Amanda Geib '91 comes back to Hamilton each fall to recruit candidates for General Electric's Financial Management Program. "I love Hamilton and GE and want the two to meet," said Amanda, manager of finance for GE Capital Card Services. This year she met Brendan Ferretti, whose résumé of accomplishments includes community service, working with a team of students who designed a Web site for college-age voters and serving as co-captain of the men's basketball team.
GE's Financial Management Program is internationally recognized as a breeding ground for corporate leaders. After pre-screening, some 900 people interview each year for the program, with about 175 awarded jobs. Of the 50 colleges and universities GE representatives visit, Hamilton is the only liberal arts college. The reason — a long track record of providing quality graduates.
"Hamilton students are not business majors, but they can read, write and think analytically," Amanda said. "They have the people skills and leadership skills, and since they are highly motivated, they are quick to pick up the business and finance skills not learned through their major."
Brendan met Amanda and John Rice '78, president and CEO for GE Power Systems, when the two came to Hamilton's Career Center. Afterward Brendan signed up for an interview.
"In addition to learning about your courses and activities, the interview measured your ability to communicate and think on your feet," Brendan said. "I was involved in a lot of activities at Hamilton that I really loved, so I had a lot to say."
Brendan got the call the next day inviting him to GE headquarters in Pittsfield, MA, for a day-long round of interviews. Amanda helped by e-mailing him ideas of what to expect and how to prepare. Then, the day after he got home, he was offered the job.
In the Financial Management Program, Brendan will rotate among jobs and locations every six months, learning about various aspects of the company. "I'm not sure where I'd like to focus," he said, "but I'm looking forward to learning a lot and making good contacts."
