This week’s student spotlight is Abigail Raynor. You can support students like Abigail through our Ignite page! If you would like to be featured fill out a form here.

Abigail Raynor

Major: Global Health

Minor: Spanish and Molecular and Cellular Biology

Hometown: Branford, CT

Why did you join an Honors organization?

I joined HIPS (Honors Initiative for Prospective Students) to further engage in a program that has greatly enhanced my experience at UConn so far. Because Honors has had such a positive impact on my growth and development as an undergrad, I love having the opportunity to work with prospective students through HIPS and share my experiences with them. Nothing is more satisfying than working with a prospective individual in the Spring, then seeing him or her on campus the following fall semester. Through HIPS, I have had the opportunity to indulge my obsession with talking about Honors/life at UConn, while positively shaping and impacting the educational paths of others.

What else are you involved in on campus?

Outside of Honors, I am a trip director for an Alternative Spring Break through Community Outreach. For this trip, I will be traveling with a group of 54 individuals to Immokalee, Florida to complete service pertaining to the Migrant Worker population residing there. I am also thrilled to announce that next I will be serving as the Student Coordinator of Alternative Breaks for Community Outreach, meaning that I will be able to assist the planning and development of all 15 service trips offered through CO. This past winter through Global Brigades I directed an additional kind of service trip, which was a medical/public health brigade to Panama. In the past I have also traveled with GB to different parts of Panama and Honduras, so it was really exciting to be able to take on this leadership role. On this trip, a group of students and myself got to work towards implementing a healthc are system, and various public health building projects, in rural communities throughout Panama.

For fun, I like to be pretty involved in sports activities on campus to get a different kind of involvement. I am a member of the UConn Club Swim Team, and I am very proud to be one of the many individuals representing the group at the Club Swimming Nationals in Atlanta this April! I also love UConn Men’s Basketball and have been a season ticket holder since my freshman year; go Huskies!

What do you enjoy most about UConn?

The thing I enjoy most about UConn is the large student body. Coming in as a freshman, I was initially terrified of the enormous group of individuals I was about to incorporate myself in to. Looking back on my time here at UConn thus far, I would not have wanted to have it any other way. There are dozens of advantages to having a large student body, the foremost being the diversity in perspectives it yields. I feel so privileged to be pursuing higher level education at a university that has encouraged me to formulate my own opinions and ideals. This lack of homogeneity in perspective is conducive to the creation of an environment that values academic discussions and engagement beyond the classroom. I think that my peers have had an amazing impact on some of the most formative years of my life, and I know that lessons I have learned from them all with carry with me far beyond my ti me at UConn.

What are your career aspirations?

After my time as and undergrad at UConn, I hope to pursue a graduate degree in
Medicine and/or Public Health. I would love to be able to work in Latin American nations and aid in the development of healthcare systems in rural areas. I hope to utilize my skills towards addressing issues like disparities in access to health resources, and social inequalities that manifest their effects at the individual and community level.

Previous Internship Experience

During the Summer of 2015 I had the privilege of working at the Institute for Community Research at the CT Non-Profit Center. I assisted on a research project titled Good Oral Health that sought to understand and identify oral health issues within disadvantaged populations residing in Hartford, CT. My involvement in the research included interviewing participants about their perceptions of their health and factors that affect their teeth and gums. I was also able to assist dentists and hygienists in their physical examinations of the participants. The ultimate goal of this program is to improve the level of oral health care for these individuals, through various educational methods. I am very excited to be continuing my involvement there this summer, and I look forward to seeing what progress the project has been able to make thus far.

Fun Fact About Yourself

One of my goals is to travel to every continent (maybe besides Antarctica…) before I turn 30!

This week’s student spotlight is incoming Honors in Business Association President Jeffrey Noonan. You can support students like Jeffrey through our Ignite page!

Jeffrey Noonan

LinkedIn

Major: Finance

Hometown: Colchester, CT

Why did you join the Honors in Business Association?

I joined the Honors in Business Association to meet students with similar interests and capacities. As a hybrid of both honors and business students, I feel HiBA is the perfect club for me to meet high-achieving, business-minded people like myself. My peers in HiBA never cease to amaze me with their drive, yet they’re also so welcoming and friendly. It truly is a great club to be a part of.

What else are you involved in on campus?

