Author: Quian Callender

Illuminate Experience: Jackson Collins

Posted on October 7, 2015October 10, 2015 by Quian Callender

Jackson Collins

Finance Major, Class of 2019

In college, it’s easy to fall into the groove. There’s a cycle of going to class, attending clubs and extra-curriculars, and studying that most of the student body spends their day in. And while this routine keeps your GPA up and your social life fresh, for me there was something missing. I couldn’t exactly pinpoint it, but it was something that was abstract but so necessary to making the most of the college experience. I found that hidden element at Illuminate.

I shared an intense desire to innovate and inspire within the students at the Harvard Illuminate Conference. They transcended the bounds of their curriculum and had decided to blaze their own trail in the world. I finally found that missing element I had been searching before. It was an element of creativity that could only be found when working with those who are just as willing as you to tear down the standards of today to solve the problems we may face tomorrow. I was surrounded by peers who would stand in the future with me and pull the rest of the world to us.

If there is anything I learned from this conference, it was that the present is in no short supply of innovators and entrepreneurs fearlessly charging into the future to make the world a better place for us all.

Illuminate Experience: Justin Hall

Posted on October 7, 2015October 10, 2015 by Quian Callender

Justin Hall

Mechanical Engineering Major, Class of 2017

In regards to innovation and entrepreneurship, my experience exceeds a simple interest. Personally, I am working with three of my peers in a start up to develop a specific web service and even recently, we received IDEA grant funding to continue the development of our project. In addition, I have assisted in innovating a new design for flywheel energy storage by capitalizing on recent research. I have recently been involved with Stanford University as a University Innovation Fellow. Fellows take a course with Stanford along with other students across the nation and conclude their training by visiting Stanford and Google to see some truly entrepreneurial and innovative environments. The goal of this fellowship is to teach an individual the best ways to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in their communities.

The Harvard Illuminate conference immediately took my interest. A conference covering the topics of entrepreneurship and innovation while featuring some notable speakers and collecting an audience from a variety of universities provides a plethora of opportunities. After attending, I can say with confidence I was not disappointed and the conference even exceeded my expectation. Keynotes included panels by leaders from both Pandora Radio and PepsiCo. These talks showed that entrepreneurship and innovation is crucial in any environment, even in a larger company. Additional guest speakers from successful startups provided students with not only inspiration but also a better understanding of topics such as creating a culture or seeking venture funding.

From this experience, I took away many things. Not only did I leave with a greater understanding of how to be a successful entrepreneur. I also left with many new friends after having the opportunity to discuss entrepreneurial ventures with students from universities across the northeast. These discussions led to ideas of my own and ultimately to a better understanding of how to become a successful entrepreneur. I would recommend this conference to any aspiring entrepreneur.

Illuminate Experience: Michael Jean-Paul

Posted on October 7, 2015October 10, 2015 by Quian Callender

Michael Jean-Paul

Communications Major, Class of 2016

I attended the Harvard Illuminate Conference to develop a better understanding for entrepreneurship, innovation in advertising, branding and marketing and innovation in finance. I came in with the expectation of gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the aforementioned business concepts with the thought that after being exposed to such, that I would further expand my body of knowledge as it relates to entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, I thought I would gain exposure to concepts I was unfamiliar with. I have always had a passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. I’ve read books such as, Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow rich to help me become more knowledgeable in building businesses and ultimately realizing my maximum potential as an Entrepreneur.

I have always had a passion for innovation. For example, this summer my team and I developed an app called SwipeShop. This application is available on the App Store for iOS devices and will be available on the Android platform in the beginning of the spring 2016 semester. SwipeShop is a mobile marketplace that connects local buyers and sellers for the purpose of exchanging second hand goods. To post an item, simply take a picture, add a brief description and upload it instantly for thousands to see locally. From here you can bid on selected items, after which the seller will accept or reject your bid. Once a deal is in place, a conversation where you can negotiate the final price and plan a destination to complete the transaction will emerge.

After attending the Harvard Illuminate Conference, I gained exposure to industry experts in entrepreneurship and innovation and have been impressed with the lessons I learned. I learned about the steps necessary to raise venture capital through seed funding, the power of networking, marketing a start-up and about technology start-ups from the ground-up. I value the connections and lessons I learned from recent Harvard Alumni as well as other entrepreneurs from all over the globe and believe this experience to be invaluable as it has helped me develop relationships that I believe will prove to be an asset throughout my career in venture capital and entrepreneurship.

