Eric Johnson ’17, ’18
Constellation Brands, Inc.
Eric Johnson ’17, ’18 (MBA), is exploring the world of finance one department at a time. As a financial analyst at Constellation Brands, he is pioneering a new multi-year employee program that includes rotations in four departments over three years. This unique opportunity allows him to explore a broad range of career paths in finance, and to gain a rich understanding of key business areas.
Johnson credits the small class sizes, group projects, and one-on-one conversations with his professors at Fisher for preparing him for life in the workplace. “The ability to connect with others and establish relationships helped me get the most out of my Fisher education and is now helping to kickstart my career,” he shared.
As an undergraduate, Johnson searched for his niche within the accounting field. With the help of faculty, he connected with Fisher alumni to discuss their professional experiences and ask for their advice. He added a second major in corporate finance and later obtained an internship at Constellation Brands, moves that ultimately led to his current role.
Johnson enjoys the range of projects, challenges, and initiatives he has the opportunity to participate in and looks forward to growing professionally at Constellation Brands. He encourages students to take advantage of the Fisher alumni network. “Fisher has a strong, wide, passionate network of alumni who are more than willing to share their experiences and provide advice,” he said. “Use that network and don't be afraid to return the favor, there will always be Fisher students seeking advice about life after Fisher.”
Dan Agan
Fisher graduate Dan Agan decided to roll right into his graduate education to pursue an MBA immediately after earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Fisher. Fisher’s beautiful campus, small class sizes, and great reputation are what first appealed to Dan. Given these factors, he says it “made perfect sense” to continue with his studies here.
Dan was able to balance school with studying for the CPA exam (which he says is like a full-time job), thanks to his late afternoon and evening classes. Today he works as a senior auditor of internal audit and advisory services for Constellation Brands in Rochester.
His professors had opened their office doors to students, making them feel welcome at any time, which Dan says made the tough course load much easier to handle. He also says many of the professors went out of their way to help him and his classmates during the rigorous recruiting process.
Ryan Pete ’18
Ryan Pete ’18 knows a thing or two about volunteering. The First Generation Scholar has completed more than 100 hours of community service each year he’s attended Fisher, logging time tutoring at various schools and community programs.
“There are a lot of things college students can spend their time doing, but if you can put your efforts together for a cause, you can make a big impact in the community,” said Ryan, who studies accounting and economics at Fisher. Ryan noted that his participation in student activities, including sitting on the finance committee with the Teddi Dance for Love, and serving as an executive board member for Students Who Advocate Volunteering (SWAV), has helped enhanced his studies.
His efforts have earned him three Presidential Awards for Service, and this spring, Ryan was elected as one of 10 recipients of the 2017 Independent Sector Student Community Service Award and a $500 H.D. Paley Scholarship from the Commission on Independent College and Universities (cIcu).
And, while his dedication to service may seem extraordinary, to Ryan it’s second nature.
“It’s part of the culture at Fisher and SWAV,” he said. “It’s about the people you are impacting. That’s why we strive to complete service in the Rochester community.”