| Why did you join an Honors organization? | |
| Coming from a very small school that I was actively involved in I wanted to make sure that I could find my niche to get involved with as well. I quickly realized that the Honors community was like none other and I jumped into all the different student groups like Peer Allies Through Honors, Honors Council and Honors in Business Association! | |
| What else are you involved in on campus? | |
| I am a Peer Advisor for the School of Business Office of Undergraduate Advising. In this role I help answer any questions that might arise during a student’s academic planning. We help to ensure people achieve minors, graduate on time, get involved on campus, and are able to go abroad if they wish. It is a very rewarding role and one that I have had since sophomore year. I also was a coordinator for Peer Allies Through Honors since my second semester freshman year. In this role I helped to run the organization’s pairing program that welcomes freshmen to the University as well as host events to encourage the relationship. | |
| What do you enjoy most about UConn? | |
| My favorite part about UConn is the chocolate lover’s ice cream in the dining halls. But if I had to pick a second favorite part it is the people I have gotten to meet. Throughout these past four years I have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the United States and even internationally. I have learned so much through everyone else’s experiences and points of view. I have definitely learned just as much in the classroom as I have from the people around campus and I am extremely grateful for them all! | |
| What are your career aspirations? | |
| Right now I would say my career aspirations are just to work with people and help them grow and develop. I thoroughly enjoy seeing people succeed and any type of role I wind up in will revolve around that. After I graduate in May, I will be beginning a new role as District Manager Trainee for Aldi. I am super excited to learn the in’s and out’s of the operation and then after one year of training I will lead three to five stores in the New England region. Hopefully I will be able to see my stores succeed and develop the employees as we work as a team to help Aldi thrive. Potentially after five years in this role I would be able to take this position to another country and lead stores there. | |
| Previous internship(s) and brief summary | |
| Freshmen and sophomore year I worked as a camp counselor and ice cream scooper so don’t stress if you don’t have a formal internship everyone! You will still learn valuable skills that you can bring with you in life. Junior year I interned for Abbott Nutrition in Columbus, Ohio as an internal sales intern. I worked on the sales operation team helping improve the efficiency of their field sales force. It was an amazing experience and was recently ranked the #1 Healthcare Internship Program by Vault.com for all the value that it provides to its interns. | |
| Fun Fact About Yourself | |
| I can name all 197 countries! (But give me like 5 minutes to refresh beforehand) | |
Author: Joaquin Sanchez
Student Spotlight: Adam Vancisin (’19)
Adam Vancisin
Major: Accounting, Economics
Minor: Mathematics
Hometown: Rocky Hill, CT
Why did you join the Honors in Business Association?
During my freshman year when I was meeting all my fellow residents in the honors residence halls I noticed a majority of the members of the honors program were STEM majors. Business majors were few and far between. I knew that I would be taking many classes with other honors business students in the future so I wanted to meet and network with other honors business students. Furthermore I realized one of the major aspects of an undergraduate business education is the opportunity to network with other motivated, professionally focused individuals. By joining HiBA I have had the chance to meet several fellow honors business students, learn about companies I might want to work for after I graduate, and develop professionally.
What else are you involved in on campus?
I am heavily involved with my professional fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi. Delta Sigma Pi is a co-ed professional fraternity founded to foster the study of business in universities. I pledged the Theta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi here at UConn during my freshman fall semester. In my sophomore year I was elected by my peers in DSP to be the Vice President of Chapter Operations. The semester following that I was elected to be the Vice President of Finance. During the week you can find me studying with brothers, attending chapter and participating in professional events. During the weekend I often socialize with other members of the organization, attend football games, and engage in community service events that the fraternity puts on. Outside of DSP I play on a intramural soccer team with some friends.
What do you enjoy most about UConn?
The best part about UConn to me is my network. I spend most of my time either with other Delta Sigma Pi brothers or my close group of friends that I made my freshman year in Shippee. I do everything with these people, whether it is going to UConn football tailgates or late night study sessions in the library. When I was looking at various colleges my senior year of high school I realized that I probably would be happy at any college I attend, so long as I surrounded myself with fantastic and driven people. My network has made a huge university feel very small. Also I cannot deny that being close to home and paying in-state tuition is pretty nice.
What are your career aspirations?
In the summer after I graduate I plan to take my CPA exam. I am currently planning to work either in public accounting or corporate finance/strategy at F500 company. After a couple years gaining experience in that I plan to return to school for either a Masters in Economics or a MBA. Then I plan on working in economic consulting where I can use skills in data analysis and research to provide expert advice to companies facing their toughest challenges. After a long and fruitful career I’d like to retire to a small town in New England and open up a small tax practice where I work for three months out of the year filing tax returns.
Previous Internship
The summer after my freshman year I was an independent contractor for the PGA Tour. I was a member of the production team that films, edits, and broadcasts the live golf footage of tournaments on the PGA Tour. This internship was a fantastic time since I was outside most of the day and got to watch golf. It was an unique experience in my mind since I never expected to work for the media. I ended up enjoying my time but I do not think I would go back to something similar again.
The summer after my sophomore year I interned in the Commercial Insurance division of Liberty Mutual. I worked on a team in group disability insurance operations. I reviewed contracts, processed customer and employee data, and communicated claim information with customers and claimants. My experience was eyeopening and I learned a tremendous amount about the nature of labor in this country.
Finally I have already committed to work as a Financial Services Assurance Intern at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Boston for this upcoming summer.
Fun Fact About Yourself
I enjoy bicycling in my free time and I try to ride my bike as much as possible.
Student Spotlight: Sara Ponce (’18)
Sara Ponce Tovar
Major: Finance
Minor: Economics
Hometown: Oxford, CT
Why did you join the Honors in Business Association?
