Alina Furman
Fordham University, Gabelli School of Business
“I’m very inquisitive and love to explore new interests, learn continuously, and connect with others.”
Fun fact about yourself: I used to compete in cross-country skiing and have recently tried mountain skiing for the first time.
Hometown: Netanya, Israel
High School: The Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel
Major: Global Business with a concentration in Global Finance and Business Economics
Minor: Visual Arts
Favorite Business Course: Global Financial Management
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
Honors: Gabelli School of Business Woolworth Award, Finance Scholar, Dean’s Honor List 2020-2023.
Membership: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma The International Business Honor Society.
Extracurricular Activities: Dean’s Council – Participating Member; University Innovation Fellows Program with Stanford University – Fellow, Team Member; VCM – Investment Club, Analyst; Gabelli School of Business Consulting Cup Competition – Team Leader, Champion; Point 72 Academy Case Competition – Analyst, Team Member.
Where have you interned during your college career?
Ernst & Young LLP, New York, New York, FSO Consulting – Structured Finance Intern
SNAcargo, Inc, New York, New York, Invoice Audit and Accounting Intern
Where will you be working after graduation? Ernst & Young LLP, Consulting – Structured Finance Analyst
Who is your favorite business professor? James McCann is one of my favorite professors because of his unparalleled dedication to his student’s success and his expertise in investment and security analysis. With extensive experience in the field, Professor McCann’s passion for teaching is evident in his lectures and his ability to bring complex topics to life.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? Determination and communication are some of the biggest drivers of success. Whether I was working on a project alone or as a member of a team, a strong work ethic and effective communication served as the backbone for overcoming challenges and ensuring sustained progress. Effective communication acts as the glue that binds people together. When individuals are willing to communicate and convey their ideas, they can more readily adapt to changing environments and navigate complex tasks together.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? I would strongly recommend that they cultivate as many personal and professional connections as possible. For success in business, it is essential to build a network of individuals who can provide invaluable insights, guidance, and connections. Students should stay curious and engaged in the dynamic world of business, keeping informed about industry trends and emerging technologies.
What has surprised you most about majoring in business? I was surprised by the interconnectedness of business across industries and around the world. To truly be successful as a business student and as a professional, you need to be a well-rounded person and well-informed about developments on a global scale. It’s also important to look at developments across industries. Effective decision-making comes from the knowledge of more than just one narrow aspect of business, emphasizing the importance of an interdisciplinary background.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of my team’s victory in the Gabelli School of Business Consulting Cup Competition. It honed my strategic thinking, pitching, and communications skills. It was my first victory in the United States and during my college experience. Being an international student, I took every opportunity to put my academic knowledge, creativity, and strategic thinking to use. The Consulting Cup victory also helped me to make meaningful connections with people at Fordham and, later, to be confident during the interview process and score my first internship.
Which classmate do you most admire? A classmate I admire is Braulio Mourao Pacheco. I met Braulio in the University Innovation Fellowship at Fordham. He is a very driven and intelligent student, who always continues to amaze me with his work ethic. This is demonstrated by his commitment to the student organizations on campus, such as the Consulting Club, and his continued success in the outstanding internships in which he participated. It has truly been a pleasure to work alongside him, bringing innovation to the Fordham Campus. In the professional setting, Braulio is one of the most determined people I have had the pleasure to work with.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? I want to thank my father for my success. He has always supported my ambitious decisions and stood by me. When I decided to leave Israel and pursue a degree in the United States, I always knew that I had his support and encouragement. It was hard adapting to a new country on my own, but he has celebrated every small victory along the way with me and has inspired me to be brave and determined. I know I can count on my father’s entrepreneurial advice when it comes to career paths and any other professional endeavors I undertake.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? At one point in my career, I would want to become a mentor to an aspiring international student, leveraging my experiences and insights to guide them through their career journey. I am eager to provide support, encouragement, and valuable advice to help these students succeed and thrive in the business environment. Additionally, I am enthusiastic about attending numerous local and international conferences as part of my job, where I can immerse myself in my field’s latest developments, research, and innovations.
What made Alina such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?
“Alina is one of those students who demonstrate leadership skills and drive to make an impact on her fellow students and on her school. Her can-do attitude and willingness to go the extra mile were a pleasure to observe.
As being a part of the winning team of the Consulting Cup LC 2021, she was the ‘driver and glue’ for her team which impressed industry judges, faculty and fellow classmates at the same time. Her leadership abilities are based on empathy, deep listening skills and the flexibility to drive her team forward.
She also was able to show her skills and a passion for innovation by participating in the extracurricular program of the University Innovation Fellows (in collaboration with Stanford University) in which her team worked together to bring student-led innovation and change on our campus.”
Axel Roepnack, Ph.D.
Associate Clinical Professor
Communications and Media Management
Gabelli School of Business | Fordham University
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