Married Haswed Mesilien ‘24, M’25 is a student in the Barney School of Business. She is part of the 3+1 and honors programs, with a major in business analytics and managerial economics, and a minor in accounting. After graduating with her bachelor’s next month, Married will pursue her MBA with a concentration in finance. As an inaugural member of the Stanley Black & Decker scholarship program, she has received a yearly scholarship, an internship, and a position for after graduation.
Married’s involvement on campus has been a large part of her experience at UHart. “These involvements have helped me develop leadership skills, fostered a sense of community, and deepened my commitment to service and advocacy,” she explains. “They have provided a supportive environment where I can grow as an individual and contribute meaningfully to causes I am passionate about.” Married is a part of HEAT, LEAD, SIS, BSU, the Haitian Culture Association, the NAAIA, and the Honors Program.
Being a member of the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) has provided Married with valuable insights into the insurance industry, helped foster connections with professionals, and enhanced her understanding of business analytics within this sector. As the team leader in the NAAIA talent development competition, Married and her team undertook a case study focused on developing inclusive insurance products for low-income and underinsured communities. They developed methods to enhance insurance affordability, accessibility, transparency, and justice in response to climate-related challenges. Married’s team placed fifth out of 11 teams in the nation and showcased their ability to pitch unique ideas and communicate effectively. She believes that the project improved her communication, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving skills.
As an Honors Program Ambassador, Married has had the privilege to represent UHart’s honors community, engaging in academic enrichment activities and promoting scholarly achievements both within and outside the campus. Serving as a Barney Student Ambassador has allowed her to showcase the unique opportunities offered by Barney through networking events and outreach activities. Married’s involvement in the LEAD Program under The Women's Advancement Initiative has been transformative. Through community service initiatives and leadership development workshops, she has cultivated a strong sense of purpose and empowerment.
Married was recently nominated for the Hawk Community Engagement Award. She also just presented at the Northeast Regional Honors Council's annual meeting, which “was a remarkable opportunity to share advanced research inspired by the NAAIA competition,” she says. “Representing the University of Hartford at this prestigious conference underscored the significance of our academic contributions and further enriched my scholarly pursuits.”
When Married was named a Stanley Black & Decker scholar, she began serving as a technology and analytics intern. She applied analytical and managerial economic concepts that she learned about in her major to her work at Stanley. “The experience was incredibly enriching,” she notes, “allowing me to develop and apply a range of technical skills. I became proficient in database management, utilizing platforms such as Confluence and Jira Software for project collaboration and sprint planning, particularly on the EPCOT US project. This experience greatly enhanced my ability to track tasks efficiently using digital planners and heightened my awareness of cybersecurity principles and best practices.” Beyond technical skills, Married says that her communication abilities were refined through interactions with team members, technical writing, and collaboration on innovative projects. Overall, working for a Fortune 500 company provided a strong gateway into the corporate world.
Married Haswed Mesilien ‘24, M’25, Barney School of BusinessA piece of advice to be more prepared is to embrace the mindset that "it will all work out." Recognize that success is a journey, not just a destination. While striving for goals and ambitions, remember to enjoy every moment along the way. Trust in your abilities, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and maintain a positive outlook. By adopting this perspective, you'll be better equipped to navigate uncertainties and setbacks, making the most of your academic and personal experiences.
“The scholarship has offered me insights into the dynamics of a Fortune 500 company,” Married notes.” Networking opportunities and connections established during this experience were invaluable for future career prospects. The chance to work on innovative projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and interact with industry professionals enhances my professional skills and positions me for success in my chosen field.”
The internship enhanced her skills in database management, project collaboration, and cybersecurity. By offering insights into corporate dynamics and networking opportunities, Married feels prepared to start a career. Additionally, leading the NAAIA competition project has sharpened her communication and problem-solving abilities. She says that these experiences have reaffirmed her passion for finance and analytics, positioning her for success.
The supportive environment and comprehensive resources at the Barney School have empowered Married to excel academically, gain practical experience, and build a robust professional network, setting her on a path towards a successful and fulfilling career. “They mean it when they say you will leave feeling confident, competent, and connected,” she emphasizes. “Barney fosters a strong network of industry professionals, alumni, and fellow students. Through networking events, career fairs, and alumni engagements, I have established valuable connections that will support my career advancement.”
Married shares that Barney “covered all bases in accommodating and enhancing my educational journey, and I am incredibly grateful for the support and opportunities available to me.” With certifications in Excel, Tableau, Bloomberg Market Concepts, mentorship programs, experiential learning opportunities, and engaging Friday activities like Hawks in Flight, she had access to a comprehensive toolkit for academic and professional growth.
One individual who significantly enhanced Married’s campus experience is Khalia Whyte ‘22, M’24, her supervisor as a Barney student ambassador, who, being a young alumna herself, provided incredibly relevant and practical advice that resonated with Married. “Her recent experience navigating the transition from student to professional offered actionable insights and guidance that I found immensely valuable. Khalia's mentorship and relatability played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of career readiness and professional development.”
Married encourages incoming Barney students to “make the most of your academic years because they go by quickly. Get involved and engage within your communities, whether it's through clubs, organizations, or campus activities. Find your people and build meaningful connections. Lastly, don't take things too personally; focus on learning and growth because what may seem important now won't matter as much in the future. Embrace the opportunities, challenges, and experiences that come your way to maximize your time at Barney and prepare for a successful future.”
After both of her graduations, Married has exciting plans lined up. Immediately after her undergraduate graduation this May, she will be participating in a co-op program between Hartford Steam Boiler and the University of Hartford as a financial analyst associate, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Following this co-op, she will transition to her position in the Finance Leadership Program (SLP) at Stanley Black & Decker. This program will provide her with a rotational opportunity to further develop expertise in finance and analytics within a dynamic corporate environment.