RIT was close to home, and I wanted to stay connected with my family and friends while also making new ones. I had visited the college and saw how close the program was with professors and peers and aspired to have a similar experience for college.
Northwestern Mutual is a company that truly values its employees. They seek to make sure that everyone in the company is comfortable but also challenged. My director was an RIT alumnus, and he has helped me through the co-op process immensely. This co-op has taught me many responsibilities and has challenged me to grow more and come out of my comfort zone, which I never expected but am very thankful for.
Having close relationships with numerous professors allowed me always to have the courage to ask questions. Being prepared and knowledgeable is something that many companies are looking for, and Saunders professors taught me time management, discipline and gave me several connections!
The most distinctive advantage that I've gained from Saunders was the ability to be challenged. Many other co-workers or friends I've spoken to have said that the business program at their school wasn't challenging to them, which gave them very little room for growth. With the classes, coursework, and projects I've done throughout my time at Saunders, I've learned so much, and I don't think that I would've grown as much as I would have at a different university.