I joined Honors in Business Association because I wanted to learn about the business world and meet students with similar interests and goals. Everyone in HiBA shows commitment and drive to succeed. I feel motivated being surrounded by like-minded Honors students. HiBA offers students the opportunity to make professional connections and participate in various networking events and information session. I personally enjoy learning about business through UConn alumni speakers, their stories and advice are motivating.
What else are you involved in on campus?
Outside of the honors program, I am also involved in the Mexican Student Association and UConn Endurance Club, I am running a half-marathon on April 15th! I transferred from the UConn Waterbury campus this semester. At the UConn Waterbury campus, I was President of International Club (formally known as Latin American Student Organization). We volunteered in soup kitchens and raised money for non-profit local organizations.
What do you enjoy most about UConn?
I enjoy and take full advantage of all the opportunities the University of Connecticut has to offer. There are various organizations for students to get involved and grow as young professionals. One of the best opportunities I was presented with was studying abroad in Lund University, Sweden. The UConn School of Business also offers emerging young business leaders the resources to network and enhance your resume and skills.
What are your career aspirations?
I plan on attending law school and specialize in business law. The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business course at UConn confirmed my interests. I also aspire to become an international human rights attorney. I found a great deal of interest in this topic after a International Law course I took at Lund University. With the growing interconnectedness of foreign states, international disputes will continue to arise and I want to help make decisions for the greater good.
Previous Internship
I was a legal assistant at The Law Offices of James Welcome, a small firm in Waterbury, Connecticut for two years. I started as a marketing intern. Because of my interest in law, I was offered training as a legal assistant. Eventually I worked part-time and full-time as a legal assistant, primarily assisting with immigration and criminal law. This past summer I had to the opportunity to attend the American Immigration Lawyers Association Conference for paralegals in New Orleans which gave me more insight into preparing immigration forms. I am very fortunate for this experience because I developed a greater understanding of the legal system and it confirmed my decision to attend law school.
Fun Fact About Yourself
I am trying to visit 21 countries before I turn 21 (4 more to go before September!)
Student Spotlight: Radhika Kanaskar (’19)
Radhika Kanaskar
Major: Management Information Systems
Minor: Digital Arts
Hometown: Cheshire, CT
Why did you join an Honors organization?
I joined Honors in Business for the opportunity to meet other students in the Honors Program and learn more about the field of business overall. Through HiBA, I’ve had many unique opportunities such as gong to the New York Stock Exchange to learn more about the financial industry and attending an etiquette dinner to learn valuable insights into professional networking and dining etiquette. I believe that HiBA has played a large role in the development of my professional skills significantly and has helped me meet other students who are just as passionate about business.
What else are you involved in on campus?
On campus, I work as a student illustrator for the Office of Global Affairs. Some other clubs and organizations I’m also involved include the honor society Alpha Lambda Delta and UConn Model United Nations In my free time, I enjoy taking photos, hiking, and playing tennis.
What do you enjoy most about UConn?
I enjoy the positive energy and tightly knit community of student at UConn. There is always something going on and I try my best to find ways to get involved and meet new people. I think that UConn does a great job of providing students with a wide variety of opportunities to help them grow everyday.
What are your career aspirations?
My dream job would be to work in the digital analytics department of a fun and innovative company like Facebook or Google. I really would love to combine my love for the digital arts with my passion for analyzing data to improve profits and performance of a company. Workplace culture is also very important to me, so working in a creative environment is something that I would look for in a company.
Previous internship(s) and brief summary
Last summer I worked as a Client Database and Knowledge Management Intern at Organizational Performance Group, an organizational development consulting firm in Woodbridge, CT. I worked with the marketing coordinator to research and implement a CRM software and assisted with research projects pertaining to clients. This summer I’ve accepted a job at People’s Bank Headquarters working as an intern for the Digital Channels department. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to learn more about the digital side of a larger company!
Fun Fact About Yourself
I have been to 7 countries.
Student Spotlight: Hannah Bonitz (’19)
Hannah Bonitz
Major: Management Information Systems
Minor: Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Hometown: Cheshire, CT
Why did you join an Honors organization?
I joined an honors organization because I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who were not only committed to their studies, but also to enjoying their four years here at UConn. I believe that immersing myself in the honors community has provided me with countless opportunities to learn about future career paths, to hear from intriguing and accomplished individuals, and to further my desire to succeed.
What else are you involved in on campus?
Here at UConn, I work as an administrative assistant for the Management department of the School of Business. I also am a colonizing chapter member of the Alpha Omicron Pi, and I serve on the Academic committee in order to promote a chapter-wide commitment to working hard in classes. I additionally am a member of the Women’s Club Ultimate Frisbee team and the honor society Alpha Lambda Delta. In my free time, I love to play intramural soccer!
What do you enjoy most about UConn?
I love the energy the UConn campus provides. No matter the day, there is always something interesting happening, and I appreciate being on a campus that is constantly active and bustling. I am also an avid sports fan, and I enjoy the student community that consistently supports our UConn teams.
What are your career aspirations?
As a Management Information Systems major, I am interested in both information technology and project management. I would like to work for a large company that has a commitment to innovation, potentially in the insurance industry. I hope to develop my technical skills on the job and taking a more management-based role over time.
Previous Internship Experience
In the summer of 2016, I worked for Travelers property & casualty in Hartford, CT as an Information Technology Leadership Development Program Intern. In this role, I worked under a project manager in order to learn about the project management methodology Agile. I specifically focused on communicating information about Agile for use in implementing the process within Travelers. The internship was very rewarding, and I enjoyed the chance to network with other interns and learn more about the industry through various presentations and activities.
Fun Fact About Yourself
I still have a baby tooth!