Where Are They Now?
Read some sound advice from our graduates of New England College of Finance.
"I believe banking is a very stable and rewarding field, with endless opportunities."
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Paul Zapatka Customer Service Manager, Sovereign Bank AS in Banking Studies from NECF, 2004 Continuing his education for a Bachelor’s degree Learn More >> |
"The staff and faculty at New England College of Finance are GREAT."
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Jeanne Colgan Sr. Personnel Banker, Webster Bank NA AS in Business Administration from NECF, 2006 Learn More >> |
 " NECF was extremely helpful for me and a great stepping stone to pursue higher degrees." |
Lisa Andersen Senior Vice President, Group Operations Manager Bank of America AS in Banking Studies from NECF, 2002 Continued her education for a Bachelor’s degree, 2005 Currently in an MBA program, expecting to graduate May 2008 Learn More >> |
Paul Zapatka
Customer Service Manager , Sovereign Bank
AS in Banking Studies from NECF, 2004; continuing his education for a Bachelor’s degree
What advice would you give to students about to start their education?
Make time to invest in yourself. Share what you learn with others. The time and effort invested will increase your knowledge ten fold. Make every effort to reach your goals for it will payoff tomorrow with increased opportunities. Encourage others to learn more too.
Why did you choose the field you’re working in?
I believe Banking is a very stable and rewarding field, with endless opportunities. I enjoy the respected fiduciary roles I have within the community.
Is your job one of today’s hottest jobs? Why?
I believe that the Banking Industry is a popular field. Financial Services will always be in demand. As our lives become busier and busier, it’s nice to know there are expert people who can assist personal and business customers with their financial questions and needs.
What was the single most important thing about your education at New England College of Finance that enabled you to get the job you have?
The quality of course material, the experience of the teachers and the support of the directors of NECF all helped to make for the highest quality of education. I am very grateful for the education I received through New England College of Finance. I firmly believe that it has given me the ‘edge’- the knowledge and confidence to seek the positions I want, the ability to share my knowledge with others and also continue further with my education.
Do you feel you have an advantage in your job thanks to your New England College of Finance Education? Why?
Absolutely! The course work was challenging, but very rewarding. I know so much more than I did when I started. I am constantly referring back to a particular course, or things I learned to help me in my position. I feel I can offer so much more than before...not only has the education enhanced my own performance, but I know so much more about the industry, I feel very comfortable conversing with everyone, from co-workers to executives regarding specific issues, campaigns and initiatives.
Would I recommend New England College of Finance to others? Why?
Yes!!! Quite simply, my education at New England College of Finance was the best thing that has happened to me. I truly believe that. It has given me a deep sense of satisfaction in myself and hope for continued education and a successful career. I can’t thank NECF enough.
Jeanne Colgan Sr. Personnel Banker, Webster Bank NA
AS in Business Administration from NECF, 2006
What advice would you give to students about to start their education?
Education is an experience in which you find yourself growing and developing personally and professionally. If you are returning to school after being out for a while, I would suggest that you start off slowly with just one of two courses [each term]. Life as a student may and can put many new pressures on you. Starting slow will allow you to pace yourself in all areas.
Why did you choose the field you’re working in?
We may choose a field because of the hours or location; however, when choosing a field I feel that it should be interesting, challenging and offering you growth. [I did. Ask yourself this question.] How happy will you be in 20 years?
Is your job one of today’s hottest jobs? Why?
I feel that my current job as a Senior Personal Banker may not be considered one of the “hottest jobs.” Yet, I would consider my job as challenging and interesting. It gives me the feeling that I have helped customers in areas that they did not understand. Isn’t it wonderful to leave work and feel that you have helped someone?
What was the single most important thing about your education at New England College of Finance that enabled you to get the job you have?
I found myself in a position that was going nowhere and [I knew that] any advancement opportunity would require some form of a degree. The single most important thing about my education at New England College of Finance is that it could and would open up new areas for me.
Do you have an advantage in your job thanks to your New England College of Finance education? Why?
I have found that New England College of Finance education has opened doors. And, more importantly, it has given me a wider base of knowledge to share with my co-workers and clients.
Would you recommend New England College of Finance to others? Why?
I would and have recommended New England of Finance to my co-workers. I feel that education is an asset to you both personally and professionally. The staff and faculty at New England College of Finance are GREAT. They will allow you to grow, they will allow you to challenge them, and they will challenge you to explore worlds of knowledge that lie before you.
Lisa Andersen
Senior Vice President, Group Operations Manager, Bank of America
AS in Banking Studies from NECF, 2002
Continued her education for a Bachelor’s degree, 2005
Currently in an MBA program, expecting to graduate May 2008
What advice would you give to students about to start their education?
Take advantage of the help that your advisors offer. They want you to succeed and can help you with so many questions and recommendations. Be patient with yourselves. You are not expected to understand everything immediately and you will find many students and professors that are more than willing to answer questions. Find a pace that is comfortable for you as not to overwhelm yourself. The number of classes that I took each semester varied greatly from zero to three depending on what other work and family demands I had in my life at that time. I only took three classes in the same semester once or twice and I don’t recommend it. There was no time for anything else and continuing at that pace would have discouraged me from finishing the degree programs. And finally, enjoy yourself! The process of learning can be fun!
Why did you choose the field you’re working in?
It wasn’t really a difficult choice for me. I started in banking when I was in high school and I never left. At the time my choice was working at the bank or at a fast food chain. The bank had better hours!
Is your job one of today’s hottest jobs? Why?
I wasn’t sure what the hottest jobs are considered to be so I looked them up on the internet. Computer programmers and health practitioners ranked number one and two, and the financial industry was third, so yes my job is one of the hottest today. It really is a personal choice though. The top two ranking hottest jobs aren’t for me. If you think your job is the hottest, then it is the right one for you!
What was the single most important thing about your education at New England College of Finance and University of Hartford that enabled you to get the job you have?
The most important thing that I took from NECF was how to improve my writing skills. I was fortunate to have a professor that instilled basic facts as well as an appreciation for using the right words. The knowledge that I gained at NECF helped me greatly in articulating my thoughts. The management and leadership classes that I took at University of Hartford really tied my experience and education together. When Fleet Bank merged with Bank of America, my old job was eliminated. I was able to get another job as a Process Design Consultant based on my education and experience. I was then promoted into the position I have now in January 2007.
Do you have an advantage in your job thanks to your New England College of Finance education? Why?
I had great opportunities and advantages open up for me at the bank because of my education. I learned valuable skills that could be applied to many areas such as project management, six sigma, leadership, and technology.
Would you recommend New England College of Finance to others? Why?
I would absolutely recommend both NECF and University of Hartford to other students. NECF was extremely helpful for me and a great stepping stone to pursue higher degrees.