Shanele Tamulevicius
University of Pittsburgh School of Business
“A detail-driven, people-focused, caffeine-fueled leader who turns goals into plans and plans into results.”
Fun fact about yourself: I’m bilingual in Lithuanian!
Hometown: Langhorne, Pennsylvania
High School: Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Flourtown PA
Major: Accounting & Finance
Minor: Economics
Certificate: Business Analytics
Favorite Business Course: Database Management with Brad Messner & Corporate Financial Strategy with Adrian Lam
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- Student Director of BUS10 – Your Academic & Career Success
- Teaching Assistant for BUSORG1020 – Organizational Behavior
- Operations Assistant 3 at Pitt Studios (ACCN)
- Active Member in Women in Business
- Selected Participant for Leaders Engaging and Developing Strengths (LEADS)
- Selected Participant for Agile Project Academy (achieved Professional Scrum Master I Certification)
- Recipient of the Wilma F. Tabisz Memorial Award
Where have you interned during your college career? Ernst & Young, Financial Services Office (FSO) Audit Intern in Philadelphia, PA.
Where will you be working after graduation? Ernst & Young, as an FSO Audit Staff 1 in Philadelphia, PA
Who is your favorite business professor? I wish I could choose the whole accounting department for this question because each professor I had played a special role in my decision to pursue an accounting career and the CPA license. If I had to pick only one, I owe a lot to Nicole Cade, who I had for Financial Accounting my fall semester sophomore year.
She was the first professor to introduce me to the accounting world and truly made the subject click for me. Her teaching style made complex concepts feel approachable, and her passion for the field showed in every class. She challenged me to think critically, build confidence in my skills, and see accounting not just as numbers, but as a career where you can make a real impact.
A moment I will never forget happened right before our final exam began. I received a phone call from Ernst & Young, but I couldn’t answer because it was almost 11 AM and we were about to start the exam. The missed call left me with a sense of anticipation the entire exam, wondering if it might be about the internship offer. After finishing the stressful final, I immediately called the recruiter back and found out I had been accepted into their Summer 2025 internship program. Hearing that news right after walking out of the exam, about to start my winter break, was one of the best feelings in the world. It felt incredibly full circle; the very class that introduced me to accounting was also connected to the moment my professional journey truly began.
At the same time, I genuinely loved all my accounting professors. They are incredibly intelligent, supportive, and always willing to help students succeed. I always felt comfortable reaching out to them, whether it was about accounting concepts, career advice, or even life outside of school. They created an environment where asking questions felt encouraged rather than intimidating which made such a difference in my confidence and growth. Collectively, they inspired me to pursue accounting seriously and showed me what it means to be a great professional, a great student, and a great person.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I gained from studying business is that success is rarely just about what you know, it’s about who you’re willing to connect with and learn from. Networking isn’t just exchanging LinkedIn profiles or attending events; it’s about building genuine relationships, asking questions, and stepping outside of your comfort zone even when it feels intimidating. Some of my best opportunities, mentors, and experiences came from simply introducing myself, following up, or saying yes to something that scared me.
Learning to put myself out there completely changed my college experience. It helped me grow more confident, open doors I didn’t even know existed, and realize how supportive people can be when you take the first step. Now, as a senior and mentor, that’s the exact advice I give first-year students: talk to people, go to the event, send the email, and ask the question. You never know which conversation might shape your future.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? My biggest advice to a student looking to major in a business-related field is to remember that you really can’t go wrong. Business is so broad and full of opportunities, so give yourself time during your first two years to explore what genuinely interests you. Take different classes, try new things, and pay attention to what excites you. For me, both Finance and Accounting stood out, which is what ultimately led me to pursue both.
It’s also completely okay to change your mind. You grow so much throughout college, and your interests might evolve as you’re exposed to new subjects and experiences. Don’t be afraid to pivot, sometimes the “change” is exactly what leads you to the right path.
Most importantly, put yourself out there. The best opportunities in business often come from the people you meet, not just the classes you take. Introduce yourself, go to events, ask questions, and build relationships. Getting your name out there opens doors you didn’t even know existed and can lead to opportunities you never expected.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? Honestly, I wouldn’t change much. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and every experience, good or challenging, helped shape who I am today. Each class, leadership role, and opportunity taught me something and led me to where I am now, so it’s hard to say I’d truly redo anything.
If I had to pick one thing, though, I would have participated more during my first and second years. I was pretty introverted at first and still adjusting to college, so I sometimes held back in class discussions or hesitated to speak up. Looking back, I realize those moments were opportunities to build confidence and connect more with professors and classmates.
