Lauren Viets '23, M'24, a student in the Barney 3+1 program, will receive both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just four years. Lauren is a business analytics and managerial economics major and risk management & insurance minor. As an MBA student, her concentration is in project management.
Before Lauren even finishes her graduate degree, she will begin a full-time role at Travelers, in the Product Management Development Program, as a pricing analyst. This opportunity stemmed from an internship she did at Travelers this past fall. Lauren says it was great to work with others her age who are just getting started in their career. Throughout this experience, she learned how to ask for help, work on a team, and show patience when things took longer than anticipated. This internship provided Lauren with outstanding career preparation by giving her a stronger background in insurance. Through her work at Travelers and the training she received, Lauren came to understand the roles that the employees play. She was also able to make connections between other interns and employees in the office.
On campus, Lauren is very involved as a member of the Barney Leadership Council (BLC), where she was the membership chair last year, and as a member of the Red Key Society. BLC assisted her academically and professionally by opening the door to many opportunities to improve business etiquette and networking. The Red Key Society, UHart’s group of tour guides on campus, made a huge impact in Lauren’s personal and professional life. Being a tour leader not only gave her confidence in public speaking, but confidence in herself as well. Lauren learned and grew a lot throughout her time giving tours and was able to meet great people—including her best friend and roommate.
She says that the Barney School also helped her to be confident when networking. “The number of events that are thrown are very helpful,” Lauren says. "While networking is still something that can be scary, the Barney School of Business provides plenty of practice.”
Among the many influential Barney School faculty members, Lauren praises Ken Goldstein, clinical instructor of risk management and insurance. She not only enjoyed her classes with him, but he also played a role in her getting her an internship at Hartford HealthCare and promoting an event that introduced her to the program at Travelers. Nate Burrage, assistant director of admission, also had a huge impact on Lauren throughout her time as a tour leader. He always provided her his full support and challenged her to be the best she could be. “I would advise incoming students to get to know their professors and peers,” Lauren says. “Getting to know them can lead to potential opportunities that can skyrocket your career.”
Lauren’s final piece of advice for students: “Getting involved will change your college experience. If I did not get involved on campus, I do not know where I would be today. The people you will meet and the social aspects of a club are what truly made college a great experience for me.”
Lauren Viets '23, M'24, Business analytics and managerial economics major and risk management & insurance minorWhile networking is still something that can be scary, the Barney School of Business provides plenty of practice.