Eli Blaker

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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Caitlyn Dangvu

Double Major

Accounting and Finance

Internship

Audit Intern at KPMG in Colchester, VT

Favorite Class

Financial & Economic Modeling

Post-Grad job

Auditor at KPMG in Colchester, VT

How has Champlain prepared you for the professional world?

Champlain taught me how to act professionally, encouraged me to be a team player, and provided me with a foundation of knowledge to help propel my future career. At the end of my internship with KPMG, I was offered a full-time job post-graduation! I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to work for a Big Four accounting firm if I hadn’t landed the internship.

What projects have you worked on in classes that you’ve found particularly rewarding?

I took a finance class where we built data models in Microsoft Excel. The knowledge I learned in this class allowed me to build data models and systems as I worked at other jobs. I was able to create Excel systems that streamlined processes and analyzed data that were then used by my employers.

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

If you value a close-knit community and personal connections, Champlain is for you. I’m astounded by the opportunities I’ve come across and the fantastic network I’ve built here, all stemming from the individual connections I’ve made within this community. I feel like everyone—my professors, my Advisor, my Career Coach—cares about me as a person and helps push me to succeed.

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Martina Monroe

Was there anything specific that made you choose Champlain?

I was drawn to the Upside-Down Curriculum, high job placement, and small classes. When first looking at colleges, I wasn’t sure what size I was really looking for, but I am so glad I chose a small school. The connection you build with both students and faculty is something that can be extremely challenging in larger schools, but can be transformative during a student’s time in college.

What’s the best thing about living on campus?

I have been a commuter and residential student, and I think the best thing about Champlain’s community is the family-like dynamic. Whenever I am walking to or from classes, I am bound to run into someone I know, and I never hesitate to say hi and check in to see how they’re doing!

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

I am involved in Stiller Women in Business (SWIB), currently serving as the President. I also serve as a Resident Advisor.I have been involved in SWIB since my first semester of college, and I love the mission of the group and all of the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to work with. As for the RA position, I chose to take on this responsibility to be a resource for students and provide a safe space for them to confide in if they do not feel like talking to a professional staff member.

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Anna Needler

Internship

McSoley McCoy & Co. in South Burlington, VT

Favorite Class

Financial and Economic Modeling

Post-Grad Job

Staff Accountant at McSoley McCoy & Co

What do you like about your program?

My advisor, Nicole Morris, believed in me right from the beginning. I had her as a professor for one of my classes in my first semester during my first year, and I have her now in my last semester at Champlain. She’s been consistently supportive for all four years. Many of my classmates have had the same experience with their advisors. I really have appreciated her believing in me and her guidance.

How has Core changed your perspective?

Core gave me the opportunity to hear perspectives from people with broader experiences than I have. My Core professors were some of the best people I’ve ever known. Being such a close-knit community allowed for people—including the professors—to share their genuine selves. I will forever be impacted by my Core experiences.

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

One thing I didn’t expect was how beneficial the Career Collaborative is. Pat Boera helps every student in the Robert P Stiller School of Business literally every single step of the way in finding their place in the professional world. She helped me build a LinkedIn profile and resumé, she guided me through accounting recruiting season, and conducted my mock interview and gave detailed feedback.

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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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Jon Smith

Piece of advice to students?

Do your work early in the morning if possible.

What's your favorite book or movie?

Movie: Good Will Hunting Book: Game of Thrones Series

Inspirational Quote?

“Work hard in silence let success be your noise.” -Frank Ocean

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