William Jennings '22BBA, '23MBA
"Iona offers plenty of opportunities and programs that help students gain insight and guidance for their future career paths. From resume help to job interview prep, staff at Iona truly care and want every student to be successful."
Name: William Jennings
Hometown: Mountainside, N.J.
High School: Governor Livingston
Activities: Outfielder, Iona Men’s Baseball
Grad Year: BBA ’22, MBA ’23
Major: Marketing
Favorite Place on Campus: Hynes Athletics Center
Why did you decide to attend Iona?
I decided to attend Iona because I knew it would give me a great opportunity to excel both as a student and as an athlete. I like the smaller school setting because it allows me to develop close relationships with my professors and classmates. Iona is close to my home in New Jersey and is also placed in an ideal location just 20 miles outside of Manhattan.
Where are you interning?
I am currently an ad sales marketing intern at A+E Networks in Manhattan.
What do you enjoy most about your internship?
I enjoy gaining experience in the industry and working alongside professionals every day. I have learned so much as an intern, and this has given me a clear idea of the types of jobs I will pursue when I am finished with school. I enjoy making connections with my coworkers and working on projects with the other interns.
In what ways has Iona prepared you for the job market?
Iona has done an excellent job of stressing the importance of networking. Being enrolled in a small school allows students to meet alumni and obtain quality advice from those who were once in our shoes. Iona has a very strong networking system and many of the graduates are very passionate about helping current students get their foot in the door. Iona also offers tremendous career assistance. From resume help to job interview prep, staff at Iona truly care and want every student who comes through the institution to be successful.
What do you feel is the most distinctive advantage gained from your Iona LaPenta School of Business experience?
Iona offers plenty of opportunities and programs that help students gain insight and guidance for their future career paths. Each semester, the LaPenta School of Business puts on an event called "Career Chats" where alumni from various industries visit classes to share their career paths and offer career-related advice. In my opinion, this was the most helpful activity I participated in. One of the speakers works at A+E and helped me get my current internship. It goes to show how easy it is to make personal connections here.
What LaPenta School of Business faculty or staff member has made a positive impact on your future? Why?
Professor Steven Jarmon and Kyle Byrne have made the most positive impact on my future. I was enrolled in numerous marketing courses with Professor Jarmon, and he was one of the biggest influences on my passion for marketing. In my career as a student, I retained the most information from his classes and genuinely looked forward to going to his class each day.
Kyle Byrne was the biggest help in landing my internship and ensuring I was prepared for every aspect of the application and interviewing process. Kyle has played a key role in helping me hone my communication skills and has taught me so much about the job market and what companies look for in a potential candidate. I owe a lot to him for all he does not just for me, but for all the students he helps in the Iona community.
Describe your Iona LaPenta School of Business experience so far in six words or less.
Helpful and enjoyable.