Class of 2024: The Honors Students
As the Class of 2024 prepares to graduate, half a dozen of them first had a pit stop in Southern California. As part of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Long Beach earlier this month, six students in the Babson Honors Program presented research findings that represent both personal interests and years of hard work.
While physically the students found themselves in an academic and networking environment across the country, the experience was all Babson. Bringing research from pen to presentation can seem daunting for a student with less experience in the latter. But, thankfully, a Babson education throws you right into the art of the pitch.
“During the conference, it became evident that Babson had prepared me to represent the College effectively,” Mihiika Naheta ’24 says. “I then leveraged the networking skills I had developed to establish connections with students from around the world who also attended the conference.”
Babson Honors students, who apply for the program in their second year, complete an independent research project over their last two undergraduate years. Right before graduation, the entire cohort of usually around 20 students presents their materials to the Babson community. Opportunities like NCUR and research abroad pop up along the way, and ultimately the program is a way for students to apply what they learn in classes about branding, problem-solving, cultural economics, and beyond to topics close to their heart.
It’s now time for the 17 Class of 2024 students to present their findings. Three honors students discuss how their projects went from an idea to a fleshed-out thesis.
Mihiika Naheta ’24
Describe your project in one sentence.
“‘Financial Websites: Made for One Gender’ examines whether the user presentation of financial homepages encompasses design elements that cater to males and whether this presentation affects women’s perception of entering the finance work field.”
What interested you in your project?
“Having completed several internships in the finance sector, I noticed a significant gender disparity in this field. I decided to focus my research on financial website design and elements that I identified as a gap in the existing literature.
“I had the realization of how deeply engraved gendered norms are in our everyday experiences, including website design. I found it interesting to analyze how design elements we may not even consciously notice can influence our perceptions and behaviors. This has made me more aware of the importance of considering neutral design elements and the impact of promoting inclusive environments.”
Where did your research lead?
“One of the biggest benefits is the ability to conduct in-depth research and think critically about complex issues. The program has taught me how to approach problems from multiple angles and communicate effectively, and I’m now better equipped to analyze situations and articulate my thoughts clearly.”
What are your post-graduation plans?
“I will be working full-time at Morgan Stanley in New York City.”
Andrea Torres ’24
Describe your project in one sentence.
“In ‘Causes and Effects of Informal Labor in Mexico: Aiming for Economic Development,’ I analyze why the Mexican informal economy has remained this persistent and ingrained in the overall economy over the past 30 years, and findings encompass several economic downturns, legislation, and other political factors.”
What interested you in your project?
“In high school, I did an introduction to the Mexican informal economy as part of my extended essay for the International Baccalaureate. I was also inspired by volunteering work where I saw how most families in precarious conditions worked on a cash-only basis, lacking contracts and safe working conditions.”
Where did your research lead?
“(I now have) a complex understanding of multiple factors that affect the informal economy. When I was younger, it was easy to circulate the causes of tax evasion and assume the problem would be solved if you alleviated tax burdens. It’s a more complex factor, however, and more data needs to be collected to bring out such conclusions. Also, (in my project) calling out the lack of data and appropriate methodologies in the Mexican statistics office (National Institute of Statistics and Geography) was a frustrating outcome but an incentive to do better next time.”
What are your post-graduation plans?
“I will be working as an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs in the New York City office.”
David Montenegro ’24
Describe your research in one sentence.
“In the project ‘Staying Relevant: The Response to the Shifting Tastes and Quality of Brooks Brothers,’” I investigate what led to Brooks Brothers filing for bankruptcy and what steps the brand can implement to recover.”
What interested you in your project?
“I am a Brooks Brothers fan, having bought their apparel since high school. It was disappointing to hear about their bankruptcy in 2020. The quality was not the same, and their style was too modern for its image. I wanted to learn more about how it happened. I’m a business student, I knew it was a business issue. I decided to make a case study to help businesses going through a similar path and identify red flags in their operations. I conclude with suggestions on how to improve them.”
Where did your research lead?
“My biggest accomplishment is speaking with Michael Bastian (’87), the creative director at Brooks Brothers. He’s a Babson alum and very influential in my favorite brand.”
What are your post-graduation plans?
“I will be an investment banking analyst at BMO Capital Markets at their New York City office.”
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