Student Profiles
Amanda Martin
Hometown: Searingtown, New York
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Degree: BS in business: business analytics track and BA in statistics
Why did you choose the University of Rochester?
The University of Rochester's open curriculum and extensive academic and extracurricular opportunities on campus is what drew me in. I didn’t discover the field of business analytics until my sophomore year, but I couldn’t be more grateful that the U of R led me down the path where I was able to explore different areas until I found the best fit for me!
Why did you choose to major in business?
I chose to major in business because of how widespread the applications are in the real world. Combined with my second area of study, statistics, I saw the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how to utilize data to make informed decisions and develop solutions to real-world business problems.
What has been your favorite undergraduate business course and why?
My favorite undergraduate Simon course has to be GBA (now CIS) 211: Business Modeling in Excel. Coming into the class I thought I already had a strong background in excel, but the course exceeded all my expectations despite the fact that halfway through the semester it had to be moved online due to COVID-19. I learned skills in this class that have been valuable in my professional life as well as in my personal life in my day-to-day use of excel.
What are your activities outside of class?
On campus, I'm involved in a number of organizations and have been fortunate enough to serve on the executive boards for a few of them including Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Alpha Phi Fraternity, and the Ballet Performance Group. I'm also a representative on the Student Organization Review Board (SORB) and serve as an ARC Analyst for SA Government. Lastly, I work as an Information Technology Consultant at the Simon Business School and also have a job as an RA.
Have you completed any internships?
I have not previously completed any internships; however, I recently secured an internship focused on business analytics for the Summer 2021 season which I'm super excited about!
What are your career goals?
Post-graduation I hope to pursue a business analyst role in the financial services industry.
What is your favorite spot on campus? Starbucks or iZone
Starbucks order: Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade
Favorite Rochester restaurant: Red Fern
What has been your go to quarantine outfit? Sweatpants + a hoodie (comfort over style during quarantine always).
What is one positive thing that has come from the pandemic for you?
I got to spend a lot of quality time with my family.
What is one piece of advice you would tell your past self the summer before starting at UR?
I would tell myself to not be afraid to get involved, try new things and not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone! While I joined a few groups and utilized some on-campus resources my first semester on campus, it wasn’t until my sophomore year when I really started to branch out and take advantage of everything the university has to offer.