 100+ advisors asking for an opportunity to learn. Take advantage of the Holy Cross community to help you find your passion and think outside of the box!

Name: Olivia Shamleffer

Class Year: 2022.5 (December 2022)

Title: Associate, Emerging Leaders Program

Organization Name: Fidelity Investments 

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I’m part of an 18-month rotational program aimed at cross-unit experience building and leadership training, along with twenty other first-year associates who all have liberal arts degrees. 

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

Handshake! I also networked with current associates and alums of the program who went to Holy Cross, as well as more senior HC alums at Fidelity. I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do after college, so the rotational aspect of the program really stood out to me – I’ll have on-the-desk experience in four different departments by the end of it. Learning about the historically strong connection between Holy Cross and Fidelity also especially made me want to work there

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

 I was involved with Mock Trial all four years and was co-president for the last two. I also worked in the Religious Studies Department for three years! 

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

International Studies. I wanted to major in something that increased my critical thinking skills and taught me how to write well, not geared toward specific future career paths. I went into interviews feeling extremely confident in my soft skills, even if I didn’t have a business or numbers background. 

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

The ability to think creatively. You learn how to make unique connections quickly, which is a huge benefit in the workplace. Another skill is the emphasis on being curious and asking good questions – it’s the quickest way to seem like the most engaged person in the room in my opinion. 

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Don’t be intimated that you don’t come from a traditional business school background! Lean into the unique strengths gained from having a liberal arts education instead of focusing on trying to overcome perceived deficits in technical skills. And, of course, take advantage of the HC alumni network!