Nicole Ojeda

Alumni Relations Officer, Pace University

Class of 2021
BBA in Business Management with minors in Economics and Political Science

Member Of: Student Government Association

Meet Nicole Ojeda, the 2019-2020 President of the Student Government Association and a Business Management major who is passionate about the communities that she is a part of. Nicole is the first in her family to be born in the United States and she speaks Spanish, English, French, and Italian fluently. This unique ability to communicate with different groups of people is reflected in the things that she is accomplishing as a student at Pace University. This summer, Nicole is working as a Summit Production Intern for She’s the First, her second internship in the not-for-profit world. Her internship falls under the auspices of the Wilson Center.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business to advance your business education?

I chose to attend Pace because in addition to falling in love with the location, I fell in love with the people. The students, faculty, and staff here at Pace have a true desire to help one another pursue their true passions. In the Lubin School of Business I see that many achieve greatness by collaborating with one other, leaving their comfort zones, and motivating one another along the way. For me, Pace’s Lubin School of Business offered three things I looked for the most in my college experience: a quality education, real-world involvement, and most importantly the love and support I need in order to excel.

Where are you currently interning? Have you had any other internships previously

This summer I am interning at a non-profit called She’s the First. This organization helps fight gender inequality throughout the world and supports girls worldwide through education, mentoring, and movement building. The Wilson Center made me aware of this internship. After applying I got the call that I would be She’s the First’s Summer Events Production intern. In the past I interned at another non-profit organization --the Boys and Girls Club of America-- through Bank of America’s Student Leadership program.

#LubinLife is much more than recognizing the opportunities circulating around us; #LubinLife is the undying willingness to take advantage of them.

What have you been working on at your internship?

So far, I have been involved with general event production, which is different from my previous event planning experiences. I’ve worked on many aspects of event planning with a heavy emphasis on research. I have gotten very familiar with the organization, their different events, campaigns, and social media outreach strategies. I have also learned about communicating effectively in an office setting.

Any advice for other Lubin students looking for internships?

For students looking for internships, I highly recommend using all available resources. This entails speaking with professors, networking with other students, employers, and alumni. Definitely take advantage of the incredible Career Services office that we have on campus. Another great source for finding internships would be online platforms such as Handshake and LinkedIn.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife represents the insatiable thirst to achieve success as a young business student. Given the resources available within Lubin, in addition to Pace University as a whole, opportunities can seem endless. Sometimes they may not be so clear or easy to obtain, but because we are Lubin students, we are quick to think of ways to thrive in such a unique environment. #LubinLife is much more than recognizing the opportunities circulating around us; #LubinLife is the undying willingness to take advantage of them. Through networking, relationship building, and professional and personal development, we Lubin students can succeed here in New York City and the world beyond.

Matthew Martinez

Client Associate, Rockefeller Capital Management

Class of 2021
BBA in Finance with a minor in Mathematics

Member Of: Student Government Association, Investment Club, Delta Sigma Pi

Meet Mathew Martinez, Lubin’s Student Ambassador for Pleasantville’s Student Government Association, who is very dedicated to keeping #LubinLife vibrant on campus. As a finance major with a minor in mathematics, Matthew has been growing the Investment Club on campus. He has also been taking advantage of the opportunities offered by Career Service, and he even landed an internship through the on-campus Job and Internship Fair! We talked to Matthew about what his life as a Lubin student is like.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

I transferred to Pace University’s Lubin School of Business after my freshman year at University at Albany. One reason I transferred to Pace was for the smaller class sizes, I learned quickly when I first started college that it was difficult for me to learn with 400 other people in the class. I also love how the teachers here are very accessible. I know if I need one on one help, I can get it. I also chose Lubin because of the hands-on experience-based education model they have. Before coming to Pace, I already had the belief that it is essential, especially in the business field, to get hands-on experience before you graduate from college. Pace offers precisely that with the Career Services office, internship fairs, and multiple companies they bring on campus to talk to students.

You are the Lubin Student Ambassador for the Student Government Association. Tell us what this position entails and what motivated you to take on this role.