Alumni Spotlight: Steve Giamalis (BUS ’81)

Posted on October 5, 2015October 5, 2015 by Quian Callender

Steve Giamalis, Accounting ’81

CPA & Owner, Giamalis and Company, LLC
Glastonbury, CT

Why did you choose UConn?

UConn provided a quality education for a reasonable tuition and fees. Local employers hired UConn graduates.

How did UConn and the Honors Program prepare you for your career?

I had to look at issues from many points of view, not just the textbook.

Favorite UConn memory?

As an alumni going to the 2004 final four in San Antonio. While being a student The blizzard of 78. The governor closed UConn for 2 days.

Advice to Current Students and Alumni interested in your career field

Look at a variety of positions before, and opportunities before settling on your final career track.

Student Spotlight: Matthew Olson (’17)

Posted on October 1, 2015October 1, 2015 by Quian Callender

Matthew Olson, Honors Scholar

Major: Accounting and Economics

Hometown: Glastonbury, CT

Why did you join Honors in Business Association?

I joined Honors in Business Association in order to engage with like minded peers to learn about a wide range of business aspects. These aspects are shown throughout various club events and meetings. The club gives unique opportunities such as a business etiquette dinner, and the chance to attend an intercollegiate business conference at Harvard. These sorts of opportunities are scarcely offered else where, if at all, so I was motivated to join.

What else are you involved in on campus besides HiBA?

Besides Honors in Business Association, I participate in a variety of organizations in various roles. Currently I am the treasurer for the campus’ Beta Alpha Psi chapter, a mentor in Peer Alliance Through Honors, and frequent as a donor for Red Cross blood drives.

What do you enjoy most about UConn?

I most enjoy all of the people at UConn and the different perspectives and lifestyles they have. Upon coming to UConn I have made friends from all over the world in all walks of life and it really opens up the way you see the world around you. I also really appreciate all of the opportunities that UConn provides to all of its students from professional networking events all the way to watching the basketball teams earn championship titles time and time again.

What are your career aspirations?

Upon graduation I am striving to join a large public accounting firm while being a CPA. I hope to get into the world of real estate accounting, and to someday start my own business or at least be in a significant decision making position within a company.

Previous Internships

I have spent the past two summers working at a property management firm called Imagineers LLC as an accounting intern where I got to see many different aspects of real estate that I enjoyed. I recently started working working part time at Grant Thornton as a year round intern where I will rotate through the tax, audit, and business advisory departments.

Fun Fact About Yourself

My blood type is A-, which only 6% of the population has.

Student Spotlight: Holly Chase (’17)

Posted on September 23, 2015September 29, 2015 by Quian Callender

Holly Chase, Honors Scholar

Major: Healthcare Management

Minor: Neuroscience

Hometown: Barkhamsted, CT

Why did you join Honors in Business Association?

I joined the Honors in Business Association because I wanted to meet other honors students in my major and in the School of Business. In addition, I was excited to learn more about different companies through speaker sessions and on-site visits, while networking with business professionals. I encourage all students who are interested in business to attend at least one HiBA meeting or event!

What else are you involved in on campus besides HiBA?

Besides being a member of HiBA, I am the President of the UConn Outing Club, a coordinator for the Honors Initiative for Prospective Students (HIPS), and part of the UConn Club Field Hockey team. My latest project is starting the NextGenVest UConn club, which aims to provide college and high school students with higher access to personal finance knowledge and gives tips on how to be smart with their money!

What do you enjoy most about UConn?

One of the highlights of being a Husky is the ability to be involved in so many organizations. Although it may sound cheesy, there is actually a club for any type of person or interest! That versatility has allowed me to hike or play field hockey one week, then attend a business conference the next. I love being able to explore all my passions and am grateful for the resources UConn provides!

What are your career aspirations?

In the future, I would like to work either in the field of healthcare administration or in a role that combines healthcare and technology. Depending on my career needs, I would also pursue a M.S. in Healthcare Administration or Public Health.

Previous internships

This summer, I was an Operations Intern in the International Division of Aetna with a focus on process improvement and reporting metrics. It was a fantastic experience, as I was able to learn about both the insurance side of healthcare, as well as the many careers in the industry. In the past, I was a Marketing Intern at iDevices, a app-enablement company where I developed social media content for their various products.

Fun Fact About Yourself

I love to ski!

