Meet Tammy Tran of Financial Management Association in Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammy Tran.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Currently, I am a Sophomore at Arizona State University. As a first generation student attending a huge college, it was important for me to push beyond the “limitations” that discourage many other students from seeking higher education. I found myself at one of the greatest Business Schools in the nation, studying Finance and Data Analytics at W. P. Carey. Striving to excel not only in my studies but also in leadership, I joined several clubs and organizations on campus. From serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council to volunteering in Panama with Global Brigades and everything in between, I sought to be extremely active within my community.

This led to my involvement in the Financial Management Association (FMA). In the Fall Semester, I had joined the Executive Board as the Director of Socials and did little tasks such as ordering and catering. However, as the semester progressed, I found myself becoming increasingly passionate and driven by the organization. I wanted to do more–and be more for the club. As of Spring Semester, I am now President of FMA where I lead my team alongside Michael Calabro. Overseeing the entire operation of FMA, I do things like facilitating partnerships with Fortune 500 companies to planning a Spring Break trip to Chicago for a Financial Leadership Conference. It has been an incredible honor to lead a team that makes such an impact on campus.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not! If it were easy, everyone would do it. FMA has gone through a few major bumps and bruises that could have been detrimental to the organization. When a group of people are not passionate about success, things will start deteriorating and falling out of place– all great things require a great amount of care. These setbacks were not obstacles, rather they are catalysts that propel the organization forward. In allowing weaknesses to be exposed, we were able to change and try different things that in turn create strengths. Now, with new leadership in the organization, FMA is better than ever because we have a system in place that allows us to facilitate values and goals into our everyday operation.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Financial Management Association – what should we know?
As a prestigious organization, the goal of the Financial Management Association is to bridge the gap between undergraduate students and the workforce. FMA offers finance and other business students the opportunity to learn about the finance industry and the realities of working in the field. We strive for continued personal, professional, and academic growth, which occurs through education, work experience, life experiences, and leadership opportunities. The W. P. Carey Student Chapter has been recognized by FMA International as a ‘Superior Chapter’ for several years running.

We have weekly Thursday speaker events, exciting workshops, site tours of Fortune 500 companies, an exclusive FMA Career Fair, and a Financial Leadership Conference in Chicago over Spring Break. We are unique because we provide a platform for employers and students to learn and interact on a more personal level. Not all students get the privilege to casually have dinner at Mellow Mushroom with Equity Methods or speak to the Senior Manager of Vanguard one on one. We utilize our network to provide unique opportunities for high-achieving students and in return get the satisfaction of students landing interviews and even internships– all through FMA!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Having the “go-getter” attitude is the most critical quality to have– not everyone has the determination to strive for the best. The journey to success will inevitably be plagued with failure and obstacles but allowing it to sink future successes is deadly. Without the passion, vigor and initiative, I might as well have just settled for average.

Contact Info:

• Website: fmaasu.com
• Email: tammy.tran@asu.edu
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/FMAatASU/

Image Credit: 
http://500px.com/lukasstogsdill

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