Julianna Cushner comes from a long line of UConn graduates, and during her college search, she thought she might opt for a small, business-centric school. But once she toured the Storrs campus, she knew she wanted to continue the family tradition. Cushner has been involved in a number of activities, many of them centered around finance and investments. She is headed to the banking world of New York City following graduation and knows that the UConn network of alumni will be a benefit to her.

Why did you choose UConn?
UConn was the school that both of my grandfathers went to along with my dad, so I felt that I wanted to experience something different than what my family has been telling me since I was young and attend a smaller business school. But once I toured the campus, I knew I wanted to experience what it was like at a big school and have not looked back since. My experiences at UConn have taught me how to be resilient and have allowed me to grow so much within myself. I am so grateful for my choice and for the people I have met along the way here that have helped support me through it all.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
I am a finance major and was drawn to it originally because I always enjoyed math and wanted to find a field where I could use this passion to also help make a positive impact on society. Specifically, I am motivated by the inequality stemming from financial literacy disparities and want to share my passion and knowledge about finance with as many people as possible. My goal is to shrink the knowledge gap required for financial responsibility and empower people to make well-informed financial decisions.

What activities were you involved in as a student?
I started off my college career desiring to be involved in as many finance organizations as possible. I attended Finance Society meetings early on in my freshman year but was intimidated by the breadth of knowledge the upperclassmen showed. I was introduced to the Women’s Finance Association (WFA) halfway through my freshman year. Right off the bat, I knew this was my place and I attended every meeting and ran for an e-board position going into my sophomore year. In this position, it was my goal to expand the organization to be a group of like-minded and supportive women who empower each other to have strong career aspirations.

At the end of my sophomore year, WFA worked together with (Director of the Investment Management Initiative) Steve Wilson to create the Opportunity Fund, a course designed to increase the interest in investment management for women. I was part of the original class for the Opportunity Fund in my junior year and continued to be passionate about growing WFA’s member base. Currently, I am the president of WFA, and am so proud to see how far it has grown and how far it will continue to grow after I graduate.

In my sophomore year I also volunteered through the Financial Literacy Innovation Program and was a mentor, teaching personal finance to high school students in Connecticut. Additionally, I was a member of Hillside Ventures and the Student Managed Fund where I was able to use UConn’s money to invest in companies after doing extensive research. Lastly, I was able to study abroad in Strasbourg, France, and experience the world in a way that will have an impact on me forever.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
Before going to business school, I was so worried that my peers would be so competitive and self-focused, but instead I found at UConn the complete opposite. My classmates have been so supportive and helpful, and we all just want each other to succeed.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
I will be moving to New York City after graduation to work in commercial banking at Citi.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
The network I have gained through UConn has been the most valuable resource. Not only have I had alums help me on my career path, but my peers have been so supportive and are always looking to help each other. The opportunities within the business school through experimental learning opportunities have allowed me to act as a venture capitalist, be an investor, and a portfolio manager, while still in school. These real-life experiences showed me my interests and passions and truly made me prepared for what is to come when I start working.

Any advice for incoming students?
I have two pieces of advice:

Go outside your comfort zone. You won’t grow nearly as much if you are only doing things you feel are safe choices. For me, this was studying abroad through a program outside of UConn. It was a difficult choice, deciding if I was strong enough to study abroad alone and leave everything I knew, but it was the best decision I have made here. Although there were many challenges, I made so many amazing memories and expanded my view of the world.

Take advantage of every opportunity. Speak with professors, attend club meetings, and use every relevant resource UConn has. I look back and realize how every opportunity helped me grow and made me into the person I am today.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Go to a club by yourself and just meet new people with similar interests to you!

What will always make you think of UConn?
Windy days, basketball, and good ice cream.