Michelle Reznik is a first-generation Ukrainian American, and graduating senior from Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business, majoring in Finance. She feels honored to be selected as a mentee featured in this month’s FWA newsletter and looks forward to starting her career at BMO Capital Markets this summer.
According to Michelle, the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program has been exceptional, providing her with a mentor who could understand any problems she encountered and offer advice to help her become a better version of herself. Michelle is grateful for the program's support, which aided in her professional development, both within and outside of Baruch. She is also grateful for BMO Capital Market’s support through its Equity Through Education funding. She is a recipient of its scholarship funds and appreciates its commitment to Baruch students.
Michelle revealed that her mentor, Aidi Zheng, a BMO Director in Global Markets Corporate Banking, was extraordinary, providing her with the best advice and guidance she could ask for. That BMO connection was extremely helpful, providing an excellent means for Michelle to meet her mentor in person, even though they resided in different states. The two have built a great connection and have regular catch-up sessions and coffee chats virtually. She has built a BMO network including other Baruch graduates, FWA mentors and panelists at BMO’s annual meet and greet event.
Aidi has always supported Michelle's decisions and provided a fresh perspective on any matter, helping Michelle understand her circumstances and options better. By nudging her into finding her own way, Aidi helped Michelle better understand her goals and expectations of herself and how she could best achieve them.
Being a part of the mentoring program taught Michelle how impactful being surrounded by powerful women truly is. She has grown as a person and as a career professional through the mentoring program, and she wants to become a mentor to support future generations of students. Michelle has learned how valuable it is to be a part of a strong community and how a mentor could make a significant difference in one's personal and professional life.
Michelle urges other college students to find a mentor, communicate with their mentor once a connection is established, and make the most of the opportunity. Michelle said, “the FWA mentoring program has provided me with a life-long mentor and support system that will always be there for me.”
Inspired by Michelle’s story? Ready to mentor a talented college student launching her business career? Contact Baruch College program lead Betsy Werley ([email protected]) or Seton Hall University program leads Donna Harris ([email protected]) or Lu Licciardello ( [email protected]).
