New Initiative Boosts Skills, Confidence; Maximizes Second-Year Student Experience

A new Prudential Career Strategy Bootcamp, designed to help UConn second-year students confirm their major, enhance their confidence, and gain mentoring relationships, was a huge success, organizers said.

“Over the last year, we began several initiatives designed to develop the second-year students,” said Brandy Nelson, director of the Undergraduate Programs Office. “For students, this is a year full of significant decisions that directly impact their academic choices and strengthen their resumes.”

The three-day boot camp included a group case-study competition, mentoring and software skill development.

“Having the attitude and belief necessary to win an internship, and succeed in that role, is an essential piece of the growth process,” said Kelly Kennedy, associate director of Student Development. “Through the feedback and mentoring the students received from the Prudential team, they gained tremendous insights into their unique abilities. We are grateful to the Prudential leadership for investing their time and energy in this experience.”

The Prudential team included alumni Kimberly Plumb ’97, David Thomas ’11 MBA, ’13 MSFRM and Alan Breton ’06.

From 38 applicants, Prudential chose students with high GPAs, well-rounded resumes and experience in the financial arena.

Student participants included: Matthew Tonn, Hayley Sanzone, Samantha Martin, Gabriele Cattoni, Daztar Pagdiwala, Sean Monaghan, Mark Lodato, Ryan Koziol, Seamus McKeever, Matthew Arons, Jilleen Livingston, John Collette, Michaela Godell, Abhishek Mehrishi, Gabriella Civello, Michael Gaulin and Alexis Alvarez. Many of the participants were offered summer internships with the company.

“This has been a pivotal learning experience for me,” one student said. “It has made me even more confident to interview with my target companies next year.”