HWS News
30 January 2026 • Alums Exploring Business in Boston
During winter break, students met with alumni and heard from leaders from some of the top companies in the country.
Hobart and William Smith students gained an inside look at careers in finance, consulting, real estate, media and global business during the Boston Business Career Trek, hosted by the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education Jan. 12-13. Through site visits, alumni panels and networking opportunities, students engaged directly with HWS graduates and industry leaders working across some of Boston’s most influential organizations, including Fidelity Investments, Google, Deloitte, Brown Brothers Harriman, Mediahub Worldwide and Suffolk Construction.
The experience was led by Assistant Vice President for Career Services Brandi Ferrara, Assistant Director of Employer Development and Engagement Maribeth Shell and Visiting Assistant Professor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship Erinn Ryen.
“This trek is an excellent opportunity for our students to learn about careers at some of the most recognizable businesses in the country,” says Ferrara. “We’re grateful to our dedicated, passionate alumni who, through up-close interactions, help our students succeed by offering advice and making connections that land them internships and jobs.”
Boston Business Trek
Day One began with a series of alumni-led panels, focusing on careers in human resources and real estate that highlighted early career experiences and long-term professional growth. Alumni from firms such as Deloitte, Brown Brothers Harriman and Compass reflected on their transitions from HWS to the workplace, offering candid advice on navigating the first years after graduation. They also discussed leadership, organizational culture and the evolving demands of their industries.
In the afternoon, students visited EF, hosted by Vice President at EF High School Exchange Year Keri Charles, and Mediahub Worldwide, hosted by Assistant Media Planner Bridget Weier ’23. From these visits, they learned about careers in global education, marketing strategy and media planning. Alumni from both also shared how interdisciplinary skills developed at HWS such as critical thinking, communication and adaptability, have shaped their careers in fast-paced, international environments.
On Day Two, students explored careers in finance and analytics during visits to Fidelity Investments, BCE, Google and Suffolk Construction. At Fidelity, alumni participated in roundtable discussions on wealth management, risk analytics and early career programs, offering students a detailed look at the firm’s professional pathways. Site visits at Google, BCE and Suffolk Construction showcased roles in data analysis, technology, construction management and large-scale project development.
Students were joined by President Mark D. Gearan during their tour of Suffolk Construction, hosted by Senior Director and Head of Red & Blue University at Suffolk Dan Collier.
Participating alumni and guests included:
Young Alum Panel: Innovation Project Coordinator at Brown Brothers Harriman Grace Swartz '24, Consultant at Deloitte Matt Nusom '23, Senior Associate of Revenue Strategy and Operations at Compass Bennett Tierney ’20
“People and Processes: Careers in HR and Operations” Panel: Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Boston Medical Center Maria Trainor Carleen ’10, Director of Human Resources at TA Reality Drew Hussar ’97, Head of People Rewards of the Americas at Philips Sarah Sardella ’98, Director of NA Logistics at Converse Mark Yates ’98
Real Estate Panel: Assistant Property Manager at JLL Josh Malenick ’16, Realtor Sales Associate at William Raveis Real Estate Bill Tierney’90, Manager of Partner Development at Windoover Construction Kelly Niehoff ’93, Managing Director at JLL Tim Martin ’04
EF: Senior Customer Success Specialist Julia Stockwin ’22, Manager Karly Wagner ’16, Tour Consultant at EF Explore America Sydney Schultz ’23, Market Development Specialist at EF Ultimate Break Sally Dent ’19, Vice President at EF High School Exchange Year Keri Charles
Mediahub Worldwide: Assistant Media Planner Bridget Weier ’23, Director at Initiative Nicole Harrington ’17, Associate Media Director of Investments Gabriella Goodwin ’19, Senior Vice President Client Business Partner and Head of Mediahub Leila Gibney ’09
Fidelity Investments: Investment Risk Management Associate Peggy Wagner ’21, Senior Analyst of Wealth Management Chandni Patel ’20, Financial Consultant Courtney Ashley ’13, Vice President of ERM Analytic and Operations and Business Development Kinsey Kornack ’06, Finance Rotation Program Associate Troy Steiner ’25, Senior University Relationships Lead Meghan Palmer, Director of Strategy, Partnerships & Enablement of University Talent Jonathan Sanford; Recruitment Coordinator Margaret Ames; Branch Leader Kelly Lannan
BCE: Analyst Annabel Ramsay ’25
Google: Principal Analytical Lead Ben Finkelstein ’15
Suffolk Construction: Project Engineer Mark Synnott ’22, MSM ’23; Assistant Superintendent Bryce Benham ’22, Assistant Manager of Internal Relations Kathleen Gearan ’21, Associate of External Communications and Public Relations Madeleine Gearan, Vice President and Project Executive Lisa Kochilaris, Senior Vice President of Suffolk Design Chris Lanzisera, Associate of the Early Career Program Eliza Inder, Associate of the Career Start Program Lucie Poulin, Senior Director and Head of Red & Blue University Dan Collier
Top: Senior Analyst at Fidelity Chandni Patel ’20 provides insight to students about the transition from studying in Geneva to working in Boston.
