Could you please describe your overall experience and talk about the path you have taken to get to where you are today?
About a month before my graduation from Trinity, I took a position at Travelers. I spent three years as an associate account manager. I was basically doing claims work. From there, I move to an account manager last year. I had a small staff of about 7 people; I was basically doing the work I was doing before but now it was on a supervisor basis. After my first year out of Trinity, I began taking classes to get my MBA at UCONN, which  Travelers paid for. When I completed my MBA, I was promoted. Now, I am a financial executive. It’s a three- year program that gives me the opportunity to explore the program and focus on the financial opportunities of the company. After this, I can probably be Director, then CFO, Vice President or things of that nature. It’s a very challenging program, but I enjoy doing it.

What was your major at Trinity and would you recommend it to current students?
I was an Economics major. If you are interested in going into the financial world, then I will definitely recommend it. That’s probably the only major at Trinity that gives you some exposure to business and finance.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities or take any courses that you would recommend to current students?
I played basketball at Trinity for 4 years. It was pretty challenging to combine athletics and academics. We made it to the Final 4 my senior year. I was very active doing community service also; I was a mentor to individuals at an elementary school. Once a week, I would go there to tutor and basically serve as a role model for them. I also worked at Ferris, in the health center, and participated in many different activities on campus.

As far as courses go, I can’t think of one specific one. It’s just a combination of classes from Money and Banking to Macro and Micro and all the other Economics classes I really like taking. All those classes and activities I have done shaped me as a person and made me ready to face the challenges of life after college.

Do you have a typical day? If yes, what do you do?
Being in this financial program, I really don’t have a typical day. I am almost like an intern. I am pretty much involved in putting together the two major financial reports we publish monthly. It’s pretty busy and challenging, but very interesting.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I really don’t know yet! I need to finish up this program then see whatever opportunities are available here at Travelers. There is no guarantee that the position I want will be here. I’ll just wait and see what will be best for me!

How do you stay current with what you do now?
I use the Internet; there are so many websites that can help you stay current. And being in this program, there is a report that comes out every morning that basically informs me about the things going on in the business.

How can I a Trinity student looking for a job distinguish himself from other students of other colleges such as Amherst, Harvard, Yale for example?
After you have the job, what really makes a difference is your commitment to the position, your work ethic, your eagerness to learn and your flexibility. I would tell Trinity students to just stay focus, be committed to their job, and be patient. Everything takes time!

Do you know of any internship position available for college undergraduates?
There are some available actually. Students can go to our website, see what position are available, contact the HR office and forward their resumes. They will be reviewed by the HR personnel.

Do you have any words of advice for Trinity students soon to be graduating and about to enter the real world?
When I was on the basketball team at Trinity, we had a pamphlet that begun with “Hard Work Equals Success”. I am someone who believes in consistency, working hard, having a goal and going after it. Don’t be discouraged by rejections and opportunities that don’t materialize. You have to work hard, be ready to make some sacrifices and stick to your game plan. Good things will come next.