“Sometimes the best opportunities are hiding in your class projects — you just have to reach out and grab them!” 🎓 🌟 Aidan Hughes '24 🏢 Data Analyst at Marmon Aerospace & Defense 📓 Business Administration: Information Systems & Business Analytics 🔬 UNH Sports Analytics Lab 🤼‍♂️ UNH Wrestling Team ‼️ Ask me anything in the comments ‼️ Going into my final semester, I had no idea what was coming next. Little did I know my capstone project would turn into an amazing job. While working [on the capstone] with @marmon_aerospace_and_defense, we were tasked with turning mountains of shipping data into actionable information. The best part? Their team was super involved — always there when we had questions. I was intrigued by the company and asked about a summer internship. They encouraged me to apply (no promises though!). The best part about already knowing people there? Walking into interviews feeling like I wasn't starting from scratch. During my internship, I made it my mission to know EVERYONE — from the executives to the warehouse team. I'd regularly check in with coworkers. Luckily, they welcomed me as a teammate and wanted me to stick around. Now I'm there full-time, doing what I love. I'm basically a translator, but instead of Spanish or French, I translate data. Taking millions of rows of numbers and turning them into actual insights that help the company grow! Looking back at Paul College, the real game-changers weren't just the classes (though they're important!). It was all the hands-on experience — the Sports Analytics Lab, the capstone project, working with real companies. My advice? Get involved in everything you can outside the classroom. That's where you turn textbook knowledge into real-world success.