Madeline McLaughlin '19
Madeline McLaughlin ’19 chose to study Finance because “it’s so broad that it can take you anywhere,” she says. At Bryant, she explored her options, tested herself, and made invaluable connections. “I’ve had the ability to shape my coursework as I go, which led to me figuring out what I actually like and is a good fit for me,” says McLaughlin.
Professor and Chair of Finance Peter Nigro, Ph.D., helped her develop a strategy for her studies and revise that path as her goals changed. “Professor Nigro sits down with everyone their first week for one-on-one discussions about what they want their career path to look like, where they want to interview, and how to figure it out,” McLaughlin explains.
Her coursework was complemented by real-world experience. As a Portfolio Manager with Bryant’s student-run Archway Investment Fund, McLaughlin helped manage more than $1.2 million of real money and made high-stakes decisions about how to best put it to work. “In Archway, you're not just managing a fund. You’re learning so many other things as well, including leadership and being part of a successful team,” says McLaughlin. “It’s like being part of a real business.”
As Vice President of Bryant’s Finance Association, McLaughlin organized networking opportunities for students with finance professionals as well as informational sessions on topics relating to the finance industry. “It’s a real advantage to have our alumni network,” she says. “Everyone wants to see students succeed and then come back to share their success.”
All of these experiences helped prepare McLaughlin to launch her professional career as an Assistant National Bank Examiner at The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which plays a key role in regulating the world banking system. Professor Nigro, who had previously served as Senior Financial Economist with the OCC before joining the Bryant faculty, wrote a recommendation for her.
The University’s reputation was helpful in securing the position as well. “I think they liked that I was from Bryant,” McLaughlin said, “because all of the people they've had from Bryant in the past have been so well prepared.”
Real World Experience
Leadership
Portfolio Manager and Executive Chair of Public Relations, Archway Investment Fund
• Helped manage a $1.2 million equity portfolio, specializing in the industrials sector
• Managed the promotion of the Archway Fund to the Bryant community and oversaw the interview process for incoming analysts
Vice President, Finance Association
• Organized networking opportunities with finance professionals as well as informational sessions on topics relating to the finance industry
Student Mentor, IDEA (Innovation and Design Thinking Experience for All) Program
• Encouraged and assisted students learning the elements of design thinking
• Facilitated workshops and presented design thinking concepts alongside faculty mentors
Bryant Senior Advisory Council
• Discussed current issues and future improvements on campus with other student leaders and the University President, Provost, and other cabinet members
Internships
Portfolio Risk Intern, Rockland Trust
• Conducted statistical model validations on Dodd Frank stress tests and property appraisal models
• Reviewed and gained insight into loan loss provision procedures
• Conducted investigative research on potential credit risk factors such as flood insurance exposures
Social League Intern, U.S. Tennis Association
• Managed a 500-member young professional tennis league in the greater Boston area
• Facilitated match play through marketing campaigns, website modifications, and distribution of promotional materials
Clubs
President and Budgeting Subcommittee Member, Bryant University Club Tennis Team
• Played with and managed the Club Tennis Team
• Strove to make a positive change alongside a rapidly growing team of 60 active members, focusing on skill improvement, team cohesiveness, and increased team exposure within New England
• Developed and maintained a $14,000 annual budget
• Participated in the budget approval process for all budgets for the University’s club sports teams
Academic Competitions
Team Leader, Fidelity Analytics Case Competition
• Constructed a statistical model involving more than 1,700 charter and public schools, and integrating basic excel functions, multivariate analysis, pivot tables, and macros
A Connected Community
Bryant's purposeful student life delivers co-curricular immersion with an inspiring, collegial community. Students forge deep connections that last a lifetime.
An actuarial intern at The Hanover Insurance Group, developed a tool the company uses to analyze variables and set rates.
"Management is about helping other people achieve their best success," says this Bryant alumna.
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