c/o Shannon McLoughlin
Shannon McLoughlin ’23 is an active member of several campus communities. She spends her spare time on the rugby field, teaching her fellow students about investing and editing the Wesleyan Business Review. McLoughlin says these myriad activities have one important thing in common for her. It’s a community centered around mutual respect, support and kindness. McLoughlin joined The Argus in discussing these communities, noting the impact they had on her journey as a student and as a human being.
Argus: Why do you think you were nominated for WesCeleb?
Shannon McLoughlin: I think we were roommates [who nominated me], but no one has confessed it. So I think they are liars.or maybe it’s [because of] One of the organizations I belong to.
A: About those organizations, let’s talk about rugby first. How did you join the team?
SM: My orientation leader was actually a rugby player. I played soccer and basketball in high school, but wanted to try something different. So I went to practice for the first time. [Being a] I was really scared of the new students, but everyone was so kind and really welcoming, and they were really happy to teach me. I think it was just the right environment. I ended up falling in love with sports.
A: how about rugby? Four years later, what makes you interested in playing?
SM: culture. When playing against other teams, everyone sings the party song at the end.We all support each other within the team, and I like the fact that everyone is cheering for us in a very good environment outside of practice. [each other].
A: What did you learn as a rugby club captain?
SM: The other captains and I are planning our own practice. We also plan rides to tournaments, reach out to EMTs, and everything else. Four people, one person honestly can’t do it. I realized the importance of knowing people’s strengths and helping each other.
A: Let’s pivot a little. Tell us a little bit about your investment. Also, what attracted you to investing?
SM: When I graduated high school, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I’m an economics major and was referred to fund my freshman year. I have found it to be a really good career path in terms of my interests. This summer I worked in a bank and worked on emerging markets. So I was looking at what was happening politically in Chile and other countries, for example. I think the content is really interesting.
A: What do you do as co-head of the Investment Group?
SM: Every week I create a slide deck to teach people: [things] Finance, networking, resumes, and what you need to do to get into the technical stuff, etc. I didn’t know anything about the finances that came to Wesleyan. I never thought I would be able to finance it.So I really like the chance to tell it [first years] And the sophomore said, “This seems impossible, but anyone can do it.”
A: Was there a particular person or group that attracted you to investing or Wesleyan Investment Group?
SM: One of the previous Wesleyan investments [Group] leader.I found the finance space intimidating.She was really approachable and she was happy to help.She told me about her classes [and] interview. she was amazing. And she hopes she can do it for others.
A: Considering both in-class and out-of-class time, do you have any advice for current or future students?
SM: Two big things I’m involved in that I never thought would come here. Try not to be intimidated or frightened by your new space. The people here just want to help you find a place that suits you. So try whatever you can.
A: Is beautiful. Are there any key themes or learnings that you take away from your time at Wesleyan?
SM: dedication. I ended up being the leader of all major activities in which I participate. Since then I have done most of my activities. [first] Year. You can do too much here. It can be overwhelming and lose yourself. Taking some activities seriously makes them more meaningful.
A: What do your campus communities have in common?
SM: I feel that the cultures and interests of people in various spaces on campus are very different. But in all of them, people are very dedicated and like to work together.
A: Outside of finance and rugby, are there any professors or individuals on campus who really shaped your experience here?
SM: I’m a data analytics minor. [Associate Professor of the Practice in Quantitative Analysis] Valerie Nazarro is just amazing. I have been TA under her for two years.really cool how to do it [in her class]people learn how to code in a non-intimidating environment.…and [Assistant Professor of Psychology] Royette Dubar. That’s the lab where I work now. She showed me what interesting research could be done. [the field of] psychology.
A: What are your future plans after leaving Wesleyan?
SM: Starting next summer, I will be working at Citibank and doing sales and trading in New York. In the future, I may want to go back to school for psychiatry or something, but that’s definitely undecided.
A: If you had to quit rugby and play another sport, what would you do?
SM: Frisbee. Some of my really good friends are team captains and it seems like a really great space to be a part of.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Akhil Joondeph can be contacted at: ajoondeph@wesleyan.edu.
