At the Selby Foundation, we are excited to meet students even before they become our Scholars. Our joy continues long after college graduation. Catching up with students the Foundation has invested in, we see the unique difference they make through their chosen careers and on their travels through life.
We were delighted when 2013 Selby Scholar and University of Florida Alumnus Emily Hunt, CFP reached out and shared the start of her career journey and reflections about her college experience.
Emily feels right at home at AllianceBernstein working as a certified financial planner in private wealth. She started at the global firm’s Tampa office just three days after graduation and has now been with the company for more than 7 years.
“In my current role, I have the opportunity in to partner with clients and train and develop associates on my team,” says Emily.
When asked about her recommendations for other Selby Scholars who want to make the most of their college experiences, Emily recommends getting involved in areas of interest to “test” them.
“Freshman year I was trying to decide between Marine Sciences or Finance. I volunteered for one of my professor’s research projects on the effects of dredging to sea life. I ended up meeting a classmate in the lab who wanted to start an aquaponic business and needed help with figuring out some of the business side of things. Helping him, I realized that I enjoyed the business part more than the research and science part. I ended up getting a minor in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences because I found it interesting but decided I had a better skill set for Finance. I got more energy out of it. I decided on Finance specifically because I am a math person.”
Emily kept getting back to business, literally. This Selby Scholar didn’t stop with her Bachelor’s degree, moving on to pursue her Masters in International Business.
“I believe it is important to know how our market interacts with the rest of the world as we continue to integrate more with technology,” said Emily.
Wisely, she used alumni connections to find her job. She reached out to UF alumni through LinkedIn, focusing on companies of interest to learn more about what they do and real world perspectives from others who worked there. “That led me to AllianceBernstein, a global asset management firm that aligned with my values,” said Emily.
“It is very rewarding to help people navigate decisions and see them reach their goals. I love a good puzzle and life gives you one every day.”