Major: Finance

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

I found the adjustment from a school like Shen to Albany to be very seamless. Coming from a big school the larger classes never was something that frightened me. The only adjustment I had to make was when dealing with 200 person plus lectures you have to make sure you personally stay on top of you work.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

The first thing that really blew me away academically was in my second year at Albany. I began to apply myself more to my studies and found that the amount of resources available academically to be unbelievable. Simply put everything I needed was only a question or mouse-click away. I would advise anyone considering albany to fully take advantage of the library both in person and online as well.

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

With everything considered half of my junior year was very much “hastily thrown together” for lack of a better expression. Teachers were forced to move nearly entire curriculums online over the course of a week spring break so there was obviously a little give on both ends. Students were patient with teachers learning how to deliver their lectures online just as teachers were patient with students With much more on their plates then before.

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What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

I believe Albany handled the first outbreak of Covid very well. There were grants available to those who applied for financial assistance, as well as 24/7 hotlines to call for anyone who had nowhere else to turn. The only complaint I have with albany is that when school was abruptly cancelled a lot of students belongings were locked in the dorms for several months.

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Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

I would recommend they look into the abundance of business groups on campus. For example I am a member of ABLE (Albany business leaders emerging). I’m also looking into joining the mock stock exchange club my senior year but there is a plethora of options to chose from ranging in your specific concentration.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

There are often sporting events on campus nearly every weekend. Unfortunately a small percentage of the student body generally goes to them :(. I will say there is always activities going on the weekends for those interested.

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Are you involved in athletics at your college? How do you balance sports, academics, and extracurricular activities?

While I’m not involved in sports I am involved with several groups and sometimes it can be a lot to juggle. My best advice is work on time management skills and prioritize your work first ( something I wish I was told as a freshman).

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Do you have a job during the school year, or is it common for students to have on-campus jobs? What is that experience like?

Yes I work part time at a restaurant right off of campus. There are jobs also available on campus and I would recommend this for a freshman who needs to make money, because these places will fit work schedules to your school schedule. I would not recommend getting a job freshman year unless necessary. I believe you should be acclimated to the college life before overextending yourself.

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Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

Shen has done a sufficient job at preparing you for college now take what you’ve learned and apply yourself.

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What makes your college special to you?

The people I’ve met have considerably changed my life and I cannot picture having not came to Albany and met them.

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What do you wish you knew about your college when you were a senior at Shen?

You get out what you put in.

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

I would recommend going on social media pages for incoming freshman. My freshman year I was caught in a forced triple with two random kids. While I became close and still am close with one of them, definitely wish I found someone from the jump. Also I would recommend staying with someone who you don’t already know from home.

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How is the financial aid situation at your college?

There is financial aid available to those who need it. Just go into the department I’ve found the workers there to be very hands on and eager to help.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your college experience that hasn't been addressed yet in this questionnaire?

Have fun, but not too much fun!