The position of Lubin Student Ambassador entails advocating for the students in the Lubin School during our bi-weekly senate meetings. I also strengthen the connection of individuals in the business school by holding a community meeting where all students, teachers, and faculty can meet and discuss common business topics each semester. I have always loved networking and meeting new people, so when I found out that this role offered the opportunity to connect students with faculty in the business school, I immediately set my sights on it.

You had a finance-focused internship last Spring. Tell us about your experience at this internship and what you have learned.

I interned at Foresters Financial Services, now known as Cetera, during my Sophomore year. Throughout this internship, I learned how to professionally conduct meetings with potential clients and what product a financial services company can offer to help individuals reach their monetary goals in the future. Through their internship program, I was able to sit in team meetings and attend client pitches, which was probably my favorite part of the internship.

I highly recommend attending the Job and Internship Fair because that is where I got my internship. Make sure to research the companies that you are most interested in before attending the job fair so that when you engage with the representatives, they can see that you have a high level of interest in their company.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students looking for internships

It is essential that you meet with a Career Services counselor at the start of every semester so you can update your resume and LinkedIn profile in the most effective way. I also highly recommend attending the Job and Internship Fair because that is where I got my internship. Make sure to research the companies that you are most interested in before attending the job fair so that when you engage with the representatives, they can see that you have a high level of interest in their company. My last piece of advice is to apply to as many different types of internships as possible. Before you graduate, you need to try different kinds of jobs to figure out what you really want to do in your career.

You are the President of the Investment Club. Tell us a little bit about this role.

As President of the Investment Club, I try to connect students with similar interests in the stock market and investing in general. I put together our bi-weekly meetings and implemented an online platform to constantly communicate about the fantasy portfolio we manage and changes occurring in the market.

What motivates you to work hard?

What motivates me to work hard is the idea that the business industry is a very competitive place. I am not only competing against the other well-educated business students at Pace but all the other business students around the country looking for similar jobs. To differentiate yourself from other business students, you need to make the most out of your college experience, especially with all the things Lubin has to offer.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife, to me, is all about hands-on experience. That is what made me choose Pace over other schools. They prepare you for the real world with hands-on internship experience before you graduate. They understand it is just as essential to get experience in the business world before you graduate as it is to get your academic degree.

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Matthew La Sala

Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual

Class of 2021
BBA Public Accounting / MS in Financial Management

Member Of: Delta Sigma Pi, Center For Student Enterprise

Meet Mathew La Sala '21, a sophomore majoring in Public Accounting who was ready to start innovating as soon as he set foot on campus. Before he started his first semester, he knew about the Center for Student Enterprise and that he wanted to be a part of it. As he got into his new routine as a student at Pace, he started noticing some business opportunities on campus and came up with a great idea: Pace Fit. Wrapping up its first year of operations with Matthew as its General Manager, Pace Fit has a bright future ahead.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

When I was looking at universities, I felt that Pace offered the most hands-on experience opportunities and I could ensure I would take advantage of them through the Pace Path program. The student-run businesses really appealed to me because I thought that the experience I could get through them would give me a helpful set of skills to achieve my career goals.

You are one of the founders of Pace Fit. How did you come up with the idea?

I came up with the idea during my first semester at Pace when on a Saturday I was looking for some place on campus to get a snack and a cup of coffee. I realized that nothing was open until 10:00 am on weekends. I knew then that the campus needed a morning option for places to grab a bite. Additionally, when I went to the gym, I noticed that there were plenty of active people on campus that were out and about early in the morning. I combined these two insights and saw that there was an opportunity to carve out a space where people could get snacks right at the gym. In order to serve the market of people that go the gym, we needed to offer a healthy option. It also had to be something of high quality, since clients would be using their flex-dollars, for which they expect high value for their money. We thought smoothies were the perfect option since they are easy to make, taste delicious, and are very healthy.

What challenges did you face when you were trying to start Pace Fit?

The first challenge we faced was gathering a team that would be dedicated to taking a leap and starting this new project from scratch (and being willing to fail). Pace Fit took a lot of time and planning, and there are very few people willing to put in time for something that may fail. Personally, I made an effort to never let that thought stop me, because I knew I would be disappointed if we failed, so I gave it everything I had. Once the idea came together and the Lubin School of Business was on board, the biggest challenge was getting the space that we needed in the gym. We went through presentations and negations with the Athletic Department. We had to overcome multiple “no” responses before finally agreeing on a deal that would allow us to start operating.