I am heavily involved in the UConn Consulting Group. I love this organization as well because it gives me the opportunity to really put to practice all the skills I learn in class and hear about from HiBA speakers. Additionally, I’m on the executive board of the Undergraduate Business Leadership Council where we work to serve as a liaison among the business organizations and the School of Business. Finally, I’m an avid runner and therefore enjoy my membership on the UConn Running Club.

What do you enjoy most about UConn?

You really can’t beat out school pride. Everyone bleeds blue! Whether it be while rooting on our basketball teams or championing the rigor of our academics, we’re all extremely proud to be attending the University of Connecticut. Of course the academics, professors, and extra-curricular activities deserve considerable appreciation, but the thing that sets UConn apart for me is that Husky pride.

What are your career aspirations?

I’m very interested in a career that challenges me to think dynamically every day. I see Consulting and Investment Banking as two fields that will stretch my analytical and creative skills to the limit, which is exactly what I’m looking for. I also have a true passion for understanding and solving business problems, so working in either of those fields would afford me the opportunity to do just that. Additionally, I know these industries are jam-packed with top performers, and that excites me. I feel being around quality peers draws the best out of me, because they challenge me to think more critically and to push myself to the next level.

It’s also always been a goal of mine to attend business school after working for a few years. I just think the perspective I’ll gain after having some real industry experience will be invaluable, and it will make everything I’m learning more applicable. Business school will be another excellent opportunity to surround myself with like-minded peers who have all accomplished amazing feats. Above all, these types of people inspire me to be a better person everyday so I want as many opportunities as possible to learn from them.

Fun Fact About Yourself

I was born in San Antonio, Texas.

Marissa Mazurok

LinkedIn

Major: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Trumbull, CT

Why did you join Honors in Business Association?

I joined HiBA because I wanted to meet more students in the School of Business. After attending a few meetings, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the various speakers that came in to present. I held the position of an Event Coordinator in Spring of 2015. This semester I hold the position as Chief Administrative Officer! I am really enjoying getting to know all of the members, as well as the professionals that come in and speak to us.

What else are you involved in on campus besides HiBA?

I am a member of the sorority Gamma Phi Beta, a member of the Information Management Association (IMA) as well as the Undergraduate Business Association (UBA.) I just received a job as a Student Athlete Tutor!

What do you enjoy most about UConn?

The best thing about UConn, in my opinion, is definitely the amazing opportunities that this campus provides. Besides meeting some of my best friends, I have been able to make friends and join clubs that I have never even thought about before! The School of Business provides you with so many opportunities for internships and future job placement! It is the best school ever!

What are your career aspirations?

In the future I would love to do something along the lines of Technology Sales. I am very passionate about people, traveling and technology and the combination of all three is amazing. I am a very social person, so going in to different companies and selling them software sounds like a great job to me!

Previous internships

The summer that I graduated high school, I started working at Peoples United Bank Headquarters as a Quality Assurance Intern. I’ve worked there for the past three years (on Winter/Summer/Spring Break) and it has been an amazing opportunity! Recently, I was offered a position at Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford, CT for next summer in their Operations department!

Fun Fact About Yourself

I went Skydiving last summer!

Erik Eason, Honors Scholar

Major: Finance and Economics

Hometown: New Canaan, CT

Why did you come to UConn?

UConn has always been my collegiate vision. Both of my brothers are UConn alumni and loved the social and professional experience they received. So far I have felt the same. I am also a loving brother and son and couldn’t bear being thousands of miles away from my family. While I thrive being independent in college, I am assured knowing my family is only a 90 minute drive away from me. Academically, UConn offered an offer I could not refuse. An honors student in the School of Business is no easy feat for the UConn community and I am blessed to be able to live among these ranks.

Why did you join Honors in Business Association?

I joined HiBA to get a better understanding of the business world while surrounding myself with like-minded individuals. HiBA has helped me develop a focus on my future, showing me the first few steps I need to take to be successful as a student and professional.

What else are you involved in on campus besides HiBA?

Aside from my academics, I work for the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) in the School of Business. This job has been an amazing experience. I am also active in the Finance Society, participate in Ball Room Dancing, and play intramural football. These activities add structure to my life and allow me to meet new, unique people.

What do you hope to gain from UConn during your time here?

