| 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) | |
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!
UConn Students Visit Wall Street
As students learn about aspects of business, it is important to reinforce that knowledge with experiences outside of the classroom. Honors in Business Association (HiBA) creates those experiences for students at the University of Connecticut. Members of HiBA spent a day in New York City learning about the financial industry and connecting with alumni.
For the second year, HiBA sponsored a completely student planned and led trip. Last year’s trip was to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Members left Storrs early in the morning to arrive at Wall Street by the Opening Bell Ceremony. Students were able to see trades being made on the floor as well as media outlets broadcasting live from the trading floor such as CNBC.
Staff of the New York Stock Exchange gave an overview of how trading on the floor works and revealed little known information about the Stock Exchange. Of course, there was time for students to take selfies!
Following the tour of the New York Stock Exchange, students headed down the street to the Museum of American Finance to gain an in depth view of the financial history of the United States. Students visited exhibits such as the gold gallery consisting of many artifacts made of gold. Recalling his time at the Museum of American Finance, Dan Glucksman (BUS ’18) stated, “I gained a better understanding of finance history that is never fully addressed in class.”
To close out the day, student connected with a few New York City area alumni over hors d’oeuvres. The alumni event was part of the Honors Program 50th Anniversary. For many students, connecting with alumni was their favorite aspect of the trip. Sidney Tomko (BUS ’19) stated, “My favorite part of the day was the alumni dinner because it was really interesting to hear what former UConn students, who were once in our position, are doing now. It really opened my eyes to all the opportunities we huskies have out there. ”
Special thanks to: Olivia of the New York Stock Exchange and Ellen of the UConn Honors Program.
If you or your company is interested in hosting members of Honors in Business Association, email us at uconnhiba@gmail.com
About Honors in Business Association: Honors in Business Association (HiBA) is a student organization formed between the Honors Program and 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. HiBA’s programming provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate and develop skills necessary to succeed in today’s business world all while building a strong alumni network. Contact information: uconnhiba@gmail.com or visit hiba.business.uconn.edu
Student Spotlight: Abby Raynor (’17)
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!
Student Spotlight: Jeffrey Noonan (’18)
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
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.
Support Honors Organizations
A Message from Honors Organization Leaders:
As the university has been growing, the number of Honors organizations has followed! In the past two years alone 4 new Honors organizations have formed: Honors in Business Association (HiBA), Honors in STEM (HiS), Humanities and Arts Collective, and Multicultural Honors Collaborative. These organizations were formed to meet the needs of an ever diversifying and innovating Honors Program.
The Honors Program now has 9 Honors organizations:
- Honors Council
- Honors in STEM
- Honors in Business Association
- Honors Across State Borders
- Humanities and Arts Collective
- Multicultural Honors Collective
- Peer Allies Through Honors (PATH)
- Leadership in Action
- Honors Initiative for Prospective Students
As a collective group, Honors in Business and Honors in STEM are participating in the Ignite fundraising competition to bring awareness to our organizations. As active and recently formed organizations, our membership is engaged and striving to provide and unique and personalized experience to all of our students. Money raised will be used to enhance the student experience and unleash student potential!
Honors student organizations showcase the best UConn has to offer! Through Ignite and your support, we will be able to showcase Honors organizations and the great programming we have done in the past and hope to do in the future. Our programming thus far have benefited students tremendously, whether it’s an alumni panel, trip to Boston, or executive speakers.
To continue our innovation and to offer students the best possible experience, we are asking for your support. Please consider supporting Honors student organizations and visit our Ignite page!
Student Spotlight: Adam Kuegler (’17)
Adam Kuegler
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Watertown, CT
Why did you join the Honors Program?
I was accepted to the Special Program in Law when I applied to UConn as a senior in high school. Being a part of SPinL has been an extremely motivating experience. It has confirmed to me that I want to go to law school and use policy as a tool for good in the world.
What else are you involved in on campus?
My largest area of involvement is with the Undergraduate Student Government. I am currently the Vice President of the Student Body. Prior to this, I served as the USG External Affairs Chairman and a Multicultural-Diversity Senator.
What do you enjoy most about UConn?
My favorite part about being a Husky is being involved in a community of people who use their talents to work for others. This quality in our community has been apparent when a difference can be made for others. In USG, all of what we have accomplished has been a product of empower students and harnessing the power of the student voice.
What are your career aspirations?
I plan to have a career in public service. Following my graduation from UConn, I plan to attend law school and potentially obtain a joint JD/MPP degree. Combining a law degree with a Masters in Public Policy will allow me to use law and policy to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Fun Fact About Yourself
My last name indicates that my ancestors may have been cannonball makers.
Anything else you would like to add?
I am a candidate to become the undergraduate member on the UConn Board of Trustees. In this position, I will fight for more efficient, transparent, and accountable governance at UConn. Voting is March 2 – 4 at vote.uconn.edu.