Jim Catanzarite '18

You know life is good when you haven't even begun your last semester in college but you've been offered a full-time job that's ready and waiting after graduation.

Jim Catanzarite won't complete his degree requirements until May of 2018, but he's already accepted a job as a tax associate at a large, national public accounting firm. 

He says transferring to Marian University was the best decision he's ever made. "Some of my friends from high school chose Marian and they raved about it. I knew Marian had a great reputation and that the strong employment market in Indianapolis would offer great internship and job opportunities. I haven't been disappointed."

While Jim reports he's been "challenged to the max academically" at Marian, he's gotten more support and encouragement from Byrum School of Business faculty than he expected.

"The business professors helped me build myself professionally. They've prepared me to enter the workforce with a wide, extensive base of knowledge in my field. I don't know of another college or university where the faculty are willing to invest as much time and energy in their students as Marian does."

Jim took full advantage of the internship opportunities offered at Marian. "I completed two summer internships in the financial services industry and will have completed a third tax internship by the end of December. Starting in the spring of 2018, I will have a full-time internship, also in the tax industry."

He credits staff at The Exchange (Marian's career services and development office) with helping him attain internships. "My friends at other schools larger than Marian have had more difficulty than I had in getting internships," Jim adds.

Active on campus, he's been a student-athlete, a scholarship recipient, and a peer tutor. "The friendships and connections I've made at Marian will last for a long time. I'll never forget the memories I've made here and wouldn't trade my three years on this campus for anything."

For students who are thinking about transferring to Marian, Jim advises them to "trust the process and take advantage of making a fresh start in your college choice. Change can be intimidating, but do your best to have fun with it. You'll grow mentally and emotionally."

After graduation, Jim plans to pursue his CPA certification. His ultimate career goals are to advance his position within the firm and eventually become a partner.

Jim says he's also grown spiritually at Marian University. "I've become a Knight and I'm proud of it."