I hope to simultaneously achieve a three-pronged path; academic inspiration, professional experience, and lifelong friends. The classes I take will spur my intellectual curiosity and delve into the depths of high level thought. The clubs I participate in and internships I hope to acquire will provide me with real world professional experience, which will pay for itself in the future. Finally, I hope to make and maintain lifelong connections.

What are your career aspirations?

I aspire to be an investment banker at one of the top financial institutions. I believe my grades and work ethic will speak for itself when I finally reach the job process in my life.

 

Fun Fact About Yourself

I’ve been the caretaker of eight chickens at my suburban home. I raised the flock since they were baby chicks almost six years ago.

Kendra Andrada, Honors Scholar

LinkedIn

Major: Marketing

Minor: French

Hometown: Glastonbury, CT

Why did you join Honors in Business Association?

I wanted to meet other honors students in the business school and I was interested in all the events that HiBA holds.

What else are you involved in on campus besides HiBA?

I am a the wellness chair this semester for Alpha Kappa Psi (a professional business fraternity) and I work at the One Card Office.

What do you enjoy most about UConn?

I love how beautiful the campus is in the fall!

What are your career aspirations?

Right after graduation I want to do a rotational program so that I can gain experience in multiple areas of marketing before settling into one. I am interested in branding, product marketing, and market research and I hope to find which one I like best by trying all of them.

Previous internships

In the spring I worked as the social media intern at Paradiso Insurance where my primary responsibility was to manage their blog. This past summer I interned in the marketing department at Lincoln Financial group. I had various assignments from planning and executing a service day for 70 participants across 4 locations to assisting with their new online marketing center.

Fun Fact About Yourself

I was home-schooled until 4th grade.

Megan Gauer, Honors Scholar

LinkedIn

Major: Actuarial Sciences and Finance

Hometown: South Windsor, CT

Why did you join Honors in Business Association?

I joined the Honors in Business Association to meet other people in the business school and for the professional development opportunities. We put on a lot of great events that have given me many networking opportunities and helped me with my internship and job search.

What else are you involved in on campus besides HiBA?

I am a coordinator for the Husky Ambassador Program where I help to run the Husky-for-a-Day Program and Open Houses for prospective students. I also teach CCD classes at St. Thomas Aquinas and am a member of GIS, the Actuarial fraternity.

What do you enjoy most about UConn?

My favorite things about UConn are the school spirit and all the great friends I have made throughout my time here!

What are your career aspirations?

I recently accepted a full time analyst position with Deloitte Consulting’s Human Capital – Actuarial, Rewards & Analytics group!

Previous internships

This past summer I interned with Deloitte. My internship was a great experience. I got to work on real, client facing projects, and really learn what actuarial consulting is all about. Additionally, I have also interned with The Phoenix Companies and Travelers – both of which were also great experiences, helped me to advance my skills, and to learn what working in industry is like.

Fun Fact About Yourself

I love to travel!

Joaquin Sanchez, Honors Scholar

LinkedIn

Major: Finance

Minor: Economics

Hometown: Oxford, CT

Why did you join Honors in Business Association?

I decided to join Honors in Business Association (HiBA) to meet business minded individuals while also benefiting from professional development opportunities and corporate employer events. Fundamentally, HiBA is steered by a great executive board that provides worthwhile trips. Last year HiBA planned a trip to the Boston Federal Reserve and this year members will be able to attend business conferences at Harvard.

What else are you involved in on campus besides HiBA?

This year I joined the executive board of Finance Society as part of the marketing committee and became the Bloomberg Campus Ambassador. My role is to administer the Bloomberg Aptitude Test (BAT) for free to any student interested in testing their analytical skills. I’m also a dual mentor in the PATH and METAS programs and part of the Daily Campus advertising sales team.

What do you enjoy most about UConn?

I enjoy meeting people the most. Classes teach you the course content, but the people that make up “UConn” (friends, colleagues, and faculty) are an equally valuable resource. People at UConn are talented and extraordinary in every aspect and I feel I can always gain something from listening in.

What are your career aspirations?

I have various interests within finance and economics and continue to explore industries in financial services or corporate finance. Overall, I’d like to be constantly learning and challenged in meaningful projects.

Fun Fact About Yourself

Most of my childhood was growing up in Mexico City