Over time, I learned that growth really happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Once I started raising my hand more, introducing myself, and putting myself out there, everything changed, academically, professionally, and socially. If Shanele were entering college again, I’d tell her, “Don’t wait to get involved. The sooner you lean in, the more you’ll get out of the experience.”
What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? At the University of Pittsburgh School of Business, the integration of Artificial Intelligence has become increasingly visible across classes, student organizations, and extracurricular programming. As part of the school’s broader focus on digital transformation, it has been exciting to watch AI move from a buzzword to something students actively engage with in meaningful, practical ways. The recent launch of the Certificate in Artificial Intelligence is a great example of this commitment. In my role as a BUS10 Teaching Assistant, I made it a priority to promote the certificate to first-year students so they could start building these skills early and apply them throughout their college experience.
Being part of a campus that embraces innovation has shifted how I think about technology’s role in business. Rather than viewing AI as something that replaces people, I’ve come to see it as a powerful assistant that enhances our work. It can streamline processes, analyze information faster, and help us work more efficiently, but it isn’t a shortcut for critical thinking or effort.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? The achievement I’m most proud of is becoming the Student Director of BUS10: Your Academic & Career Success. BUS10 is a required business course for first-years taught by current Pitt Business students and is designed to help students transition into college and build academic, professional, and career readiness skills. Because every incoming business student takes it, the course impacts hundreds of students each year, which makes the responsibility incredibly meaningful. I began my sophomore year as a teaching assistant, leading groups of 20+ first-year students. Over time, I grew into a leadership role where I now help shape the overall direction of the program: developing curriculum, planning programming, and hiring, training, and mentoring our team of TAs.
A huge part of this journey has been the mentorship of Rebecca Rhoades, Associate Director of First-Year Experiences and Career Programming. We connected from our first meeting my freshman year, and she has been one of the most influential people in my college experience. Becky didn’t just supervise me; she truly invested in me. She trusted me with opportunities before I fully trusted myself, encouraged me to step into leadership, and constantly pushed me to grow. I owe so many of the opportunities that have come my way to her. She’s been my mentor, my cheerleader, and my boss all at once; and she’s a big reason my college experience has been as meaningful as it has.
More than anything, serving as Student Director reflects who I am: someone who loves mentoring others, building community, and helping students feel confident in their path. Seeing students land internships, discover their interests, or simply feel supported during their first year reminds me why I do this work. Creating that same sense of support for others is what makes this achievement so special to me.
Which classmate do you most admire? The classmate I most admire is my best friend, Natalie Connell. We met in the fall semester of our freshman year in BUS10, the same business course we both now TA for, bonded in Managerial Accounting during spring semester sophomore year, and the rest is history. Since then, we’ve been inseparable. We live in the same building just two floors apart, and she’s truly my partner-in-crime, my built-in support system, and the person I can count on for everything, whether it’s late-night study sessions, quick coffee breaks, or celebrating life’s big and small wins.
I admire her not only as a friend, but as a person and a professional. She completed her undergraduate degree in just three years and is now earning her MBA in one year, which speaks volumes about her drive and discipline. She’s incredibly hard-working, focused, and goal-oriented, and being around her constantly motivates me to be better. We push each other to grow, hold each other accountable, and genuinely celebrate each other’s achievements as we pursue different paths within the business world.
Some of my favorite college memories are the everyday moments with her – the continuous texts, shared laughs, walks to class, and the comfort of knowing she lives just two floors away. Now, getting ready to walk at graduation together feels incredibly special. Having someone who has grown alongside me, supported me through every challenge, and shared this entire journey is something I’ll always be grateful for. I truly can’t imagine my college experience without her.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? The people I would most want to thank for my success are my parents. Everything I’ve accomplished is rooted in the sacrifices they made long before I ever stepped into a classroom. They came to the United States as immigrants from Lithuania with only a few dollars in their pockets, no guidance, no mentors, and no safety net – just faith, resilience, and an incredible work ethic. Watching them build a business from the ground up, face setbacks, see numbers go negative, and still refuse to give up showed me what true perseverance looks like. They fought through every challenge to create stability and opportunity for our family, truly living out the American Dream through sheer determination.
Because of them, I’ve learned that hard work isn’t optional, it’s a responsibility. Their journey motivates me to accomplish every goal I set and to build a life for my future family that’s as strong as the one they built for me, and even better. In many ways, they’re both my inspiration and my competition. Watching everything they achieved pushes me to work harder, dream bigger, and constantly challenge myself to rise to their level and beyond.
