Graduating senior, Reena Odedra ’22 has always had an interest in the finance field. She will graduate this May with a degree from the Barney School of Business in Finance and Risk Management and Insurance and was hired before she'll cross the commencement stage. “I decided to pursue a double major in insurance because I knew what a unique and rare opportunity it would be to study the curriculum here, especially in the insurance capital of the world!” The Barney School put Odedra in just the right place to immerse herself in the study of risk management, finance, and insurance, setting her up to land a job before graduation.
Odedra will join Travelers as a pricing analyst within their Product Management Development Program (PMDP) and learned about the opportunity by attending Barney’s Corporate Visit Day as a first-year student. She believes the experience at the Visit Day allowed her to connect with the PMDP Program Director, leading to her being able to experience a day in the life at Travelers. She says, “Through this one-year program I hope to gain many new skills and grow both professionally and personally!”
When recalling her experience in the classroom she says, “UHart prepared me to achieve my career goals through the foundational courses that taught me valuable skills, like excel, analytics, and communication, that I know I will carry with me as I begin my career.” She goes on to say, “The classes and professors I have had at Barney have always challenged me to practice communication and real-world application within the classroom. These experiences have allowed me to feel confident and ready to join the finance/insurance industry.”
Professor Kenneth Goldstein was influential in Odedra’s Barney experience and her preparation for the working world. She explains, “I’ve taken many of his insurance courses, most recently InsurTech Venturing and Cybersecurity, which have provided me with an innovative and unique perspective on the insurance industry. Throughout my time at UHart I knew I could turn to Professor Goldstein for support and career guidance. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to find such an awesome mentor!”
In addition to the foundational coursework, Odedra completed internships at Travelers, InsurTech, and Sureify during her time as an undergraduate. Barney’s partnership with these companies allowed her to experience real-world lessons that complemented her learning in class. She says, “The professors and advisors were there every step of the way to offer me advice, guidance, and assistance when it came to challenging coursework, internships, and mentorship.”
Outside the classroom, Odedra took on a leadership position within the Asian Student Association as treasurer and then president. Odedra speaks of her experience, “UHart has a strong emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion, which is something I deeply value as an Indian American student." She goes on to say, “This experience has taught me how to work with a variety of individuals, the importance of community, and what it means to be a leader,” she says.
When asked about her favorite parts of UHart, she replies, “I love how diverse the student body is. I have met and connected with people from all different parts of the world. Growing up in a small town makes this especially meaningful.” She also warmly recalls sunny days spent outside on campus with music in the village quads.
Her advice to incoming students is simple, “Be open-minded and do the things that make you uncomfortable as they will help you grow! Surround yourself with people who support you, root for you, and fill your cup.”
Reena Odedra '22, Barney School of BusinessThe classes and professors I have had at Barney have always challenged me to practice communication and real world application within the classroom. These experiences have allowed me to feel confident and ready to join the finance/insurance industry.