Top 5 Takeaways: An Alumni Story (Hobart & William Smith, #2)

Our 2nd edition of Top 5 Takeaways features the thoughts of an alum from Hobart (Geneva, NY). Remember that this piece is set up to bring visibility to the experiences that alums had on their college days - the campus, the curriculum, the athletics - which then educates, inspires, and prepares students who may be potentially considering Hobart as a potential home for their college years. This is an authentic and true narrative, as guests may write what and how they want on their alma mater which may - someday - become yours.

​The Top 5 Takeaways for Hobart are written by Jeff D. ('10) an attorney living in Connecticut.

1. Hobart offered tremendous academic challenge. I appreciate this more now that college has been over for a few years. Majoring in political science, with minors in economics and public policy, Hobart prepared me for further academic goals - JD/MBA, cum laude, published legal scholar, and working on a State of Connecticut legislative task force.

2. They have a great and diverse study abroad program. The Princeton Review ranked HWS as number one - http://www.hws.edu/academics/global/ - and friends of mine studied in London, Wales, Italy, France, New Zealand, and many others. I had the opportunity to study in Washington DC. A rigorous program that students like myself needed to qualify for with certain classes and prep, the end result was amazing. I was able to intern in Congress, and was in the House Chamber during the first bailout vote that failed. And, while it goes without saying, It was quite a thing to be able to watch Obama’s last speech on the senate floor.

3. Lifelong friends. The friends I had in college are the same I have today. Some are lawyers like me, many are in finance, while a few are doctors and surgeons. The quality of the individuals who attend HWS speaks volumes of the good work admissions does and the type of student that attends HWS.

4. HWS offers a strong alumni network. While in school, the alumni step up and help the next generation get internships and first jobs. Anywhere you will go after HWS, there will be an alum. And there are always alumni events which can help professionals connect. Small school = small network. But close knit/dedicated network = results.

5. Going to college at HWS in Geneva was fun. For a small school it had a great downtown, walking distance from campus with an active nightlife. Geneva is located in the Finger Lakes region of NY, and so the area is beautiful and is home to many wineries to visit. If students wanted to travel to larger cities, we were never that far from Syracuse or Rochester. 

​For questions on any of this information, or on any steps in the college selection and admissions process, do not hesitate to send an email to info@leonardandrew.com.

​Care to share your college story? Send a brief summary of yourself and your college days to chad@leonardandrew.com.