What’s your major and why did you choose it?

I am a Management Information Systems (MIS) major, and I chose this major for two main reasons: I love technology and I have always wanted to be a part of something bigger than me. When I was a young girl, I never felt like I belonged because I was always interested in STEM, video games, science experiments, etc. I was never encouraged to pursue my passions because of my gender. When I came to UConn, I met so many other women turning their dreams into a reality and I finally felt the courage to do so too. I chose MIS because I realized I always wanted to be in technology, but I also wanted to choose a path that could teach me how to help change the world.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

I have had many incredible professors throughout my time at UConn, but the one professor who really stood out to me is Professor Kevin Thompson. Professor Thompson took real business strategy and brought it to life in the classroom. He showed us the incredible impact that well-applied strategy can have on our world. Because of his teaching, I now know just how powerful business is, and I am so inspired to graduate and help change our world for the better.

What was your favorite class and why?

I would also have to say my favorite class was Professor Thompson’s MGMT 4900. MGMT 4900 simplified every business decision I will ever make from now on. In this capstone course, we each participated in a business strategy simulation where our teams served as the decision makers for mock car companies that were in fierce competition. The key to this exercise was realizing that everything depended on strategy. Do you want to be Toyota or Lamborghini? Honda or Porsche? You can do anything and be anybody but you need to maintain a consistent and rational strategy to succeed.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am beyond excited to be working at Slalom Consulting as a Technical Analyst!

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in your life?

Because of UConn and the School of Business, I now know that my dreams are limitless. UConn taught me that I have the knowledge, drive, and perseverance to make something of our world. I was taught that if I don’t feel small, my dreams are just not big enough. If I find my world is not as great as it could be, that just means I have more work to do.

What were some of the things you had never done before you came to UConn?

I grew up in New Jersey, so coming to Connecticut was a huge change for me! Before college I had never worked on a case competition and this turned out to be one of my most incredible experiences. I took this awesome case competition independent study with my mentor and Professor Jon Moore. Professor Moore turned pages in a textbook into real life scenarios and taught students first-hand what it feels like to be the decision maker for incredibly complex business decisions.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

Go online and lookup potential careers that inspire you. What makes you want to wake up every day and work ten times harder than you did yesterday? Don’t just choose a major or a path based off of someone else’s dreams; choose your own dreams and I promise it will truly pay off.