ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION AND FINANCE

It is difficult to find an underclassman that is more socially and academically engaged than Maria Lombardi. A sophomore double-major in entrepreneurship and innovation and finance, Maria is busy enough with her school work. Yet, she still finds time to be part of business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, a sorority member of Alpha Xi Delta, an SGA college representative, and more—and she holds positions in most of them.

Along with Maria’s tenacity and passion for being involved, much of these accomplishments play into being in the Career Readiness Program, a program designed to prepare students of the John Chambers College of Business and Economics for their careers before graduating from college. Maria is not only a member — she is a platinum member, which entails a higher GPA and more requirements to finish the program. 
Maria says the CRP has also helped her become a team player.
“It’s about learning with others to find the best solution. In the CRP I have gone to various events and different avenues to build myself up and to build that confidence I need. It helps you learn to work with others and really find what is best for the team,” she said.
For now, Maria is researching a possible internship at Walt Disney World as a finance intern, but she’s looking at other avenues, too, such as being a student orientation leader next fall. Regardless of what she chooses, the CRP has helped her in considering career development options.
“I would encourage any business major to go out for it, and really give it their all and try their best because it can really help you enhance yourself as a person,” Maria said. “But it also helps you enhance others by working together.”