2025 Best & Brightest Business Major: Jasmine Jones, Bucknell University (Freeman)

Jasmine Jones

Bucknell University, Freeman College of Management

“Lifelong learner; driven, strategic thinker with a passion for people and making a positive impact.”

Fun fact about yourself: I love surprise karaoke — I’ll grab the mic when no one expects it!

Hometown: Avondale, PA

High School: Avon Grove High School

Major: Management and Organizations with a concentration in Human Resources

Minor: N/A

Favorite Business Course: Introduction to Organization and Management (MGMT 101) was my favorite course because it gave me hands-on experience in leading a real organization. As the elected CEO of our company, I strengthened my leadership skills while working with my team to raise over $7,000 to support Transitions of PA, a domestic violence shelter. This course not only deepened my understanding of management theories, but also showed me the power of business to create meaningful social impact.

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College: Chandler Family Scholarship; Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship; Mentor for Jack Kent Cooke recipients at Bucknell, Bucknell Community College Scholarship Program; Mortar Board Honor Society; Chair of the Center for Access & Success Student Board; Tri-Alpha Honor Society; Teaching Assistant for MORS 302: Responsible Management.

Where have you interned during your college career? Over the past two years, I have interned with the Center for Access & Success, at NMS Labs, and with Bucknell’s Division of Talent, Culture & Human Resources.

Where will you be working after graduation? After graduation, I will join Deloitte as a business analyst in their Government & Public Services Consulting practice in Harrisburg, Pa.

Who is your favorite business professor? My favorite business professor is Professor Melissa Intindola. I’ve had the privilege of taking classes with her for three out of my four semesters, including MGMT 101, Poverty and Organizations, and Talent Acquisitions and Development. Her passion for her students and their growth is unmatched. She challenges us to think critically, pushes us to step outside our comfort zones, and is always there to offer guidance and support. She truly cares about our success, both in-and-out of the classroom, and goes above-and-beyond to help us develop as leaders. Her mentorship has been invaluable to me, and I am incredibly grateful for the impact she has had on my education, my life and my career journey.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I’ve gained from studying business is that leadership is about impact, not just influence. I’ve learned that effective leadership means empowering others, solving problems with a purpose, and using business as a force for good. This is true whether it was through leading my MGMT 101 team as CEO, consulting for the HandUp Foundation, or helping students navigate their career paths. Strategy and execution matter, but it’s the human element — collaboration, adaptability and shared vision — that truly drives success.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Say yes to every opportunity that pushes you to grow. Business isn’t just about numbers and strategy; it’s about people, leadership and solving real problems. Get involved in hands-on projects, take on leadership roles and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The best lessons come from experiences. Stay curious, be adaptable and remember that the impact you make matters just as much as the success you achieve.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? Looking back, one thing I’d do differently in business school is to seek out more mentorship earlier on. I’ve had incredible professors and experiences that shaped my path, but I now realize how valuable it is to build relationships with mentors who can provide guidance, challenge my thinking and open doors to new opportunities. Business is all about learning from others. If I could go back, I’d be more intentional about connecting with alumni, industry professionals, and even my classmates to gain different perspectives and insights along the way.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? One way the Freeman College of Management has integrated AI into our curriculum is through MORS 302: Responsible Management and MORS 310: Talent Acquisition & Development, courses that teach us how to use AI as a tool, not a solution. We’ve learned how AI can enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and drive innovation, but also the ethical responsibilities that come with it. One key insight I gained is that using AI responsibly is critical for being a responsible manager or leader. It’s not just about leveraging technology, but about understanding its impact on people, decisions and the broader organization.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I’m most proud of being named both a Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar and a Bucknell Community College Scholar. These prestigious scholarships are the reason I was able to attend an incredible institution like Bucknell University. The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship is one of the nation’s most selective scholarships for community college students, providing funding for outstanding academic achievers to complete their bachelor’s degrees at top-tier universities. The Bucknell Community College Scholars program offers full-tuition scholarships to students from community colleges, giving them access to a rigorous academic environment and a strong network. These honors not only recognize my academic dedication but also represent my resilience and determination to make the most of every opportunity. They’ve provided me with the chance to pursue my passions, access incredible resources and engage with a network of like-minded individuals. These scholarships have shaped my journey, giving me the foundation to grow as both a student and a leader.

Which classmate do you most admire? The classmate I most admire is Jade Lesisko. She is a sophomore studying Management and Organizations with a concentration in Human Resources, and I had the pleasure of meeting her early on in an Analytics and Operations class. Since then, we’ve had two other classes together, and I’ve been continually impressed by her bright, resilient and passionate nature. Jade’s potential to make a meaningful impact in the world is something I truly admire. Whether through her work in business or her commitment to helping others, she embodies the qualities of someone who will make a difference. Her determination and heart inspire me, and I have no doubt she will achieve incredible things.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I don’t have just one person to thank for my success; there are so many people who have shaped my journey. I would like to thank Bucknell’s faculty and staff because they’ve not only provided me with an exceptional education but have become a lifelong family. From my professors who challenged and mentored me to the staff who supported and encouraged me, they’ve all played a vital role in who I am today. It truly takes a village, and my village is made up of the incredible individuals at Bucknell who have helped me grow, learn and thrive. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in my success, and I will carry the lessons they’ve taught me for the rest of my life.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? The top two items on my professional bucket list are the following:

1) Leading a team to solve complex, high-impact problems in the public sector, especially through consulting at Deloitte’s Government & Public Services practice.

2) Using my business knowledge to make a positive social impact, whether it’s through non-profit work, community initiatives or mentoring the next generation of leaders.

What made Jasmine such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“I can’t imagine the Class of 2025, or Bucknell more broadly, without Jasmine. She is a fantastic — student-driven, curious, empathetic and dedicated to her studies. But beyond all that, Jasmine is an amazing person. She approaches life with a real desire to help those around her, and is always reaching back to help those walking in her path. Jasmine recognizes that the true mark of a leader is one’s ability to build up those around them, enabling others to enjoy achievements far beyond their original intentions. She is patient with her fellow classmates, and possesses a maturity and emotional intelligence beyond her years. I look forward to watching her flourish beyond Bucknell, and am so thankful to have been a part of her time in the Class of 2025!”

Melissa Intindola
Associate Professor of Management and Organizations

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