Student Spotlight: Akanksha Singh (’16)

Posted on September 16, 2015July 31, 2016 by Quian Callender

Akanksha Singh, Honors Scholar

Major: Finance

Minors: Spanish, Economics, and Management Information Systems

Hometown: Enfield, Connecticut

Why did you join Honors in Business Association?

I thought it was a great idea to create an organization where business students that are in the honors program can work together to help each other excel and help increase the caliber of the UConn School of Business as well as the companies that come here to recruit. I think that UConn business students are truly exceptional and I wanted to be part of making that known to the rest of the world.

What else are you involved in on campus besides HiBA?

I am one of the captains of Husky Bhangra, I am an RA in Connecticut Commons, and last year I was a manager in the Student Managed Fund.

What do you enjoy most about UConn?

I love that there is something for everyone. Whether your interests lie in sports, arts, academics, science, etc., you will be able to find your niche here through the vast number of student organizations, the diverse student body, and the excellent classes offered.

What are your career aspirations?

When I graduate I plan to begin a rotational program in Global Wealth Investment Management at U.S. Trust: Bank of America Wealth Management. A couple years down the road, I plan to go to graduate school to get my MBA and complete the CFA certification.

Previous internship(s)

During the summer after my junior year I interned at GE Corporate as a Financial Management Program Intern. It was a great experience because I was able to learn about corporate finance, how to behave in a corporate environment, and gain valuable connections. However, the role that I was in was very accounting focused and I decided that I wanted my career to be more finance oriented, which is why I decided to intern at U.S. Trust the following summer and I really enjoyed my time there, leading to a full time offer which I accepted.

Fun Fact About Yourself

I can speak three languages: English, Hindi and Spanish.

Honors in Business Association Hosts Jim Calhoun, CEO of Converse

Posted on October 28, 2014July 3, 2015 by Quian Callender

The Honors in Business Association (HiBA) hosted Jim Calhoun ’89 (CLAS), CEO of Converse for a discussion about his experience as an undergraduate at UConn, his career path, and what it is like being CEO of a multibillion dollar international company.

Before speaking to a larger audience, Calhoun spoke with students at an intimate reception sponsored by the UConn School of Business Dean’s Office. Gregory Doyle ’15 (BUS), an attendee at the reception stated, “It was great connecting with a past UConn graduate who has been successful on a large corporate scale. He seemed really passionate about Converse and what it represents. I especially enjoyed hearing about the mistakes he has made along the way and what he has learned from them.”

Following the reception Calhoun began his discussion in the Student Union Theater with a picture of his father, former UConn men’s basketball head coach Jim Calhoun. The picture was of the former coach wearing Converse sneakers as a college student and playing basketball against UConn, a team he would later coach. Calhoun brought the picture full circle stating that the picture hangs in his office at Converse headquarters.

In addition to taking in advice from Calhoun, students were stunned to learn that Calhoun was to thank for the famous product placement of Wilson in ‘Cast Away’ starring Tom Hanks.

Both the reception and speaking event attracted UConn students across all disciplines who all took something away from Calhoun’s talk. Justin Hall ’17 (ENG) stated, “Calhoun’s presentation was both insightful and interesting. Personally I left with a greater understanding of how to utilize and how to create pivotal opportunities throughout my life.” Alyssa Zabin ’16 (CLAS), from student group Leadership in Action added, “It was great as students to see what huskies before us have done as they build upon their undergraduate experiences in profound ways.”

Larry Gramling, associate dean of the School of Business who sat down with Calhoun for a question and answer session expressed, “A great deal of what made the event one of the very best I have ever attended at UConn was first and foremost due to Jim Calhoun who did a great job by just being himself: genuine, down-to-earth, and engaging before the event in the Lounge, during the talk, and afterwards when many of the 100 or so in the audience came up to talk to Jim.”

About Honors in Business Association: Honors in Business Association (HiBA) is a student organization formed between the Honors Program and UConn School of Business. HiBA strives to create a sense of community for students in both Honors and the School of Business and those with an interest in business while focusing on professional development. Contact information: uconnhiba@gmail.com or Quian Callender at quian.callender@uconn.edu.

Pictured L to R: John Averill ’16 (CLAS), Quian Callender ’16 (BUS), Alyssa Zabin ’16 (CLAS), Jim Calhoun, CEO of Converse, Associate Dean of the School of Business Larry Gramling, Grace Kim ’16 (BUS), Emily Vasington ’16 (BUS), Brooke Wasserman ’15 (BUS), and Global VP of Communications at Converse Terri Hines.