At Iona University, Emma Brannigan ’26 Pursues Her True Potential
“Having New York City at my fingertips as a student at Iona has helped me get ahead and secure internships that will prepare me for my future career.”
New Rochelle, N.Y. – Emma Brannigan ’26 has felt a deep connection to Iona University since the age of seven. Her mother, an Iona alumna, brought her to basketball games at the Hynes Athletics Center, where she cheered on from the stands.
“When it came time to decide if Iona was the right fit for me, I realized that there were so many things that drew me to the school,” said the Bronx native. “Iona’s focus on care of the whole person has helped me grow in my Catholic faith, complete service for the needs of others and guarantee my post-graduation success.”
From a young age, she recalls having a natural affinity for numbers, but attributes her time in the LaPenta School of Business for nurturing this interest. Through her coursework, she has developed an excitement for a future in her field.
In fact, she’s gearing up for an exciting 2025 summer at Ernst & Young in their New York City office, where she will be working in the audit department.
“Having easy access to New York City, the economic capital of the world, has made my college experience even more meaningful,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to intern during the school year, explore how various financial companies run their daily operations, and network with future bosses and coworkers as early as freshman year,” said the co-president of the Accounting Club.
Most notably, Brannigan was selected for Merrill Lynch’s summer immersion day. She attributes this transformative opportunity to Iona’s supportive alumni network.
“Our day started at their Greenwich Office, where I was able to meet fellow finance majors from other schools and listen to our guest speaker, Bob Fisch, author of Get a Life,” she said. “Then, we traveled to their New York City office, where I had the opportunity to walk the trading floor,” said the double accounting and finance major. “This day helped expand my network and I received mentorship that will help propel my career forward.”
Beyond the classroom, she is most proud to serve in her role as a student Campus Minister.
“I organize our weekly celebrations of the Eucharist, lead a service project to nearby nursing homes, and I serve as a mentor of faith across campus,” she said.
As student organizer of Iona’s campus food pantry, she also oversees and manages all inventory.
“It has been so powerful to be involved with so much on campus and have a positive impact through each activity,” said Brannigan.
Looking ahead, Brannigan aims to pursue a master’s degree in accountancy and become a certified public accountant. She also hopes to give back to the Iona community by mentoring future students.