My goal is to be a successful entrepreneur, and all the experience I have gained from Pace Fit will give me the skill set to be successful. I love running a business. I feel that by running a business there are no caps to how successful you can be.

What motivates you to work hard?

I am motivated by my future. My goal is to be a successful entrepreneur, and all the experience I have gained from Pace Fit will give me the skill set to be successful. I love running a business. I feel that by running a business there are no caps to how successful you can be. Everything you do has an impact and means something. At the same time, you’re in a position where you can easily fail. I am motivated by the thought of failing, learning, and starting over. I can never be content with something I do unless I succeed at it or make sure I learned something that will help me move on to the next thing.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife represents all the resources and activities that Lubin has to offer. I feel that everyone should get involved as much as they can, because in my opinion, experience is the best way to learn.

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John Carlo Bautista

Director of Legislative Affairs, NYC Department of Correction

Class of 2021
BBA in Finance

Member Of: Pace Mart, Student Government Association, Lubin Business Association

If you walked through Times Square early this summer, you might have seen a familiar face on the billboards at 1585 Broadway. It was John-Carlo, a rising senior currently pursuing a Finance BBA with a stellar Pace Path. As a Pleasantville student, he has been very involved on campus. He is part of student government, the Lubin Business Association, Lubin’s student-run businesses, and often visits career services counselors. As a resident of Westchester, he has also been very involved in politics; he was elected to a democratic local party office at 18, and was just re-elected this year. We talked to John-Carlo about his experiences at Pace and what it is like to be part of the Morgan Stanley Summer Analyst Program.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

I come from a Pace University family; my mother graduated from Pace in 1992. I chose Pace because of the great diversity I found in the student body. It was also great that it was close to home and the scholarship that I was granted played a big role in my decision as well.

What type of opportunities and resources have you been taking advantage of as an Undergraduate student at Lubin?

I have received assistance from Career Services, worked for Lubin’s student-run businesses at the Center for Student Enterprise, and was a member of the Lubin Business Association (a student club on campus). All of the organizations taught me valuable skills and introduced me to people who are active in the Finance industry, the industry in which I am interested in pursuing a career.

Working at Pace Mart taught me how to lead, how to manage a small business, and how to work with others. Pace Mart is a great start for anyone who wants to get work experience and learn how to develop leadership skills.

How do you think that your experience working for Pace Mart, one of our student-run businesses, will impact your career?

Working at Pace Mart taught me how to lead, how to manage a small business, and how to work with others. Pace Mart is a great start for anyone who wants to get work experience and learn how to develop leadership skills.

You’ve landed a summer analyst internship with Morgan Stanley. How has that experience been so far?

My experience at Morgan Stanley, so far, has been excellent. I have met many smart, affable, and driven individuals from all different backgrounds. I have learned a lot about compliance, especially how critical it is for our Investment Management business. My experiences at Morgan Stanley have developed my communication and presentation skills, but also my analytical skills, as I’ve been tasked with reading and writing policies and procedures.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students looking for internships?

Take full advantage of everything you are offered at Lubin, whether it’s through your BUS 255 class or an event with a potential employer. It’s important to realize that your knowledge, professional reputation, and communication skills are critical to landing a job on Wall Street. Try to get to know as many people as possible in the field you’re interested in and develop relationships with them, as they’ll be able to help you with your career in the future. Developing relationships will also give you a new perspective and a better idea of what kind of career you want to pursue.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife means taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. At Lubin, you’ll find many opportunities to meet others in your field and start your career. Get to know your professors and even fellow students, as all of them may one day be able to help you in your future.

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Joey Wong

Prime Finance Liquidity Reporting Analyst, JPMorgan Chase & Co

Class of 2021
BBA in Finance with a minor in Economics

Member Of: Pace Investment Club, Pforzenheimer Honors College, Business Honors Program, Student Government Association, Beta Alpha Psi

Joey Wong, originally from Parkland, Florida, is currently working towards his BBA in Finance with a minor in Economics. On campus, Joey is the president of Lubin School of Business’ very own Investment Club. Joey took advantage of the opportunities offered by Pace University by participating in the prestigious and selective Wall Street Careers Workshop. Fun fact, aside from his campus involvement and his school work, Joey also works as a life guard.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

When I visited NYC before becoming a student, I knew that I wanted to live here one day. Once I found an interest and passion for Finance, I knew that the place to pursue a career for it would be here, the financial capital of the world. This is one of the main reasons why I chose Pace - its unique location in Manhattan’s Financial District. It gives the university and its students a huge advantage. Aside from location, I knew the Lubin School of Business has a very good program for Business and Finance and that it would help me reach my goals of working in the Finance industry. I knew that attending a business school, in a non-traditional campus in Manhattan would be a great learning experience for me.

