Alex Hannie’s experiences on the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team have helped him become a better player, a better student, and a better person.
“It has provided me with opportunities to become a better servant leader towards others,” he said. “I have also mastered time-management through my time as a student athlete.”
As a student-athlete, Alex balances his classes with baseball games and practices. He’s also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which has helped him be more organized and become a better communicator.
With so many responsibilities, Alex’s time management skills and the support he has on campus are essential.
“My favorite part about studying at UL Lafayette is the resources they provide you with to succeed,” he said. “From the teachers, to the library staff, to career services – everyone is looking to help you graduate and start a successful career with your degree.”
Planning for the future
Alex is a finance major with plans to pursue a career in personal wealth management or investment banking.
“I chose to study finance because I believe I can help people live more stress-free, knowing their finances are in order,” he said. “This career path will allow me to guide people in making educated decisions with their money that will benefit them and their families.”
Using the same tools as investment professionals
The finance program at UL Lafayette is giving Alex hands-on opportunities to learn more about wealth management and investing through the state-of-the-art Maraist Financial Services Lab. His junior year, he took full advantage of the lab in FNAN 485: Student-Managed Investment Portfolio with Dr. Praveen Das.
“It’s such a unique class because, for the most part, it is run by the students,” Alex said. “We follow and research specific stocks and present our findings to the (UL Lafayette Foundation) board at the end of the semester. I enjoyed this class because it gives students a real-world idea of what it’s like to work in the financial services industry.
“The Maraist Financial Services Lab is an extremely useful tool in teaching students the core concepts of finance,” he continued. “Also, the lab’s Bloomberg terminals allow us to get accurate, real-time information on the US and world economies. The study lounges and entrepreneurial think tank are nice places for us students to work and discuss our finance classes.”
Alex is also getting valuable experience in INFX 205: Information Technology and Data Applications.
“It teaches you how to operate information and data applications that are used every day in the workplace,” he said. “Many employers require you to know and use these programs, so it was great to get a head start on learning them.”
Life after graduation
With his experiences on and off the baseball diamond, Alex is confident that he’s ready for life after graduation.
"An important skill that I’ve learned through my time here is critical thinking. I have learned how to evaluate a problem and devise various solutions to solve it accordingly.”
“By taking and implementing the skills learned here at UL Lafayette, I will be better prepared for my career ahead.”
