While originally from La Porte, Indiana, Aidan Ross is currently a senior at Valparaiso University (VU) where he’s been up to big things both in and out of the classroom.
Ross began his studies in the school’s sports management department. During his sophomore year, he switched to a focus on finance and has been studying the subject ever since.
“I used to work for the football team on campus, but after a while I decided, ‘Hey, maybe this isn’t a career path I want,’” he said. “Switching to finance, I think it’s something that was decent for me. I’ve always been good with money, so luckily, I’ve been able to find my fill-in with it.”
Ross interns at Continental’s Valpo location, a crimp manufacturer known for its tires. He came across the opening with the help of a friend and some scrolling through LinkedIn. While no longer directly in the management field, his previous experience has paid off in this role – he’s since put his managing finances capabilities to use.
On the job, Ross takes part in routine meetings. When it comes to the nitty-gritty, he’ll go through complex data files. Sometimes things are out of place with them, and there could be missing pieces, yet he remains resolute in his drive to shine in his role.
“I’ve really been enjoying it so far. I think the people are excellent and accommodating. There’s been somewhat of a learning curve, but I’ve still been growing and taking it day by day,” he said.
Each student in VU’s College of Business is required to take Business Analytics 304. Part of that class’s curriculum is a required Excel certification exam. While Ross was in the class, he passed the exam with a perfect score.
Professors congratulated Ross, but he was initially unaware of his achievement’s significance until one email changed his perspective on it all. He learned his score was the best throughout the state. Others achieved immaculate test-taking finalities, but none finished as fast as he did.
“Whenever you’re told you’re the best at something, it’s obviously an honor. I don’t want to let it get to my head; it’s ultimately just an exam I took in college. I’m very grateful, but I think I’m capable of being more than a score,” he said.
Ross is looking ahead toward what’s in store for his future, such as graduation and other upcoming opportunities. His victory in the Excel certification exam competition presented an opportunity for him to go to a related conference in Dallas coming up later in June. Instead of attending, he’s chosen to prioritize the job search to follow soon after earning his degree.
Ross has high hopes for working in business and creating valuable, professional relationships with coworkers and others he meets along the way. He’s also thankful for the people who have helped him to where he is today, such as Dr. Paul Rowe, who administered his Excel certification exam. His thankfulness extends to his parents, as well as everyone back at home.
“Being in the business world matters, and when you get here, the people in it become your family,” he said. “Everything my parents do, every dime that they make, goes into me, and I have this amazing opportunity here at a respected university to get a great education.”
In his free time, Ross enjoys going out with his friends in his fraternity, and every now and then they’ll also stay back to enjoy relaxed kick-backs. On his own, he’ll play video games, occasionally read, and relax by watching YouTube videos.
Ross is a fan of Valpo and Northwest Indiana as a whole. The area's overall character has a calming atmosphere he greatly enjoys.
“I enjoy that it’s quiet here for the most part. I like that. It’s quaint, but it’s got all the big-name fastfood places and everything else. You get your small-town feel, but also your big-town feel with downtown Valpo. There’s a good variety, and it’s a perfect middle,” he said.