In today’s NBA, front-office decision-makers are leveraging the power of data analytics more than ever to make informed decisions. Benjamin Eidelberg ’15, MS ’16, is doing his part in helping the Washington Wizards change the game.

Getting a degree from Smith helped me build a profile for a non-developer role. Several of my classes involved case studies that helped build my problem-solving skills in the context of Information Systems.

In the six years since TJ Ademiluyi earned his bachelor’s in finance at Smith, he’s achieved something it takes some people decades to do — and many never reach it. He co-founded a business that’s become a multi-million dollar company.

When Allison Lucchese ’08 began her career at Morgan Stanley over 14 years ago, she put her trust in others to find her way forward. Now in a leadership role, Lucchese is paying it forward and leading others on their journey.

The Smith School focused on giving us a more holistic view of the corporate environment. My classes included business transformation courses, disruption technology, network effects and technical concepts like database management, machine learning, etc. I loved my class on building a digitally transformational app.

Not many executives can say they helped a company pivot from Chapter 11 bankruptcy to one of its best earnings years ever in their first two years, but Kenny Cheung ’05 can.

“I recently became familiar with some new language in the people and HR space called a zig-zag career.” Meredith LaBonte, Vice President of Corporate Business Solutions at Novant Health Digital Products and Services, thinks she’s a pretty good example of it.

There’s a book entitled “The Velvet Hammer” that describes the moniker of a woman who gets things done and done well by leading with grace and eloquence. Author Elaine Allison says this woman has let go of trying to make what works for her male counterparts work for her. 

Lisa Kidd Hunt didn’t exactly leave Smith after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in finance. Not in a Matthew Mcconaughey à la “Dazed & Confused” kind of way, but she’s the kind of person who sticks around, cultivating the relationships and roots she’s planted. She’s a football season ticket holder, she’s served as a commencement speaker and as a board member, and she continues to stay involved, partly because, as she puts it, she’s “jealous” of how much Smith students get out of their education these days.

Want to know how to climb the corporate ladder? Bet on yourself and take risks early in your career, says Neal Shear ’76.