What type of opportunities and resources have you been taking advantage of as a student at Lubin?

There are so many networking opportunities and events here at Pace. The school gives you the chance to connect with and meet many employers and alumni. Some colleges do not get this opportunity because of where they are located but because we are in NYC, it makes it all that much easier for us. Additionally, Lubin’s location gives me access to a lot of employers and internships, sometimes even within walking distance of the campus. Lastly, a great resource that Lubin has is its professors. The majority of them have real world experience, having worked in large global companies or other notable entities. My professors were always glad to help students out and genuinely want us to reach our full potential.

I am motivated by the city: New York City is inspirational because the people here are some of the hardest workers I have ever met. I am motivated by my peers: we are tirelessly working and staying competitive, but we want each other to succeed, as well

What motivates you to work hard?

I am motivated by what I do not know: what lies ahead of me and where my potential can take me. I am motivated by what I do know: my career goals and what I want to do in my near future, right out of college. I am motivated by the city: New York City is inspirational because the people here are some of the hardest workers I have ever met. I am motivated by my peers: we are tirelessly working and staying competitive, but we want each other to succeed, as well.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

It is the drive behind Lubin students and the characteristic that a lot of them display. We are proactive both on campus and outside of it, constantly busy with interning, working, learning, growing, volunteering, etc. This is what #LubinLife means to me.

Jillian Lewandoski

Marketing & On-Air Promotions Associate Producer, MSG Networks

Class of 2021
BBA in Sports Marketing with a minor in Arts and Entertainment

Member Of: National Society of Leadership and Success, Trustee Recognition Award Recipient

Meet Jillian Lewandoski, a Sports Marketing major who constantly knows how to keep an ear to the ground to make sure that she is taking advantage of all of the opportunities that come her way. In the Spring of 2020, Jillian will be adding a third internship to her resume as part of the Student Associate Internship Program at Madison Square Garden in the Marketing Department. But her efforts have taken her beyond landing great internship opportunities. By staying in touch with her advisors, Jillian had the chance to attend the Leigh Steinberg Sports Conference for free. Additionally, last month she traveled all the way to Chicago representing Pace at the Sports Marketing Association Conference. We talked to her about how her experiences beyond the classroom have helped her keep her career moving forward.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

I always kind of knew that I wanted to pursue a career in sports. When it came time to apply to colleges that offered a degree in Sports Marketing, which isn’t that common, no school grabbed my attention until I visited Pace University. When I learned that Pace has such unique specialized concentrations, such as Sports Marketing and Arts and Entertainment Management, I knew that I would get an experience here that other schools could not offer. Being in New York City and getting the chance to study within a highly accredited business school made this a very easy decision for me.

What type of opportunities and resources have you been taking advantage of as a student at Lubin?

I am constantly on the lookout for events that pop up. Pace has a large professional network based right here in New York City and I make sure to take advantage of that whenever I can. Recently, Pace hosted the Leigh Steinberg Sports Career Conference. By staying up-to-date with Lubin’s social media and with my advisor, I was able to attend this conference for free and meet many professionals from companies such as the NFL, ESPN, the New York Daily News, MSG, the New York Mets, Open Sponsorship, and more.

You recently attended the Sport Marketing Association’s Conference in Chicago. Can you tell us a bit about that experience and what it meant to you as a student?

It was an awesome experience to say the least. I got the chance to build relationships with numerous professionals within the industry, renowned professors from all over the country, and aspiring students, like myself, who have the drive to excel on the business side of the sports industry. It meant so much to represent Pace and our Sports Marketing program. Getting a private tour of Wrigley Field was memorable too.

