As Bryant University’s Class of 2024 prepared to move their tassels from right to left on the morning of May 18, seven seniors headed to careers and graduate programs shared words of advice for incoming first-years – including insight into the keys to their college success. Here’s what the grads had to say:
“Do as much as you possibly can while you’re here because college goes by fast. Get involved, meet as many people as possible, and have fun,” says Actuarial Mathematics major Allison Tessman ’24. A member of Bryant’s softball team, Tessman will be working as an actuarial analyst for The Hartford. "The support from family, friends, faculty, and staff really contribute to your success here; everybody is one big community at Bryant.”
“Have an open mind,” says Finance major Aastha Soni ’24, who helped carry this year’s class flag at Commencement. During her time at Bryant, Soni was a member of the university’s Honors Program and served as a peer tutor for the Academic Center for Excellence. Following graduation, she will start working at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
“The professors and the small class sizes helped a lot in my success, and the faculty really care about their students individually,” says Finance major Matthew Roethlein ’24, who will return to campus in the fall for Bryant’s One-Year MBA program. “Have fun but make sure you prioritize your classes because that’s why you’re here.”
“The Bryant Accounting Association boosted me and gave me all the right tools – including how to apply to places and the deadlines; it really kept me on track and aware of everything,” says Accounting major Matthew Rodrigues ’24, who will pursue his master’s at Bryant and start working at PwC’s Boston location as an assurance associate in January 2025.
“Bryant has prepared me well – especially for when it comes to interviews,” says Jillian Sylvia ’24, a Biology major on the ecology and conservation track. Recipient of the 2024 Environmental Science Leadership Commencement award and a research fellow, Sylvia is considering summer lab work and will pursue a career in conservation.
“A lot of my classes, office hours, past internships, group projects, and getting to know my professors got me here today,” says Accounting major Chris Rota ’24, who accepted a position at Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP – a private accounting firm located in his hometown of Canton, Massachusetts.
- “Enjoy every second of the experience,” says Carly Sleboda ’24, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with dual concentrations in Team and Project Management and Applied Analytics. Sleboda, who helped carry the class flag at Commencement, will be working as an investment sales associate across the street at Fidelity Investments.
