Hi! I’m Colin, a junior studying HOD and Economics. I transferred to Vanderbilt after my freshman year, so I got to experience campus as both the new kid and someone who now feels completely at home here. You’ll usually find me playing rugby, studying at Owen, checking out something going on in the startup community, or watching sports with friends. I also love getting off campus and exploring Hillsboro Village and Midtown. Because I transferred, I had to intentionally figure out where to study, how to meet people, what organizations to join, and how to make Vanderbilt feel smaller. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned, including the things I wish someone had told me when I first arrived. Ask me anything!

Hometown

Westport, Connecticut

Major(s)

Human & Organizational Development, Economics

Minor(s)

Business, Artificial Intelligence

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Vanderbilt Financial Modeling Club Vanderbilt Innovation and Entrepreneurship Society (VINES) Vanderbilt Rugby Football Club Vanderbilt Blockchain Vanderbilt Career Center, Peer Career Advisor

Describe your college experience

My college experience has definitely had its challenges, but it has also been incredibly enjoyable. What I love most is that there is always something new to try, whether it is joining a club, meeting someone new, taking an interesting class, or going to an event on a random weeknight. College can feel unpredictable at times, with plenty of highs and lows, but I think that is part of what has made the experience so memorable and helped me grow.

Tip for future students

Never hesitate to ask for things. I like the saying, “closed mouths don’t get fed.” Some of the best opportunities, especially internships, may never be posted or advertised. Sometimes you have to reach out, start a conversation, and even create your own opportunity based on your skills and interests. The worst someone can say is no.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been HOD 1300 with Dr. Blaha. I enjoyed learning how organizations actually function through the people, relationships, and systems within them, rather than only looking at a business through numbers or outcomes. The class made me more curious about why some teams work well while others struggle, and it helped confirm why I wanted to study HOD alongside Economics.

Career goals

After college, I hope to work in consulting, where I can solve different business problems, work with a variety of clients, and continue learning about different industries. Long term, I want to use that experience to better understand what types of problems and industries I am most excited about.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is either going out with friends around Nashville or watching a big sports game. I’m a huge sports fan, so if the Seahawks are playing or there’s a good college football game on, I’m usually happy just watching with friends.

High school or secondary school

Staples High School

Previous college

Bucknell University

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the Owen Library. I like that it sits between campus, Hillsboro Village, and Midtown, and it is one of the few places where I regularly interact with both undergraduate and graduate students. It has a professional feel while still being a great place to study, meet people, or get work done between classes.