Brazilian Student Merging Global Business and Art History Seamlessly

31 Jan, 2024

Brazilian Student Merging Global Business and Art History Seamlessly

Julia Vilela found herself drawn to Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center initially because of its renowned global business program and its prime location in New York City. The bustling energy of the city appealed to her, attracting driven individuals eager to explore diverse interests, much like herself.

Unexpectedly, alongside forging connections and securing a full-time position at Deutsche Bank, Vilela discovered a newfound passion for art history, spurred by her international background as a Brazilian student. This unexpected interest blossomed thanks to Fordham's comprehensive core curriculum, which encourages students to pursue diverse disciplines without sacrificing their primary focus.

Immersing herself in introductory art history courses and later studying abroad in Fordham London, where museum-based classes explored art and architecture, Vilela found that studying art history honed her critical thinking and attention to detail, skills she leveraged during her internship at Deutsche Bank.

Throughout her journey, Vilela found invaluable support from mentors like Armani Nieves, a fellow student who facilitated networking events and connected her with supportive Fordham alumni, aiding her in the recruitment process for her role at Deutsche Bank.

Embracing Fordham's collaborative environment and its focus on purpose-driven business, Vilela's involvement in programs like the Ignite Scholars Honors Program and the Fordham Angel Fund reflects her commitment to using business as a force for positive change, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and learning from peers across various disciplines.