Noreen Fischer

I recently graduated with a degree in Finance and minors in Entrepreneurship and Theology and was the recipient of the 2016 Mendoza Dean's Award. Throughout my four years at Notre Dame, a highlight for me was utilizing my well-rounded education to plan and orchestrate Notre Dame Right to Life's annual trip to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life for over 700 students. In addition, I spent my time as a Resident Assistant in Pasquerilla West Hall, Mendoza peer mentor, and building manager at Rolfs Recreation Center. Now, my sights are set on immersing myself into a new city and career with J.P. Morgan's Private Bank.

Ask More of Business, but More Importantly, Ask More of Yourself

Throughout my four years at the Mendoza College of Business, I always heard or read our motto of "Ask more of business." What became more evident as the years went on was that the college not only engrains certain core values in its students, but the administration, faculty, and staff continually urge their students to ask more of themselves on a daily basis. We each are called and encouraged to do our part of having a positive influence on our world. The culture of Mendoza emphasizes the fact that doing good and doing business are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they go hand in hand. In Mendoza, all are encouraged to combine their interest in business with their passion for positively impacting society. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of receiving a business degree from Notre Dame. Not only are you receiving a premier education, but the intellect is never developed at the expense of the heart and soul. Mendoza produces well-rounded young men and women who have received a legendary advantage. In return, we each are expected to go forth and use this as an asset in all aspects of our lives.

Leaping Confidently from the Classroom into the Business World

For years to come, I know that I will always be motivated by the ambitions and accomplishments of the Notre Dame community. My Mendoza education did a wonderful job of bridging academia to the business world. What immediately comes to mind is my experience taking the NDIGI's Global Portfolio Management course taught by Scott Malpass (CIO) and his trusted investment team in the Notre Dame Investment Office. Throughout the semester, our class had the opportunity to directly learn from world-class investors who have had years of experience and success in portfolio management across all asset classes and locations across the world. Everyone involved was not only extremely smart, goal-oriented, and dynamic, but also humble, intellectually curious, and generous with their time and talent. At the end of the semester, I left having had real world exposure to the global financial industry, in addition to being excited about the impact that my future career can potentially have on our society and future Notre Dame students. As a woman in finance, I can confidently say that receiving a business degree from the University of Notre Dame has been the best investment of my life. It has provided me with the opportunity to begin a career at a firm where I can continue to surround myself with humble and intelligent individuals who will challenge and teach me on a daily basis. It has also given me the skill set and worldview to repeatedly ask more of business and ask more of myself. For all of this, I could not be more thankful!