To me, #LubinLife means having my professors and peers push me to be the best version of myself. The atmosphere everywhere in Lubin is so motivating and inspiring, it pushes me to want to be the better than I was the day before.

Tell us about your internship experiences. What have you learned and how will you apply what you have learned to the rest of your career?

To date, I have held two internship positions. My first was in Business Development and Marketing at the Institute of Management Accountants and my current position is at the Rutgers University Athletic Department, working in Sports Marketing and Fan Experience. In both positions, I have accumulated an array of skills involving the creation of new promotional strategies, and currently I am learning what it takes to implement in-game promotions during collegiate sporting events. Knowing when to use both my analytical and creative skills in future positions is something I definitely will carry with me for the entirety of my career.

What motivates you to work hard and seek opportunities outside of the classroom?

I have a big drive to build an amazing future and career for myself. While the classroom work is incredibly important, getting real-world, hands-on experience is something you cannot learn from a textbook. My own motivation for wanting to reach a high level of success, in both my personal and professional life, is what pushes me to keep looking for more outside the classroom.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students looking to take on new challenges and opportunities?

My greatest advice would be to never let fear decide your fate. It can be overwhelming to go through a very transformational and important phase in your life, but you never want your fears to control your future. Take advantage of every opportunity and new challenge, even if they are scary; this is so crucial to your growth in any aspect of your life.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means having my professors and peers push me to be the best version of myself. The atmosphere everywhere in Lubin is so motivating and inspiring, it pushes me to want to be the better than I was the day before

Deniz Ilgaz Sen

Strategist, Business Solutions, Horizon Media

Class of 2021

BBA in Management - Arts and Entertainment Management with a minor in Psychology

Member Of: Sigma Alpha Pi National Honor Society of Leadership and Success, Pace Photography Club

Meet Deniz Ilgaz Sen, an international student from Turkey and an Arts and Entertainment Management major who quickly made New York City and Pace University her new home. She credits her great experiences at Pace to faculty and friends. To take a little break from the city that never sleeps, Deniz decided to study abroad in Florence, Italy, where she was able to adapt to yet another different culture. There, she also took a Pairing Food and Wine class, which taught her many new local recipes. She believes that international education helps students grow and provides valuable opportunities for the future.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

While attending the Italian high school in my hometown, Istanbul, Turkey, my dream was always to set foot in New York City for college. I was having a hard time finding the right major for me, until I stumbled upon Arts and Entertainment Management at Pace University. Looking at the curriculum, all the internship opportunities, various workshops, and the countless number of clubs, I knew Pace University and the Lubin School of Business was where I belonged. As an international student, I never felt homesick at Pace thanks to the undivided attention of my professors, advisors, and all the new friends I have made.

Why did you choose to study abroad in Florence?

Over the years, I had visited Italy many times and I always found myself coming back to Florence. After spending two years in one of the most crowded and fast-paced cities in the world, I wanted to challenge myself, and furthermore cherish calmness in a city full of history, art, and impeccable cuisine.

What were the greatest challenges you had to overcome during your experiences of studying abroad?

For me the biggest challenge was adapting to the diverse lifestyle of Italy, especially in such a small city. Even though there are many tourists during the day, this doesn’t affect the culture at all. Everything in my daily life changed -- from what I ate, how I commuted to school, how I interacted with people, and what I did during the weekends. My experience gave me an understanding of how much a person can develop and reach a different stage of self-actualization.

You will make so many unforgettable memories, meet amazing people from all over the world, travel to other countries, and expose yourself to new cultures and languages.

Any advice for other Lubin students looking to study abroad?

Absolutely, do it! Even though it might seem scary at first you don’t realize how rewarding an experience like this can be until you’ve gone through with it. It will empower you with personal strength and open a door to endless possibilities. You will make so many unforgettable memories, meet amazing people from all over the world, travel to other countries, and expose yourself to new cultures and languages. I have met with so many other study abroad students who found their true passions in Florence and extended their semester into a whole year, and that could be you!.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me #LubinLife is the beginning of a world of success, strong connections, and a sense of belonging to a community full of ambitious, yet welcoming people. #LubinLife provides students with endless opportunities from organizations in their desired field to professional settings that help prepare them for the future. The culture at Lubin is challenging, yet gives students a chance to grow personally into outstanding businessmen and businesswomen.