Monali Patel '21

Major: Finance
Minor: Economics

Why this major?

I chose this major because I’m an analytical, number-oriented person and my favorite subject has always been math. Aside from that, I was interested in learning more about money management and how it works. Finance, in particular, requires interpersonal and organizational skills that go beyond the common idea of just being good with numbers. Plus, there are numerous career options when considering a job in this field.

What is your career objective?

I would like to use the professional and educational experiences that I gain through my time at Carroll University to obtain a position that utilizes my knowledge of financial reporting and research. A required part of the finance major is to obtain an internship, which I find to be extremely beneficial because it will build my résumé and make me a more competitive candidate in the job market.

How has what you’ve learned prepared you for your future?

What I’ve learned in my courses so far has provided me not only with the knowledge needed to make an impact in this field, but also with a greater skill set that will prepare me for graduation. I’ve developed my teamwork, presentation and communication skills during my time at Carroll. These will be useful as I continue my education and when I obtain a job after graduating.

Have you had any opportunities to work closely with Carroll faculty?

The small class sizes that Carroll offers is one of the main reasons I chose to go here. My professors know me by name and they are willing to find a time to meet outside of their office hours to provide additional help when needed. I’ve also built a relationship with Megan Couch, an international student coordinator, as she is the faculty member that helped me and my friends start Rotaract Club at Carroll. She provides us with guidance in every decision that we make. She goes out of her way to make sure that our club and its events are successful by taking the time to meet and frequently check in with us.

What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your education at Carroll?

Professor John Gnadinger invited Carroll alumni from various fields to come into my Principles of Management class to talk about their profession. My peers and I were able to interview the individuals and ask them about their experiences in their field. We were later tasked with connecting their real-world experiences to the topics that we discussed in class. This helped me see the application of the content that I was learning and how it is used on a daily basis.

How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person?

Taking part in student organizations is a remarkable way to get involved on campus and meet new people. I am currently a member of Rotaract and Enactus, and they both have taught me invaluable lessons. Rotaract Club emphasizes the importance of service, fellowship, and professionalism. This club has allowed me to meet new people and participate in volunteer opportunities that directly benefit my community. Enactus is a business organization on campus that incorporates creating student-led projects that foster entrepreneurial and leadership skills. For the past two years I have worked with the Women’s Economic Empowerment group to create resume-building and mock interview events in cooperation with the Women’s Center. Participating in student organizations has helped me become a more outgoing individual and made me a better person. I highly encourage all students to join a student organization that interests them in order to meet new people and build your skill set!

What would you say to someone considering finance?

I would tell the prospective student that this is a challenging, yet rewarding, major that will cultivate you to be a problem-solver and instill the knowledge of money management. They should expect great professors that are willing to go out of their way to help you.

How has financial aid made a difference in your life?

I do receive scholarships and they significantly reduce the amount I pay for tuition. Financial aid has helped relieve the stress of worrying about how I am going to afford college, while allowing me to focus on my coursework. I’m extremely grateful for the scholarships I have received and the relief they provide me as a student.

What’s your favorite place to study on campus?

The Learning Commons is my favorite place to study because it contains a lot of resources that help facilitate learning. The large area is accommodating to people that like to study individually or in groups, and it’s a comfortable and welcoming space. I also go the LC in between classes because it’s where most of my friends go to study, so I know I’ll see one of them in there!

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