Andrew Omer '18
“I've always known that I wanted to be a banker,” says Andrew Omer ’18. “I came to school here with big goals, and to set myself up for a great future. Bryant’s helped me achieve both.”
The recipient of a prestigious Robert Morris Associates Foundation Scholarship, Omer has accepted a full-time position from Freedom National Bank. He aims to one day work as a relationship manager, making connections with and assisting his community.
It was Omer’s brother, Russell Omer ’16, who helped him recognize that Bryant would help him achieve his goals. "After high school I took my passion for sports and shifted it toward getting everything I can out of my education," he says. "Bryant gave me what I needed to accomplish that."
Omer built a close relationship with Professor of Finance Peter Nigro, Ph.D. “Professor Nigro’s really taken me under his wing,” says Omer. “I wouldn't be where I am today without him.” That connection has helped him secure internships, extend his education, and make key professional contacts.
Omer, who recently completed his Credit Essential Certification, a difficult exam that covers a wide range of commercial banking topics, credits the banking class he took with Professor Nigro with helping him to go “beyond the textbook.”
“The class let us explore a number of topics in more depth, including the legislation regarding banking and the industry’s future,” he says. “We discussed what’s happening in the world right now.”
Bryant alumni, including Anthony Botelho MBA ’95, the President and CEO of Freedom National Bank, have been a remarkable resource. “I spoke to a number of Bryant alumni, who helped explain the industry to me and encouraged me to call them if I had any questions in the future,” he says. “The alum network is awesome.”
Real World Experience
Study Abroad
Sophomore International Experience
- Learned about the culture and business practices of Singapore and Malaysia, culminating in a two-week trip to both countries
Internships
Credit Analyst, TD Bank
- Developed key banking skills, acquired credit training, conducted in-depth industry and financial analysis of existing and potential borrowers, participated in customer meetings to gather credit and profile information used in underwriting process
Claims Compliance and Financial Control Support, The Hanover Insurance Company
- Conducted financial controls audits, developed action plans for greater awareness of financial controls and strengthened existing financial controls
Academic Organizations
Risk Management Association
- Acquired risk management skills, attended courses, completed certifications, networked with other professionals
A Connected Community
Bryant's purposeful student life delivers co-curricular immersion with an inspiring, collegial community. Students forge deep connections that last a lifetime.
A curatorial internship at the famed Guggenheim Museum leading to a career in the arts.
Professor Nigro's teaching principles: no lectures, no textbooks, no raising of hands. “In my class ... it’s a dialogue. I am known as a hard teacher. You come to class prepared.”
An ambition to drive change led her to study sociology