Anna Cuthbert ’17
To Anna Cuthbert ’17, Fisher offered a small school atmosphere with the big school opportunities. And, the finance and marketing graduate took advantage of each opportunity she came across. She served as a member of Fisher’s chapter of the American Marketing Association, the PRIMA Group, Dance Club, Teddi Dance for Love, and Equestrian Club, among other student groups.
In addition to taking a variety of marketing and finance courses at Fisher, the Auburn, New York native enhanced her education with a series of internships. She engaged in a study abroad experience in summer 2015, traveling to London, England to pursue an internship in marketing at Proversity, a UK-based education technology company.
“This internship was an amazing experience, where I grew professionally and personally, and even had the internship count as credit,” Anna said, adding that she also spent time interning at First American Equipment Finance and Dixon Schwabl. “Each of these opportunities were a unique experience that allowed me to both learn and apply knowledge from my coursework.”
A numbers person at heart, Anna’s advice for a successful career at Fisher follows the rule of three’s.
“Get involved with three clubs–one academic, one leisure/fun club, and one sports-related club,” she said. “This way, you meet people inside and outside of your major, have an outlet to relax, and still are still maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
Casey Cuthbert ’17
For Casey Cuthbert, four years studying finance, marketing, and communications meant the perfect blending of business and humanities.
“For my finance major, I simply love the numbers involved with the work that comes with jobs in finance,” she said. “But, I also like the ability to get creative and put together a marketing plan for a client or create a clear message for the target audience.”
And, whether it was crunching numbers in a finance class, or crafting a communications plan for a client through the PRIMA Group, Casey said Fisher provided real-life experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
She also leveraged several internships opportunities to sharpen her knowledge of finance and communications. During a study abroad experience in London, England, she served as an intern with a boutique marketing firm, and in Rochester, engaged in a finance internship with Carestream Health.
Arber Emerllahu ’17
St. John Fisher College alumnus Arber Emerllahu ’17 has his eyes set on a career in investment banking. A graduate of Palmyra-Macedon High School, Arber said he transferred to Fisher because of its strong academic reputation, beautiful sports facilities, and short commute. As a finance major, achieving his professional career goals meant concentrating on his studies.
“I am really focused on academics,” Arber said, adding that he did make time to keep involved with the Investment Club.
As a beneficiary of two scholarships, Arber hopes he can pay it forward after graduation.
“When I think about my future, I hope I can give back to the College as well,” he said. “I know there might be a student in need of help like I was.”
Aaron Guarino ’17
Aaron Guarino’s favorite spot on campus was the Salerno Center for American Enterprise. A double major in marketing and finance, Aaron’s role as vice president of operations for the Marketing Club kept him pretty busy in the Center.
Aaron said that his favorite course, Marketing Promotions, taught him a lot about marketing and promotion tactics businesses use to attract and retain customers. It is information he has put to good use in two internship experiences he’s had, including handling on- and off-field promotional efforts for the Batavia Muckdogs, a minor league baseball team.
During his time at Fisher, the Alexander, New York native came to appreciate the College’s small class sizes, which allow professors to get to know each student well.
“The professors all want to see students succeed. They take a personal interest in every student to ensure they are getting the education that is needed for a successful career,” he said.
Kevin Kulawiec ’18
Inside Sales Representative, Paychex
Kevin Kulawiec, a finance and economics double major, stepped off the stage at Commencement and right into his first job with Paychex. As an inside sales representative, he draws on both his majors and the leadership and teamwork skills he honed as a member of the men’s tennis team to promote new products to current and potential customers.
“A lot of times, I’m the first interaction people have with Paychex, so I want to make sure it is a completely positive one,” Kevin said, noting that economics courses taught by Dr. Clair Smith, along with a study abroad experience in London, England, helped prepare him for life after Fisher.
And, he’s found that many Fisher graduates have also made their careers at Paychex, creating a strong network of alumni and a whole new chance for learning.
“A Fisher education is what set me apart when it came time for the job search. I found that Fisher was very well-known and respected throughout our community, and this is a great first job for me,” he said. “Every day I am developing my personal, professional, and customer service skills, and learning what it’s like to work on a team.”
Anthony Lee '17
Anthony Lee ’17 has one piece of advice for first-year students: get involved.
“Let yourself experience what the campus has to offer,” he said. “Be sure to engage with students, faculty, and staff during programs or events. This engagement will not only help you become more involved in activities but involved in your academic career and most importantly, your overall college experience.”
Its advice he followed during his time at Fisher, where he immersed himself in several student organizations, including serving as president of the Student Government Association for two years, the Teddi Dance for Love, and the varsity football team.
The Clifton Park, New York native also dove into internship opportunities that have complemented his studies in sport management and finance. He spent time working with the College’s Athletic Department as they hosted the 2016 NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championship tournament, and served as a corporate intern with the Fortune 500 company, Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Anthony said his Fisher education, and the Sport Management Department in particular, prepared him for the next step: a career with Dick’s, as an associate in the Merchandise Trainee Program.
“What I love about the sport management program is the endless number of connections it has developed with professionals within the sport industry,” he said. “This connection helps give students a diversity of experiences, helping us further understand the many careers available within the industry.”