Cynthia Matson’s Wichita State University experiences and an internship opportunity have led her to a full-time career in finance. 

Cynthia is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring/summer 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad. 

What is your degree in?

A Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and economics.

What led you to WSU?

The opportunities within the city of Wichita and the welcoming atmosphere on campus are what made me most want to attend WSU.

How are you feeling leading up to graduation?

I can’t believe that it’s been four years already! I’m excited for what’s next, but it’s bittersweet. I know I’ll miss being around the community and friends I’ve found here.

What are your career plans?

After completing an internship with Textron Aviation last summer, I accepted a full-time offer with Textron’s finance leadership development program. The program involves two yearlong rotations in different Textron business units, so I’m looking forward to exploring different roles and new places.

How has the COVID-19 crisis altered those plans, if at all?

I’m fortunate to have not yet had those plans altered by the COVID-19 crisis.

What advice do you have for other students on how to cope with the uncertainty of these times?

In this, and other times of uncertainty, I value turning to friends, family and mentors for encouragement and advice. Although we’re physically distant due to this current crisis, staying close through other forms of communication is more important than ever. I also encourage fellow students to take time for themselves. Just months ago, none of us could have predicted how drastically our day-to-day lives and plans would change. Right now, we’re all doing the best we can with what we have — whatever that may look like to us each individually.

What has been your most helpful learning experience while a student at WSU?

It’s hard to narrow it down to one, but I think the learning experiences I’ve had while spending time with other students, faculty and staff members — especially when traveling together for conferences and study abroad— have impacted me most. Having the opportunity to listen to and learn from others with a variety of perspectives, backgrounds and interests is one of my favorite things about our campus community.

What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?

If I could give my freshman self a piece of advice, I would tell her: “You can do anything, but not everything.” I’m grateful for the ways I’ve learned to prioritize what’s most important to me and dedicate my time and energy to those things accordingly.