Formal Retrospective

Retrospective Reflection

My journey through the Honors College has been defined by intentional growth, academic rigor, and a deepening understanding of how my professional goals connect to broader societal impact. Through key coursework, experiential learning, and reflective practice, I have developed both the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in financial services while remaining grounded in my commitment to philanthropy and service.

Two of the most formative academic experiences in my Honors journey were my Honors Finance coursework during ICORE with Professor Jared Trullinger and my Intro to Honors course with Dr. Sheeler. These courses not only strengthened my academic foundation but also shaped how I approach opportunities and professional development.

During Honors Finance, I built a strong understanding of investments and corporate finance, but more importantly, I developed meaningful mentorship. Professor Trullinger became a long-term influence in my academic and professional journey. Through interviewing him for my Honors “in my field” assignment and maintaining that relationship, I gained insight into the finance industry, received career guidance, and was even nominated for awards. This experience demonstrated that academic excellence extends beyond mastering content; it includes building relationships and actively engaging with faculty. My continued connection with Professor Trullinger is evidence that my work achieves the Honors College goal of Academic Excellence, as I have pursued learning in a way that is both rigorous and relational.

Similarly, my experience in Intro to Honors with Dr. Sheeler pushed me to think more intentionally about my college experience. Her encouragement to fully utilize Honors opportunities led me to pursue experiences I may not have otherwise considered, including study abroad and competitive case work. This course emphasized reflection as a critical component of learning, which has shaped how I evaluate my growth. My ability to strategically reflect on my experiences is evidence that my work achieves the Honors College goal of Support & Preparation, as I have developed habits that position me for long-term success.

Beyond the classroom, my Honors experiences have significantly expanded my perspective, particularly through my study abroad program in Japan and my participation in the Equitable Advisors Case Study Competition.

Studying abroad in Japan during the summer of 2025 was one of the most transformative experiences of my academic career. Focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, this program allowed me to collaborate with students from a university in Kyoto on a project related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through this work, I gained a deeper understanding of how global challenges require collaborative, cross-cultural solutions. Visiting the Tokyo Stock Exchange and learning about international finance systems further expanded my understanding of global markets.

More importantly, this experience challenged me to grow in cross-cultural communication and adaptability. Navigating a new environment required humility, curiosity, and openness to different perspectives. This growth is evidence that my work achieves the Honors College goal of Diverse & Inclusive Community, as I actively engaged with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and learned to value diverse perspectives. Additionally, my application of financial knowledge in a global context demonstrates alignment with the Honors College goal of Local & Global Impact, as I developed the skills necessary to contribute to solutions beyond my immediate community.

Another defining experience was competing in and winning the 2024 Equitable Advisors Case Study Competition. Alongside a partner, I developed and presented a comprehensive financial plan for a theoretical client, ultimately winning against more than 20 teams. This experience required not only technical financial knowledge but also communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking.

Presenting to a panel of judges pushed me to articulate complex financial concepts clearly and confidently. It also reinforced the importance of tailoring financial advice to individual client needs, a skill that will be critical in my future career. This accomplishment is evidence that my work achieves the Honors College goal of Engaged Learning & Development, as it reflects the application of classroom knowledge in a real-world, high-stakes setting.

First Honors Experience at the Annual Kelley Honors "Dinner with the Deans" Event

Equitable Advisors Case Competition.pdf

Equitable Advisors 2024 Case Study Competition Winning Presentation

Team 5A Final Capital Budgeting Deliverable.pdf

Honors I-CORE Finance Final Budget

This represents the culmination of my Honors Finance course with budget research, sensitivity analyses, NPV calculations, and profitability decisions.

Honors I-CORE Completion

Photo of my team after completing and presenting our Honors I-CORE project "RQ Next" to a panel of professors and professionals. The full presentation can be viewed here

Intermediate Investments Honors Contract Heather Toland.pdf.pdf

Intermediate Investments Honors Contract

Here, I demonstrated investment forecasting and analysis skills by creating an optimized portfolio.

Japan Study Abroad Trip Summer 2025: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Cont.

Throughout these experiences, my academic and professional development has been shaped by key intellectual influences. One of the most impactful works I encountered was Decolonizing Wealth by Edgar Villanueva. Villanueva challenges traditional philanthropic practices, arguing that they can unintentionally perpetuate the very inequities they seek to address. This perspective fundamentally shifted how I view the intersection of finance and philanthropy. Rather than seeing financial advising and charitable giving as separate, I now recognize the importance of advising clients in a way that is community-centered and responsive to systemic inequalities.

This influence directly informs my long-term career goals. As I begin my career in financial services with Charles Schwab, I am interested in helping clients think strategically about their giving, including the use of donor-advised funds and other philanthropic tools. Ultimately, I hope to transition into philanthropic financial services, working with foundations or endowments, and eventually establishing my own charitable initiatives. My engagement with Villanueva’s work is evidence that my work achieves the Honors College goal of Local & Global Impact, as I am committed to using my financial expertise to address real-world challenges.

In addition to this philosophical influence, my academic coursework has instilled foundational principles that guide my approach to both finance and personal growth. In my investments coursework with Professor Larissa Adamiec, one concept that has remained with me is the idea that “investors demand to be compensated for risk,” often summarized as “no risk, no reward.” While this principle is central to financial theory, it has also shaped my personal mindset. My willingness to take risks—whether by pursuing competitive opportunities, studying abroad, or stepping into leadership roles—has directly contributed to my growth. This mindset is evidence that my work achieves the Honors College goal of Academic Excellence, as I have embraced challenges that push me beyond my comfort zone.

One of the most significant periods of growth during my college career occurred during my junior year. Balancing my internship with the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office while completing ICORE coursework required strong time management, adaptability, and resilience. This period forced me to become more intentional about how I allocate my time and energy. It was also during this time that I solidified my major in finance and minor in philanthropic leadership, clarifying my career direction.

This experience represents a turning point in my development from a student exploring possibilities to a professional with clear goals and direction. My ability to manage multiple high-level commitments while continuing to grow academically is evidence that my work achieves the Honors College goal of Support & Preparation, as I have developed the discipline and self-awareness necessary for success in my career.

Overall, my Honors experience has shaped me into a more thoughtful, capable, and purpose-driven individual. I have grown not only in technical knowledge but also in my ability to think critically, engage with diverse perspectives, and apply my learning in meaningful ways. As I transition into my professional career, I carry with me the lessons, relationships, and values cultivated through the Honors College.

My experiences demonstrate that I am not only prepared for a career in financial services but also committed to using that career as a platform for impact. By integrating finance and philanthropy, I hope to contribute to a more equitable and intentional approach to wealth and giving. The Honors College has played a critical role in shaping this vision, and it will continue to influence how I approach both my professional and personal life moving forward.

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