Melina Rice ’27 is making the most of her time at the University of Hartford by combining academic ambition with campus involvement and real-world experience. A double major in finance and marketing, Melina exemplifies the interdisciplinary mindset that today’s business world demands.
Melina chose to pursue a double major to bring together two of her strongest interests: numbers and creativity. By blending finance with marketing, she is building a skill set that allows her to approach business challenges from multiple perspectives while opening the door to a wide range of future career opportunities. “Double majoring in two distinct fields allows me to connect with professionals across industries,” she explains, “and gives me flexibility as I plan my career.”
A major milestone in Melina’s career journey is her recent acceptance of an internship with the Travelers Championship, one of the most prestigious PGA Tour events. In this role, she will be involved in the planning and execution processes leading up to the tournament, gaining hands-on experience in event operations, marketing, and large-scale project coordination. The internship aligns perfectly with her academic interests in marketing, finance, and sports business, and represents a significant step toward her long-term career goals.
One of the aspects Melina values most about UHart is its close-knit community. Small class sizes have allowed her to build meaningful relationships with both professors and peers, creating an environment where collaboration and support thrive. “I love being able to walk across campus and see familiar faces from my classes,” she shared. “It really makes UHart feel like home.”
Melina’s academic experience has been strengthened by the University’s emphasis on career readiness. Through opportunities such as Career Exploration Day, networking nights, and the Etiquette Dinner, she has gained confidence and professional skills that extend beyond the classroom. She credits UHart for offering a wide range of career-focused experiences that have helped prepare her for life after graduation.
Within the Barney School of Business, Melina has taken full advantage of opportunities designed specifically for business students. Events like the Barney Hall of Fame gave her the chance to connect with alumni professionals across a variety of fields and gain valuable insight into potential career paths. “It was an incredible opportunity to network and learn from people who were once in our shoes,” she says.
Faculty and staff support has also played a critical role in Melina’s success. She points to Ryan Polk, associate director of career experiences, as a key mentor who has dedicated time to discussing internship opportunities, building professional connections, and preparing her for interviews. “That guidance has made a huge difference in my confidence and career development,” Melina emphasizes.
Highly involved on campus, Melina serves as manager for the UHart women’s volleyball team, a Barney Ambassador, event manager for the American Marketing Association, and a member of Women in Business and the Sports Business Association. Through her role as a Barney Ambassador, she was selected to attend the Business Student Ambassador Success Conference in Ohio, where she connected with student leaders from across the country.
Outside the classroom, Melina works as a server and manager at Bricco Trattoria and enjoys traveling and spending time at the beach with family and friends. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a master’s degree after graduating in spring 2027 while remaining open to full-time career opportunities. With her upcoming internship at the Travelers Championship and her strong foundation at UHart, Melina is well on her way to a successful future in business.
Melina Rice ’27, Barney School of BusinessDouble majoring in two distinct fields allows me to connect with professionals across industries and gives me flexibility as I plan my career.