Aidan Connolly
Villanova University School of Business
“Ambitious student who enjoys exploring new places and finding different ways to challenge himself.”
Fun fact about yourself: Last summer, I hiked the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with my oldest brother.
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
High School: St. Rita of Cascia High School
Major: Applied Quantitative Finance and International Business
Minor: N/A
Favorite Business Course: Programming for Adaptive Problem Solving
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
Leadership and Activities
- Co-President, Villanova Mergers and Acquisitions Society
- Student Worker, Villanova School of Business Department of Marketing and Communications
- Communication Services Associate, Villanova Wildcat Fund
- Student Ambassador, Villanova School of Business
- Financial Literacy Tutor, Community Outreach of Villanova
Honors
- Villanova University Augustinian Scholarship
- Bartley Medallion for Excellence in International Business
- Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honors Society
- Villanova University Honors Program
- 1st Place, 2022 Global Accounting Firms Case Competition
- Dean’s List
Where have you interned during your college career?
Dresner Partners – Investment Banking Summer Analyst, Chicago, IL, Summer 2023
The Raine Group – Summer Analyst, New York, NY, Summer 2024
Where will you be working after graduation? The Raine Group – Analyst, New York, NY
Who is your favorite business professor? Ward Utter was my first college professor. Despite only teaching me in a mandatory introductory course, he made a lasting impact on my time at Villanova and beyond. His genuine care for students, combined with his engaging teaching style informed by real-world business experience, sparked candid conversations that served as the best possible introduction to studying business. Professor Utter also played a pivotal role in my decision to study abroad in Urbino, Italy—an experience I will always cherish and for which I am forever grateful.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? One of the biggest takeaways from my experience at the Villanova School of Business has been the immeasurable power of a strong network. Seeking out relationships with those who can challenge, mentor, and open doors for you is probably more important than any perceived proficiency in the content itself.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? I would encourage a prospective business major to study abroad because it helps build an appreciation for the global interconnectedness of people and the businesses that they operate. My experience added global color to what was naturally my US-oriented worldview, which I see as invaluable in an increasingly “flat” international business landscape.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? Becoming deeply involved in business-related clubs is incredibly rewarding—and something I highly recommend doing—but it’s also important to look beyond the business school. In hindsight, I would have prioritized involvement and even leadership in organizations outside of VSB, allowing me to build meaningful relationships with people I would not typically meet in class or around Bartley. This would have only added to the enriching and well-rounded experience I am fortunate to have had.
What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? AI is an important component of the Applied Quantitative Finance concentration, where we develop a high-level understanding of how models are built and trained in Applied Machine Learning. This foundation not only enhances technical knowledge, but also fosters a critical awareness of where biases and inconsistencies may arise, allowing us to apply AI-driven analysis more thoughtfully and responsibly.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of serving as Co-President of the M&A Society, continuing its strong tradition of helping second-year students navigate the early stages of their professional careers. In this role, I had the opportunity to support underclassmen through what can be a stressful investment banking recruiting process—just as current alumni once did for me.
Which classmate do you most admire? One classmate I admire is Anthony Severns, a senior Finance and International Business major with whom I have shared many classes and a semester abroad in Italy. I appreciate his positivity, punctuality, and drive to turn a passion for business sustainability into action, founding a club dedicated to the cause and working hard to break into the nascent industry.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? I owe everything to my parents, who have given more than I can understand to ensure I had every opportunity to succeed and find happiness. They will forever be my role models in every aspect of life.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
- Meaningfully give back to the organizations that have helped shape my professional and personal growth
- Live and work abroad
What made Aidan such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?
“Aidan has been one of my favorite students. Anyone that has taught knows the experience of trying to lead a class conversation when students don’t participate. Aidan is always prepared. Even if he isn’t sure of an answer, he’ll engage, contribute something valuable, and keep the conversation going.
He sets aggressive goals for himself but is committed to the work required to achieve them. Aidan’s academic curiosity leads his effort and I know that it will contribute to future success.
It would be easy to be arrogant with Aidan’s accomplishments. Meanwhile, he has a quiet confidence combined with a great sense of humor. His interpersonal skills will make him stand out from others and propel his career. He will be an effective leader wherever he ends up.
He’s one of a kind and I’ll miss him when he graduates. The good news is that we’ll all be proud to have him represent the Villanova brand name.”
Ward Utter
Associate Chair, Management & Operations
Professor of the Practice, Management & Operations
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