My mom taught me compassion and empathy. She showed me how to care deeply about people and lead with kindness in everything I do. She’s not only my parent, but my best friend and my safe place – the person I call when I need advice, reassurance, or just someone to laugh with. She’s been there for every tear, every late-night conversation, and every celebration. She taught me that success means nothing if you don’t stay grounded and treat others with respect.
My dad taught me strength and confidence. He instilled in me the mental toughness to keep going when things get hard and the belief that I’m capable of more than I think. He’s always been the voice reminding me to aim higher, push further, and never settle. Knowing he’s only one phone call away if anything goes south has given me the courage to take risks and chase big goals. He never let me doubt myself, and because of him, I walk into every challenge believing I can figure it out.
Everything I do is a reflection of them. Their sacrifices, values, and unconditional support are the foundation of who I am, and I hope to make them as proud of me as I am of them.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
Earn my CPA license.
Completing my CPA license is my first and most important professional goal because it represents more than just passing exams; it symbolizes discipline, credibility, and mastery of my field. To me, the CPA is a commitment to excellence and a foundation that will open doors throughout my entire career. I want to challenge myself to reach that highest standard, build deep technical expertise, and earn the trust and respect that comes with the designation. It’s something I’ve worked toward since my first accounting class, and achieving it would validate years of hard work, late nights, and dedication to becoming the best professional I can be.
Become a CEO and build something of my own.
Long term, I hope to lead and build a company of my own, whether in finance and accounting, consulting, or a space where I see an opportunity to create real impact. I’m drawn to the idea of not just working within a system, but shaping one: creating culture, making decisions, and building something meaningful from the ground up. More importantly, I want to use that leadership position to inspire and empower other women to break into traditionally male-dominated fields like finance and accounting. Representation matters, and I want to be the kind of leader that younger women can look at and think, “If she can do it, so can I.”
Ultimately, my goal isn’t just personal success, it’s building something that opens doors for others, just like so many mentors opened doors for me.
What made Shanele such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2026?
“Shanele Tamulevicius represents the rare convergence of technical excellence, authentic leadership, and a genuine commitment to lifting others—qualities that have made her not just a standout student but a transformative presence in the Class of 2026.
What made Shanele invaluable begins with her trajectory of growth. She arrived as a self-described introvert, uncertain about speaking up in class. By her senior year, she was leading our entire BUS10 program as Student Director, shaping curriculum that impacts hundreds of first-year students annually. This evolution wasn’t accidental—it reflects her extraordinary capacity for self-awareness and her willingness to push beyond comfort zones, a mindset she now actively instills in the students she mentors.
Shanele’s leadership style sets her apart. As Student Director, she doesn’t simply execute tasks; she reimagines systems. She collaborates with faculty to redesign programs, trains and mentors teaching assistants, and ensures that every first-year student receives the same support she once needed. Her approach is detail-driven yet deeply people-focused—she remembers that learning happens best in environments where questions feel encouraged rather than intimidating. Students consistently note how her mentorship helped them discover their academic interests, land internships, and build confidence during their most vulnerable transition year.
Her academic performance demonstrates remarkable discipline across a demanding double major in Accounting and Finance with an Economics minor, plus a Business Analytics certificate. Yet she pursued this rigor not for credentials alone, but because she genuinely loves the work. Faculty and staff alike consistently speak to her intellectual curiosity and the thoughtful questions that elevate classroom discussions.
What makes Shanele truly exceptional, however, is her “why.” As the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants who built their American Dream from scratch, she carries a profound understanding of sacrifice, perseverance, and responsibility. She doesn’t just want personal success; she wants to build systems that open doors for others, particularly women entering male-dominated fields like finance and accounting. This isn’t abstract aspiration—she’s already doing it through her mentorship, her advocacy in Women in Business, and her commitment to representation.
The Pitt Business Class of 2026 is stronger because Shanele chose not just to excel individually, but to invest in the success of those around her. She embodies the principle she teaches first-year students: that putting yourself out there, building genuine connections, and leading with both competence and compassion creates ripple effects far beyond what any one person can achieve alone. Her journey from hesitant freshman to confident leader to future CPA and aspiring CEO isn’t just inspirational—it’s a blueprint for what business education should cultivate.
Shanele didn’t just succeed at Pitt Business. She made Pitt better, and her legacy will live on for years, as I am already planning when I can bring her back into the classroom as a guest alumnus. Here at Pitt Business, we say “From the Classroom. To The City. To The World.”. It is now the world’s time to experience how much Shanele can offer.”
Rebecca L. Rhoades, MS., CSM
Associate Director of Career Programming/Adjunct Faculty
DON’T MISS: 100 BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2026
© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.
