Full name: Hannah Bonitz
Degree: Management Information Systems (Major); Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (Minor)
Extracurricular activities:
● Social Media Coordinator for Group and Organization Management Academic Journal
● OPIM Innovate Emerging Technologies Lab Specialist
● CLAS History Department Independent Research Assistant
● Vice President of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority
● 2018 Panhellenic Recruitment Management Team (RMT) Counselor
● Information Management Association
● Honors Program
● Beta Gamma Sigma
● UConn School of Business Hall of Fame – Student Inductee (2019)
Did you receive a UConn scholarship?
● Yes, I received UConn’s Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Hometown:
● Cheshire, Connecticut
Why did you select your major/minor?
● I selected my major because I knew from the beginning I wanted exposure to the evolving and innovative field of Information Technology (IT). That being said, I never expected I would grow so passionate about the intersection of technology and business – and specifically leveraging technology through business initiatives to promote social good. I grew intrigued by project management, business analytics, and opportunities to utilize corporate citizenship to make a difference in this world. This led me to pursue a WGSS minor, and my coursework in this domain provided me with newfound, fascinating ways of thinking and a deeper understanding of societal trends. I am excited to see how I can integrate the knowledge I have gained through both my major and minor in the future.
Who is your favorite professor and/or class and why?
● I have had a number of fabulous professors throughout my four years here at UConn, but I would have to say the most impactful for me has been MIS Program Director and Professor Jonathan Moore. I have had Professor Moore for a number of courses, and I have always appreciated how he treats his students as fellow colleagues. By fostering an environment of safety and a forum for open discussion, he promotes team collaboration and personal and professional development. My favorite class at UConn was his Business Case Competitions course. Although it was time-consuming and difficult to formulate 20-minute solutions to business cases week over week, his constructive criticism and genuine faith in each student’s ability to develop his or her presentation skills allowed me to grow professionally and experience a deep sense of fulfillment. This ultimately culminated in competing alongside fellow classmates in the University of Minnesota’s International MIS Case Competition.
What did you accomplish during your college experience that you’re most proud of?
● As I reflect on my college experiences, I am most proud of my ability to become more involved within my own major and the School of Business as a whole. As a freshman, adjusting to the college routine was not a walk in the park for me. I struggled knowing what to get involved in, and I saw myself float along and attend club meetings somewhat sporadically. When I returned to UConn sophomore year, I knew I wanted to change. Over the course of the next two years, I began working in both the Management and Management Information Systems Departments of the School of Business. These experiences fundamentally impacted my college career, allowing me to interact with professors, complete meaningful work, and truly feel like I belonged within the Business School and UConn as a whole. This feeling of belonging has been invaluable to me!
What do you plan to do after graduation?
● I’ll first be heading to Europe with my roommates to take advantage of our last few weeks without limited vacation days! But after that, I will be starting my career with Travelers Insurance in their three-year Information Technology Leadership Development Program (ITLDP). I am excited to start my first real job, but I also look forward to future learning opportunities. I hope to one day receive my Ph.D.!
How has UConn prepared you for your future career?
● UConn has prepared me for my career in a number of defining ways. I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but I loved all my general education course requirements. They exposed me to intriguing fields of study that have supplemented my challenging coursework within the School of Business. These course requirements, coupled with the willingness of UConn professors to offer mentorship, research opportunities for students, unique student work positions, and advising for student-run clubs, have allowed me to enjoy a variety of experiences beyond the classroom. I have learned I love research, work environments that allow me to tackle self-directed and open-ended work, and broadly the mentality of viewing the world from an innovator’s lens. UConn has helped me develop a better understanding of where I can position myself within IT to stimulate these diverse interests, and I am incredibly thankful for that.
How has UConn shaped you as a person?
● Coming from a largely homogenous hometown community and comparatively small high school graduating class, I believe UConn has fundamentally shaped me as a person by displaying the power of assimilating an enormous body of students from diverse backgrounds. Without such a large and diversified group of students, faculty, and staff, UConn would not provide the sheer number of opportunities, the divergent ways of thinking that open the door for riveting debates and understandings, and the large number of student organizations that exist on this campus. For these reasons, I have learned that as I mature, I will seek environments modeling UConn’s size and heterogeneity. I now understand that my small role within a large community deepens my pride and community identity while simultaneously augmenting my inquisitive nature.
If you could summarize your experience at UConn in 3 words, what would they be?
● Dare to Dream. In thinking about selecting just three words to summarize four years of experiences, I was reminded of one of my lifelong passions: soccer. As a kid, I religiously followed the U.S. Women’s National Team, and “Dare to Dream, Hannah” was the phrase inspiring center-midfielder Julie Foudy wrote before signing her name on the personalized autograph I received from her. These three words have stuck with me over the years, and they resonate with me now as I move closer to graduation. Despite all my mistakes and imperfections, I have done my best to devote myself to the call to action the phrase declares. I sincerely hope it may similarly motivate other UConn students to realize that this university can provide immense opportunity for growth, development, personal and professional fulfillment, and joy derived from bonds with others if they simply allow themselves to Dare to Dream!
What advice would you give to a student just starting out at UConn?
● It’s difficult to come up with one overarching piece of advice. I can, however, think of a few pieces of insight I have picked up along the way. For one, it’s okay if it takes you a long time to adjust to college or choose your major, your extracurriculars, or your friends. Don’t rush anything; be introspective about what you’re passionate about, explore at least one extracurricular you never explored in high school, and surround yourself with people who want the best and help bring out the best in you. Even though I used it, I also think the word “passion” is romanticized, overused, and discourages students who never find their passion in college or through academia at all. It’s okay if you don’t major in something you absolutely love; you’ll find your way if you remain open-minded and optimistic. Further, pursue resume-builders like leadership positions, student jobs, and internships, but ensure the title itself is not the only reason you’re doing something. Don’t take everything too seriously – but do start things early. Put your head down and work hard – but don’t forget the power of networking. Focus on your grades – but make sure you value time with friends too. Remember, professors want to get to know you! And make sure you think about what you’ll regret not doing in college – like studying abroad – and then aggressively pursue it. And lastly, don’t forget to go home every so often to visit your family if you’re able to – sometimes home is all you need!
