SUNY Oswego Investment Club’s “Beyond The Degree” program featured three alumni who helped students discover the possibilities that can stem from a college degree.
Panelists Charles “Jon” Herrick ’00, Ben Bryan ’95 and Thomas McCrohan ’85, who all work in the finance industry in New York City, addressed the couple dozen students and faculty members in attendance at the Feb. 6 event.
As panelists spoke, the theme of building a professional network emerged as a key takeaway.
“If I could go back in time as a student, I'd start networking and develop those skills earlier,” Herrick said.
“Never burn bridges,” Bryan added. “Someone you know today could be your boss tomorrow.”
Helping each other
The panel highlighted the importance of helping each other out. Building a network and having the necessary skills are important for any employment –- but showing up for yourself and those around you is fundamental in building trust.
“Authenticity is very important, so is experience,” Herrick said. “When you try to be intellectually honest to yourself and those around you, it makes you shine through. It's fundamental for the industry.”
“Helping others wherever I can taught me to give more than to get back. It’s good karma.” added McCrohan.
The alumni reflected on their time at SUNY Oswego and the skills they developed here that continue to play a key role in their careers today. The panelists joked about not ending up in the field they studied. McCrohan, a computer science major; Herrick, political science and public justice majors; and Bryan, a business administration major, said their time at SUNY Oswego provided them with the tools they needed to pivot into their careers within the finance industry.
“Storytelling and communication are very important in this market,” McCrohan said. “Very early in my career I learned how important these sectors were. You recognize people like being informed and being able to anticipate and communicate that feedback is crucial.”
Students in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions, as many were curious about how being a student at SUNY Oswego sets them apart in the job market.
'Grit and determination'
“Students from state schools have grit and determination that students from target schools don't," Herrick said. “SUNY Oswego also has a sneaky good alumni-student relationship.”
“Try to show that you're a curious person,” Bryan said. “Students that show natural curiosity and fall into research rabbit holes show that they're trying to figure out the next piece of the puzzle.”
Students also asked about the panelists’ Oswego experiences. The panelists shared their favorite activities, their love for Oswego and even their favorite places to eat.
“I loved everything about my experience at Oswego,” McCohan said.
“Wade’s Diner for dinner and Greene’s bar all the way,” Herrick said.
For Bryan, his favorite place downtown was New York Pizza, which is now known as Cam’s Pizzeria. His close second was “the campus chicken patties.”
The panel concluded with each alumnus sharing the most rewarding part of his work. It wasn't the numbers on the screen: it was knowing that the decisions they made would create opportunities and growth for real people and real communities. They shared that finance success wasn't just profit alone, it was the impact they leave behind.
For Herrick, he found satisfaction in guiding and working with his partners and seeing his team grow and win together. For McCrohan, it was the side benefits, experiences and people he was honored to meet. For Bryan, it was being able to further his understanding of how supply and money affect our economy, and learning about the fascinating company stories.
“Networking will be a theme for the rest of your life,” said McCrohan. “Once you get one foot in the door, you realize the industry is much smaller than you think.”
-- Written by Jose Vazquez Nava of the Class of 2027 for University Advancement