Logan Balsan ’24 Builds Leadership Skills Inside and Outside the Classroom
Hometown: Franklin Square, N.Y.
High School: Valley Stream North High School
Major: Accounting
Favorite Spot on Campus: Montgomery House Lawn overlooking the skyline of the City of New Rochelle
Clubs and Extracurricular Activities: Resident Assistant; Beta Alpha Psi; Italian Culture Club (President); Pep Band; Education Club; Music Ministry
Why did you decide to attend Iona?
Iona has a great community and plethora of activities, as was obvious when I first toured when applying for higher education. The students I met on tour were very dedicated, very kind and genuine, and enjoyed the opportunities given to them thanks to Iona. Seeing this, I thought this was the perfect fit for me.
As a student musician there were ample opportunities to continue the passion - I now play in the Pep Band and in the Music Ministry. These are only some of the opportunities granted to me and I can't thank Iona's staff, faculty, and student peers enough for them.
What interests you most about your chosen course of study?
The work. I know that isn't the most popular answer to this question, but going through the courses, the experiences told to me by professors, and family experience, I enjoy the workload expected in the profession. Doing the coursework in practice for the real profession has been enjoyable, and I am always motivated to participate in class, in doing the assigned homework, etc. I have no hesitation proceeding into the profession of accounting. Everyone in the LaPenta School of Business has made it an enjoyable experience in preparing for the workload ahead.
What distinct advantages have you gained from your Iona experience?
I have gained more social and leadership skills. Socializing is a lot different in higher education than in high school, especially as a resident on campus. You meet people from different areas of the country (or the world in some cases) and get to know all about them. It's a bit of a learning curve, but over time, you get the hang of it.
Iona's students and peers are nothing but kind, genuine and respectful so many won't experience problems in this aspect. But this new social experience only helps as you gear up for a career after education - meeting new people, and this time in the business world.
In my participation in clubs, and as a founder of the Italian Culture Club, I have gained more leadership experiences and skills that I will take with me for the rest of my life. Being president of a student organization is hard; there are difficult decisions that have to be made. However, these decisions and experiences only help you grow as you seek to better yourself and - as a club president - the Iona Community. These experiences will only help.
Have you interned anywhere? If so, how did you find the opportunity? What did you enjoy most about your internship? I will be interning with BDO come January 2024. With the help of the LaPenta School of Business, I have been able to create new connections with businesses and people within the career I'm pursuing, and it has helped me secure this internship. I look forward to the experience I will gain in further preparation for my lifelong career.
Tell us about your plans for the future. In what ways has Iona prepared you for the next step you will be taking?
Iona has definitely prepared me for a successful career in accounting that will give me the opportunity to live a successful life.
With this internship with BDO – granted to me with the help of Iona's LaPenta School of Business's services – I am garnering imperative and crucial experience with a top 10 accounting firm in practice for the full-time career.
My time as a club president, also given to me with the help of Iona's Center of Student Engagement, is granting me leadership experiences that I will cherish for a lifetime. Iona has been significant in gearing me for the career ahead, and I can't be more excited for what it will look like.
Is there a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on your future that you would like to mention?
Iona's Chaplain, Father Gerard Mulvey. He singlehandedly brought me closer to myself and my religious passion, and if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have joined the Music Ministry or pursued other areas of my religion.
As a Roman Catholic, Father Gerard has brought me closer to God and how I live my life in the word of the Lord. He is a charismatic and approachable person overall - he has no trouble bringing students together, meeting other students, or being a part of the students' lives and community. He is a strong presence on campus and is a great role model and friend to have as a staff member or as our chaplain. I would like to extend my most dearest gratitude for everything he has helped me accomplish during my time at Iona.