Amanda Luong knows what she’ll miss most about Binghamton University.
“I’ll miss being able to explore all of my passions in one place,” said Luong, a double major in accounting (with a concentration in finance) and philosophy, politics and law, as well as a minor in theatre.
“This semester I’m taking classes in ballet and Italian food, for example. I’ve learned a crazy amount,” she laughed.
Theater was top-of-mind while a high school student in Jericho, N.Y., but Luong also had an interest in business. She even considered becoming a lawyer at one point. She knew she wanted to go to college at a place that could accommodate it all. A tour of Binghamton University confirmed that it would be a good fit.
“When I visited, the vibe just felt right,” she said.
After move-in, Luong was ready to jump right in.
“My suitemates and I ate together and were like ‘this is our first meal in the dining hall. This is so cool!’ I was very excited to be here,” she said.
She quickly found herself becoming a heavily involved School of Management (SOM) student, participating in PwC Scholars, the Dean’s Mentoring Program and Women in Finance. But it was her involvement in the Binghamton University Investment Fund, a student-run portfolio worth over a half million dollars, that really stood out to her. Luong was encouraged to apply to the fund by upperclassmen.
“I thought I bombed the interview, but I got in,” she said. “Participating in the fund has helped raise my self-confidence and solidify my work ethic. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Luong’s involvement also helped grow her love of finance.
“There’s so much in finance that could appeal to everyone. I wanted to be in an area where I could work with people while putting my math skills to use. And I think financial literacy is important for everyone,” she said.
Luong noted that her classes with SOM finance faculty Dina Layish and Dan McKeever were the most meaningful for her, and that their willingness to work with students on difficult material is indicative of the school’s culture.
“That’s something that differentiates SOM as a whole — it’s a culture of so many people willing to help you and asking for nothing in return. And it inspires you to want to give back as you get older. SOM has a pay-it-forward culture,” she said.
As a senior, Luong now mentors students through the Dean’s Mentoring Program and as a campus ambassador for Girls Who Invest, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry.
She has also found opportunities for mentorship as the music director of No Strings Attached, one of Binghamton University’s a cappella clubs. Joining the club as a first-year student, Luong worked her way up to the role after previously serving as treasurer and assistant music director.
“I love to sing, and it’s been nice to be able to continue to explore music. It helps me be a more holistic person,” she said.
Whether performing at the group’s semester show, or on the road in nursing homes or elementary schools, Luong said her work with the group has made her very proud.
“It’s been so rewarding to watch this group grow over the years,” she said. “I can’t imagine my college experience without them. We’ve made a lot of memories.”
With a job lined up at an investment bank set to go after graduation, Luong said she plans to continue pursuing her passions, including music, in the years ahead.
“I don’t know where I want to be ultimately, but I want to be happy. I want to make sure I make time to pursue my passions and spend time with family,” she said.
Luong’s vision is consistent with the advice she wished she was able to give to the first-year version of herself.
“I would tell myself to go with the flow, and that it’s okay to not do what everyone else is doing,” she said. “You’re still going to work hard and continue to pursue your passions. You’re going to grow professionally while still having time to do what you love.”
