Eric Johnson ’17, ’18
Constellation Brands, Inc.
Eric Johnson ’17, ’18 (MBA), is exploring the world of finance one department at a time. As a financial analyst at Constellation Brands, he is pioneering a new multi-year employee program that includes rotations in four departments over three years. This unique opportunity allows him to explore a broad range of career paths in finance, and to gain a rich understanding of key business areas.
Johnson credits the small class sizes, group projects, and one-on-one conversations with his professors at Fisher for preparing him for life in the workplace. “The ability to connect with others and establish relationships helped me get the most out of my Fisher education and is now helping to kickstart my career,” he shared.
As an undergraduate, Johnson searched for his niche within the accounting field. With the help of faculty, he connected with Fisher alumni to discuss their professional experiences and ask for their advice. He added a second major in corporate finance and later obtained an internship at Constellation Brands, moves that ultimately led to his current role.
Johnson enjoys the range of projects, challenges, and initiatives he has the opportunity to participate in and looks forward to growing professionally at Constellation Brands. He encourages students to take advantage of the Fisher alumni network. “Fisher has a strong, wide, passionate network of alumni who are more than willing to share their experiences and provide advice,” he said. “Use that network and don't be afraid to return the favor, there will always be Fisher students seeking advice about life after Fisher.”
Danielle DeJoy Moss, MBA, CPA ’10 ’11
Project Manager, Farm Credit East, ACA
When Danielle DeJoy Moss was a student at Fisher, she never dreamed of combining her work and professional goals in business so closely with her personal interest in farming. She now works for Farm Credit East, ACA in their newly formed Transformation Office as a project manager. She believes that doing this work she loves “all started with Fisher.”
A double Cardinal, Moss graduated in 2010 with a degree in accounting and obtained her MBA the following year. Her time at Fisher launched her into an opportunity at EY where she worked for seven years. “Fisher was a stepping stone for me,” she explained. “Without the accounting program and the push for the CPA certification, I would not have been in public accounting.”
Moss credits her success to her Fisher professors and their advice. “One of my professors told me to take the rough patches, learn everything we could, and take the exposure to every opportunity possible. Doing this would allow us to build the careers that we wanted. He was right!” Moss believes her role at EY became an opportunity to “build a dream career.”
She encourages other business students to consider Fisher’s accounting program because of the community that shaped her experience. “If you have dreams of being in the business world, whether in accounting or not, while also wanting to be in a program in which the professors truly care; Fisher is the place for you! Everything that I have now in my career all started at Fisher and I am forever grateful for my experience.”
Ryan Pete ’18
Ryan Pete ’18 knows a thing or two about volunteering. The First Generation Scholar has completed more than 100 hours of community service each year he’s attended Fisher, logging time tutoring at various schools and community programs.
“There are a lot of things college students can spend their time doing, but if you can put your efforts together for a cause, you can make a big impact in the community,” said Ryan, who studies accounting and economics at Fisher. Ryan noted that his participation in student activities, including sitting on the finance committee with the Teddi Dance for Love, and serving as an executive board member for Students Who Advocate Volunteering (SWAV), has helped enhanced his studies.
His efforts have earned him three Presidential Awards for Service, and this spring, Ryan was elected as one of 10 recipients of the 2017 Independent Sector Student Community Service Award and a $500 H.D. Paley Scholarship from the Commission on Independent College and Universities (cIcu).
And, while his dedication to service may seem extraordinary, to Ryan it’s second nature.
“It’s part of the culture at Fisher and SWAV,” he said. “It’s about the people you are impacting. That’s why we strive to complete service in the Rochester community.”