Caitlyn Dangvu

Ahmed Adan

How did you start your own business?

FUAY LLC is a streetwear brand that I started during my first year of college. After taking Champlain’s Entrepreneurial Mindset course, BUS 110, I felt confident enough in my business plan to make it a reality. We were assigned a project to do a business model canvas and a value proposition canvas, and using the project from class, I started my own business. Champlain also helped me with funding FUAY through the Champlain College Flight Fund.

Have you benefited from the Upside-Down Curriculum ?

Definitely, being able to engage with my passion my first year really set a strong basis at Champlain. Being exposed to industry-level business practices really ignited my passion.

How would you describe your Champlain professors?

Before coming to Champlain, I thought my professors would not make the course work engaging or it would be hard to get to know them. I was definitely wrong. All of my professors are passionate about the topics they teach and care about my success in the classroom. Their passions drive my curiosity and give me a better experience.

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Austin Oliver

Double Major

Accounting & Finance

Internship

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) in South Burlington, VT

Favorite Class

Federal Taxes I

How did your classroom work prepare you for your internship experience?

My classroom work in Federal Taxes I, Personal Finance, and Financial Management prepared me to not only understand and be able to perform tax preparation for our clients, but also to give advice regarding personal finances. At Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), I am able to talk with people who do not have a great foundation of financial knowledge and further their understanding of it while also being able to point them in the direction to find further assistance if they need it.My internship experience provided me with applicable job knowledge that will set me apart from other applicants. Following VITA, I will be interning at Gallagher, Flynn, and Co., where I will get experience in public accounting as well, providing me with a diverse work history in my field and showing that I have been getting a well-rounded and career-oriented education.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve found about Champlain so far?

I was surprised by the amount of utility provided to students. The college places a huge emphasis on the advancement of knowledge and encouraging students to broaden perspectives and think freely. Anywhere you look on campus, there is architecture designed to allow you to comfortably sit and work within an environment to suit the needs of any individuals’ workflow. If you want to be outside in the sun, there are patios with beautiful views and walls with broad granite tops-a perfect place to sit with a book or laptop. If you want the vibes of a startup, there is a lounge in the business school with couches, clear whiteboards, and modern aesthetics. Every inch of the campus seems to be built with student productivity being the first thing in mind.

What advice do you have for students thinking about coming to Champlain for college?

I would advise students who are considering Champlain to come onto the campus and interact with some of the faculty here. The small classes and committed teachers have really made the experience for me at the school. If you are looking to be an anonymous figure in the back of a large lecture, this isn’t the school for you. If you have a desire to achieve great things and work hard toward your goals, the school will support you along each step and ensure you have every tool you need to find success. Champlain College isn’t a place for everybody, but if you have a strong personal drive toward success you will find everything you need to assist that drive at this college.

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Elijah Rubin

Internship

Intern at Redstone Property Management in Burlington, VT

Post-Grad Job

Relationship Banker at Mascoma Bank in Burlington, VT

What made you decide to attend Champlain?

I applied Early Decision to Champlain. It’s actually the only school I applied to—I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t gotten in! It has a good business program, and I really liked the small classes sizes. The tight-knit community, the classes Champlain offers, and the Burlington area all make for an overall great college experience.

What do you like most about the Upside-Down Curriculum?

I think for anyone like me who wasn’t sure what they really wanted to do, the Upside-Down Curriculum really helps because you can try things out. Before I decided on Finance, I took a variety of accounting and finance classes because they’re so similar. If I wanted to switch into Accounting or any other business major, I would have been equipped to do so.

How can students get involved on campus?

When I was in high school, I didn’t do a lot of extracurricular activities, so when I got to college I knew I wanted to get involved. I’ve been in CHAMP (Champlain Has Activities and Motivational Programming) since my first week here, and I became an Orientation Leader my senior year. I’ve also been a Resident Assistant, and I play intramural basketball every Tuesday. What I tell every first year is to just do everything, get out there, and try new things. Your college experience is what you make of it, so make the most of it.

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