Chanel Clarke
Rutgers Business School, Newark
“Charismatic, hilarious, awesome person who is also a Noteworthy Educated Lady.”
Fun fact about yourself: I started watching hockey for the first time about five years ago and now, I am totally obsessed.
Hometown: Irvington, New Jersey
High School: Irvington High School
Major: Accounting and Management Information Systems
Favorite Business Courses: Advanced Accounting and Federal Taxation
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- President of the Rutgers-Newark Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants
- Dean’s List
- Member of the Irvington High School Booster Club
- Rutgers-Judith Fay Ross Awardee
- NABANNJ and NJCPA Scholarship recipient
Where have you interned during your college career?
- PwC- Start Intern
- EY- Launch Intern and Advance Inter
Describe your dream Job: My dream job is one where I have the capabilities of traveling and there is no such thing as a standard day. There is nothing more important to me than growing and evolving, and my dream job must allow me room for future growth.
Who is your favorite professor? My favorite professor is Professor Anthony Pochesci who taught me federal taxation. He challenged me to think on my own but was always willing to answer questions and meet with anyone if they needed the extra help.
Which executive or entrepreneur do you most admire? The executive I admire most is Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor, chairman of the board of the American Institute of CPAs. She has not let adversity deter her goals and dreams, and she is always willing to share her experiences and knowledge.
What did you enjoy most about majoring in a business-related field? What I enjoy most about majoring in a business-related field are the people I was able to meet both inside the school and beyond through networking, which is such a big part of being a business school student. By majoring in a business-related field, I was able to connect with like-minded people who all have the drive to get things done – and done well.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I gained from studying business is that you should not be afraid to voice your opinion. You should never be rude or demanding when doing so, but if you stay silent, people assume that you have nothing to say and nothing to contribute even if that could be the furthest from the truth.
Where would you like to work after graduation? Ernst & Young- Audit
What are your long-term professional goals? My long-term professional goals are to graduate with honors including Summa Cum Laude and to work as an accountant as a retail and consumer industry expert. I also hope to continue my education by returning to school and getting a master’s degree.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Be prepared to work hard from day one. And while grades are important, that is not the only thing you should focus on. Being a well-rounded individual will get you far because the connections you make and the reputation you have are keys to being successful.
“I knew I wanted to major in business when…I took my first accounting course.”
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…a chef.”
“Before I entered business school, I wish I had known…more about the different business majors and specific jobs associated with each.”
What was the happiest moment of your life? The happiest moment of my life was going on vacation with my whole family when I was younger, and I mean from grandparents to the youngest child in our family. To me, family is very important and being able to spend time with everyone was great. Especially now that most of us are grown up and moving toward different paths, being able to look back at that time and plan for future get-togethers is great.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? Being able to interview with and to consider offers from all of the Big 4 accounting firms. It was honestly something that I didn’t expect, but when it happened, I honestly could not stop smiling.
What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? I would choose a rabbit. Personally, I think rabbits are adorable, but they are also considered to be alert and resourceful. I feel that being able to read the atmosphere is crucial in business because understanding people is one factor of business that will never change regardless of how far technology advances. As for being resourceful, I’m the person that people go to when they need something because people know that I can get things done and done well. Having the same qualities of a rabbit suits me well.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would like to thank my mom and my sister for my success. They are the two who have been my constant sounding boards. They are always there to listen to what I have to say whether it is a new idea or a complaint, and they give me the confidence to move forward and go after my goals.
What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would like my business school peers to say that I was not only an outstanding student but a wonderful person to be around.
Favorite book: The Richest Man in Babylon by George Samuel Clason
Favorite movie: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Favorite musical performer: Ed Sheeran
Favorite vacation spot: Orlando, Florida
What are your hobbies? Reading, cooking, doing do-it-yourself home improvement activities.
What made Chanel such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2017?
“When I first met Chanel Clarke, she was shy, quiet, introverted – your typical freshman. I have witnessed her flourish into a confident, poised, extroverted junior. I have seen her leadership skills in action as she took on the role of president of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and earlier, when she took the initiative to participate in the annual Johnson & Johnson Case Competition during her freshman year. I like to say she is a force to be reckoned with. She has been recognized by a number of outside organizations for her talent. I am sure she will be successful in all her endeavors, but most of all, she will be a great alumna. I pride myself for knowing talent, and I know we have not heard the end of Ms. Chanel Clarke.”
Wanda C. Mendez
Assistant Dean/Director
Office of Career Management
Rutgers Business School
Newark Undergraduate Program
DON’T MISS: THE FULL HONOR ROLL: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2017
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