School: Temple University
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2008 to 2010
Working For: Lincoln Financial Group
Title: Financial Analyst
Industry: Finance
My group is responsible for all financial aspects of Lincoln’s retirement business. My role is essentially monitoring the pulse of the business through analysis of our financial performance and managing the business’ $50B investment portfolio.
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Post-CWP I took over as EVP, then as President, of Temple’s Financial Management Association. When I stepped in, the organization was hemorrhaging cash and meetings were attended by 40 people – at best. When I left it, we had a surplus of cash each semester due to corporate sponsorships, executive finance speakers every Monday, 3-4 community service events/ free open bar socials every semester, workshops teaching finance/investment skills that exceeded the breadth of the Temple finance curriculum, and averaged 150 people at every meeting.
Best decision I made my freshman year of college; one that has had tremendous effect on my present and future.
My College Works Painting experience bolstered my confidence in interviews, public speaking, and my own abilities. Not many college students can say they started and ran a small business during the worst economic climate in decades.
Half-assing it will get you by, but no one will remember your name.
Ironically, if your ambition is to be in the painting industry for your career, this is not for you. The skills you will take away are subtle, gradually attained, and applicable for virtually every facet of your future. You’ll be a different person after completing the program; if you’re not, you failed.
It is said that we are all born equal; but I refuse to stay that way. Live outside your comfort zone and become a titan, battered and bruised… or live inside your comfort zone, and be a fresh-faced peon.