This month, Nelson Wyatt ‘22, M’24 will begin his role in the Underwriting Leadership Development Program at Aetna, a CVS Health company! Nelson began his educational journey at the Barney School of Business by receiving his bachelor’s degree in business management in 2022. He is now back at Barney as an MBA student with a concentration in project management.
Throughout his years at UHart, Nelson has immersed himself in a variety of activities and clubs, from competing as a sprinter on the track & field team, to being actively involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and The National Society for Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Phi). He was also a Red Cap on campus, providing a fun and positive student orientation to incoming UHart students. Yet, one of Nelson’s proudest accomplishments has been his involvement with STRIDE, a peer mentorship program.
As a peer mentor for four years, he dedicated himself to assisting young Black, African American, and Latinx students, offering guidance and support to first-year students. Beyond mentoring, he continued his involvement and support into his fifth year. Nelson says that these experiences have been incredibly rewarding.
Nelson’s journey in the area of student leadership, from being a graduate assistant to his current role as student leadership coordinator, has been a transformative learning experience. Working in the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion, he has collaborated with various club and organization leaders to plan significant events like the Student Leadership Awards and UHart's annual Student Organization Involvement Fair. This role has equipped him with valuable skills in communication, event planning, and community building, which he is eager to apply as he continues to strive for success and discover his passions in the professional landscape.
“I am confident that the foundation laid in these diverse roles will guide me toward impactful and fulfilling endeavors in the future,” Nelson says. “These experiences created a well-rounded learning environment that allowed me to cultivate crucial skills such as leadership, effective communication, and organizational prowess. In particular, working in the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion played a pivotal role in helping me discover and nurture my passions. Engaging with club and organization leaders provided me with insights into community dynamics and event planning, fostering a genuine enthusiasm for creating impactful experiences on campus.”
Nelson says that through his involvement in these activities, he not only grew academically, but also underwent substantial personal and professional development. Some of these hands-on experiences allowed him to explore his strengths and interests. This growth has been integral to shaping his identity and aspirations, illustrating the profound impact that extracurricular involvement can have on one's academic and personal journey.
Nelson had the valuable opportunity to take part in Aetna, a CVS Health company's, Work Study program as a business insurance underwriter. This experience proved to be incredibly positive and enriching. The exposure to a corporate environment and the intricacies of insurance underwriting allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of risk assessment and financial analysis. This hands-on experience significantly deepened his analytical skills and industry knowledge.
Additionally, working as part of a dynamic team at Aetna, a CVS Health company, honed Nelson’s collaboration and communication abilities. Interacting with professionals from diverse backgrounds enhanced his adaptability and refined his capacity to work effectively in a collaborative setting. Lastly, the work study program provided insights into the broader health-care landscape, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision making in the business world. This exposure not only expanded Nelson’s professional knowledge, but also instilled a strong sense of responsibility and integrity in his approach to business. Overall, his experience with Aetna, a CVS Health company, was a positive and transformative experience, contributing immensely to his personal and professional growth.
Nelson’s experience with Aetna, a CVS Health company, was instrumental in preparing him for a future career in several key ways. It allowed him to take full advantage of opportunities presented in a professional setting. Through hands-on work as a business insurance underwriter, he learned to leverage his knowledge effectively. Moreover, the experience bridged the gap between theoretical learning in college and practical application in the real world. This practical understanding allowed Nelson to apply academic knowledge to solve real-world challenges, enhancing his problem-solving abilities.
“On a personal level, this role provided a holistic perspective on the sacrifices I made during my time at UHart,” Nelson explains. “It demonstrated the tangible impact of my efforts and solidified my understanding of why those sacrifices were worthwhile. Ultimately, this role opened doors and created the opportunity for me to join the Underwriting Leadership Development Program (ULDP) at Aetna, a CVS Health company, aligning with the career path I've passionately pursued. The ULDP is a comprehensive program designed to develop leadership skills and provide a structured career path within the field of underwriting. It marked a significant step toward the professional future I've worked hard to achieve.”
Nelson cites the Barney School for playing a pivotal role in shaping his journey and preparing him for success. “As a first-generation college student, the school not only provided academic knowledge but served as a comprehensive guide in developing essential professional skills,” he says.
From instilling a strong work ethic to practical theory application, time management, relationship building, teamwork, and collaboration, the Barney School equipped Nelson with the tools to navigate the complexities of the business world. The professors, experiences, and curriculum collectively contributed to his growth, teaching him not just about academics, but how to conduct himself professionally.
Nelson Wyatt ‘22, M’24, Barney School of BusinessHere's a piece of advice to help you be more prepared: Master the art of time management. The ability to efficiently allocate your time can be the difference between achieving your goals and looking back with regrets. Recognize that, especially at this stage, time is your most valuable asset. Be mindful not to squander it, and you'll find yourself accomplishing more than you ever thought possible.
Beyond the classroom, Barney has been a source of meaningful connections, bringing Nelson some of his best friends and facilitating networking opportunities that will stay with him throughout his life. “I credit much of my success to the education and support I received at the Barney School, and I am immensely grateful for the decision to choose this institution almost six years ago,” he declares.
What Nelson cherishes the most about UHart and Barney experience are the people, especially incredible professors like Celia Lofink, Ke Yang, Rebecca Ranucci, David Stec, and many others. Their dedication to teaching and mentorship has not only shaped his academic journey, but has also allowed him to form genuine connections with some of the best and brightest minds in the field. Beyond the classroom, the Barney School has been instrumental in helping Nelson forge lasting friendships—some of his closest friends are those he met through this enriching academic environment. “The collaborative and supportive community fostered by both staff and students has turned early morning 8 a.m. classes into moments I look forward to each day,” he says.
Two individuals stand out to Nelson during his years at UHart. Celia Lofink, assistant dean and clinical assistant professor of management, has been there for him since the beginning, turning his initial class into an enlightening experience. “Her door isn't just figuratively open—it's genuinely welcoming,” Nelson says. She's been my guide, teaching me not just about business etiquette and professional development but also the art of building meaningful relationships. Her support has made college worthwhile, and I owe her a debt of gratitude for being the incredible person she is.”
Equally impactful for Nelson along his UHart journey was meeting Llonia Rojan Jackson, director of cultural diversity and belonging. “Her authenticity and genuine care for every student make her stand out,” Nelson recounts. “Llonia keeps it real, holding me accountable and offering valuable insights. She has been a source of support on challenging days, providing knowledge on the importance of finding a sense of self through the college journey. Llonia's welcoming and understanding nature has made her a trusted confidant. I credit her for helping me break out of my shell and encouraging greater involvement.”
Even though Nelson graduates in May, he has already accepted a full-time position with CVS Health’s Underwriting Leadership Development Program starting in January. Nelson says after graduating, he looks forward to sitting back, relaxing, reminiscing, and thinking about his life.
Nelson’s advice to incoming students? “Dive in, get involved, and embrace the experience. Your time here is short, so make the most of every opportunity. Remember, it's okay to be patient with yourself—growth takes time. Enjoy the journey, build connections, and savor the valuable lessons that come your way.”
Nelson says that he wouldn’t change anything about his time at UHart, as even the mistakes along the way taught him valuable lessons and contributed to his growth. He loved his time being a student and he “will always be a student of life.” Nelson is grateful for the memories he has made and although he is excited for what’s next in life, he just wants to cherish his remaining days at UHart.