Lauren Wedell
Boston College, Carroll School of Management
“Night owl, pink Starburst, classic movie fanatic, adorer of dachshunds, nap queen.”
Fun fact about yourself: During high school, I shared a pizza with Taylor Swift, met Alexander Ovechkin while I was playing hockey in Moscow, and took a selfie with Dennis Quaid in an airport.
Hometown: Arden Hills, Minnesota
High School: Mounds View High School
Major: Finance & Business Analytics
Favorite Business Courses: Fundamental Analysis, Venture Capital and Private Equity, Investments, Portico (business ethics)
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College
- Winston Center for Leadership and Ethics Ambassador, 2014
- IBECC Ethics Competition Award Winner, 2014-2016
- Executive Vice President and Treasurer, Women in Business, 2013-15
- Varsity Ice Hockey, Hockey East All-Academic Team 2013-2015
- Captain and President of Club Women’s Ice Hockey team, 2016-2017
- Recipient of Beta Gamma Sigma Scholarship
- Recipient of Kevin M. Eidt Memorial Scholarship
- Member of Beta Gamma Sigma (undergraduate business honors society) and Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit honors society)
- Volunteer at Boston Rescue Mission, Cradles to Crayons, and Women’s Lunch Place
Where have you interned during your college career?
Fidelity Investments, Boston, MA, Contracts Intern
Normandy Advisors, Boston, MA, Research Analyst
William Blair, Boston, MA, Investment Banking Analyst
Accomplice VC, Boston, MA, Venture Capital Intern
Yellow Wood Partners, Boston, MA, Private Equity Intern
Describe your dream Job: Any job that allows for a midday nap and has dogs in the office.
Who is your favorite professor? My favorite professor is Professor Richard Keeley. He leads thought-provoking discussions and generously shares his incredibly knowledge on many subjects, from Venice to John Wayne.
What did you enjoy most about majoring in a business-related field? Acquiring practical knowledge that is transferrable to both my work and personal life, while learning from intelligent and thoughtful classmates is what I enjoyed most.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? Trust is critical.
Where would you like to work after graduation? I will be working for William Blair in Boston.
What are your long-term professional goals? Running a private equity fund, encouraging female-owned startups, and stimulating more investments from women.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Foster curiosity and learn something new every day. Explore all areas of a business and non-traditional adjacencies.
“I knew I wanted to major in business when…I was called “money squirrel” as a childhood nickname.”
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…Studying engineering to get my numbers fix, and minoring in art history or film to cultivate creativity.”
“Before I entered business school, I wish I had known…that no path is linear, and saying no to opportunities can be more important than saying yes.”
What was the happiest moment of your life? The happiest moment of my life was when we got my first dog. I petitioned for seven years until I was finally able to wear my parents down.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? Receiving the Kevin M. Eidt Scholarship was an incredible moment. Kevin left a significant legacy on the Boston College campus after his death in 1997. To be associated with someone who was resoundingly generous and vivacious is a true honor.
What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? I would choose an otter, because they’re curious and adaptable animals.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would like to thank my parents for sharing their incredible generosity, their life-long love of learning, Midwest work ethic, and core values. Other secrets to my success are my sister’s ability to always make me laugh, my roommates’ patience, and my friends’ unconditional support.
What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would want to peers to remember me as someone who was thoughtful and gracious.
Favorite book: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Favorite movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite musical performer: Ra Ra Riot
Favorite vacation spot: Venice, Italy
What are your hobbies? Glassblowing, exploring Boston, hiking, jewelry making
What made Lauren such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2017?
“Lauren is a “woman for all seasons,” a mentor to young students, an exemplar for her peers, a lover of the learning that occurs when one thinks long and deeply, and generous beyond measure. Whenever we have faced an unusual challenge or opportunity that calls for the attention of our very best student, we think first of Lauren Wedell. She has never failed to answer the call or meet the challenge.”
Richard Keeley
Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduates
Boston College, Carroll School of Management
DON’T MISS: THE FULL HONOR ROLL: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2017
Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.