From Oregon to Manhattan: How a First-Gen Duck Launched a Career in Finance
Willie Williams III, BBA ’19 (finance), launched his career with a bold move. After class, he connected with the guest speaker—board chair of Synchrony, a top financial services firm. Impressed, the chair asked for his resume, leading to an internship in Chicago—ultimately, made possible by donor support.
“My PathwayOregon scholarship let me attend UO without needing a full-time job,” said Williams. As a result, he was able to stay focused during the academic year and use his summers for career-building job opportunities.
After excelling as an intern, Williams secured a full-time role at Synchrony, rising to an assistant vice president position in NYC. As a first-generation college graduate, he credits PathwayOregon’s support for his success.
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