Student View Q&A

Van Dang ’11 with President Finney

Van Dang ’11

Van Dang '11 professes to be afraid of public speaking, but you wouldn't know that when you watch her compete in the annual Elevator Pitch competition, sponsored by Bring Your Own Business (BYOBiz). She won the competition in 2010 and was a finalist this year. Originally from Vietnam, she moved to Vermont after completing high school and enrolled at Community College of Vermont, where she studied business for two years. She transferred to Champlain College because she wanted to earn a bachelor's degree. At the urging of one of her favorite Champlain professors, Champ Soncrant, she switched her major to Accounting. In April, she received the President's Award at the Graduate & Trustee Dinner for her overall achievements. She graduated with top honors in May.

What is it about the Accounting program and the instructors that helped you excel?

I like the academic structure of the program and my instructors in
general. They are friendly and helpful. Whenever I need more explanation about something that I didn't understand in class, I could drop by during their office hours. That is a luxury we have with a small college

What was the most challenging aspect of being a student here at Champlain College?

A lack of time! This is not the most challenging aspect of being a student at Champlain - it is the most challenging aspect of my life. I'm aware that I am ambitious, love challenges, and usually like to "shoot for the top.î There are so many things I want to do - travel, study well, get good grades, still have fun time with friends, get to Wall Street, etc.ó I need to make time for all of those. I think so far I'm doing okay. I balance my professional and personal life. I'm taking five classes this semester, maintain a 4.0 major GPA, a 3.9 cumulative GPA, work about 30 hours a week, volunteer, take yoga, hang out with friends, and attend most of the student activities/clubs on campus.

What's ahead for you when you graduate in May?

Last fall, I received an offer for an audit associate position with PricewaterhouseCoopers and I accepted it. I will start with PwC in mid-September. Champlain's Career Services Office and counselors like Pat Boera really helped me prepare for the interviews.

Down the road, what are your goals?

Things have always happened unexpectedly in my life. My elevator pitch speech this year was aimed at getting a summer internship at Goldman Sachs. While I didn't win the competition this year, I think I might have won a bigger prize. At the reception, I spoke with one of the judges, Ty Danco, who used to work at Goldman Sachs before moving to Vermont. He was so impressed with my elevator pitch that he offered to help me connect with the human resources office at the firm. I emailed him my resume, which he forwarded to the partner in charge of the securities team. I then received an email from the undergrad recruiting team saying they would like to talk with me regarding my interest in working at Goldman Sachs. I spoke with them and have a strong connection there for the future.

Is there anything else you would like to say about your experience at Champlain?

I chose Champlain because it's a small private college with small-size classes. Students are able to get help from instructors, advisors, and their classmates if needed. My experience has been wonderful and memorable. I definitely have had a great time here.