Story Last Updated: September 2015 Current Position Updated: March 2019
I chose Gwynedd Mercy University for many reasons, but the first reason is the great scholarship opportunities I was offered as a transfer student. The small class sizes with personalized attention were also a big selling point for me. I came for a campus visit and sat in on Cryptology, a math class, that was really interesting to me. I visited the campus a few times, and each time I was met with warm, welcoming faces. GMercyU seemed like a great community, and I got to experience that community after transferring. I also loved how small the math program was, because I was able to work with the professors often.
My experience at GMercyU was great once I got involved. I worked at the Academic Resource Center (ARC) on campus tutoring math and physics. Working with Stephanie and Meredith over at the ARC was such a great experience. They are both so inspiring and supportive, and provided me with a lot of information and advice on a professional level and on a personal level.
I participated in the externship program during my first semester, where I shadowed a certified financial planner for a day. It was a great way to be introduced to the professional world and network with an alum of GMercyU.
I also had an internship the summer between my junior and senior year with Merrill Lynch. Career Development played an integral role in helping me prepare my resumes, cover letters, and references. I remember working with Nick the morning of a phone interview, asking him for advice. It was so last minute, but he was totally on the ball and responded right away. I ended up getting the internship with Merrill Lynch. I worked with one of the most well-respected wealth management directors at Merrill Lynch, who also happens to serve on the board of trustees at GMercyU. I gained a lot of experience with data and data analysis, as well as a general background for investing.
During my senior year, I was a peer mentor in the E-STEM program. I worked with two students throughout the year, and the whole program met a couple times a month. I met some great students on campus and it was fun to work with them and talk with them to learn about what their future plans were. I also enjoyed supporting the students that I mentored. The E-STEM program ended up being a close-knit community and I ended up making friends with everyone in it. The activities were so fun and it really solidified my interest in mathematics.
Currently, I work at ACE Group as a Professional Associate in Underwriting. It is an entry-level position where I participate in a lot of training to get a solid foundation in the field of insurance.
My courses prepared me for the real world by giving me a diverse background of knowledge, with a focus on my major. Although I don’t use math every day, my courses really helped build my analytical skills and learn how to manage my time properly.
*Gwynedd Mercy University's Mathematics program is no longer enrolling new students. You can learn more about similar programs on the School of Arts & Sciences page.
