Meet Izabella Shalamov Finance Major

Finance Major Finds Her Passion and Path at FDU

When Izabella Shalamov, a finance major at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus, began her college search, she didn’t have to look far.

“What originally brought me to FDU was the fact that it’s close to home,” she said. “It also offers a bunch of opportunities for my future. I fell in love with the beautiful campus and the professionalism between students and faculty. I liked the idea of a small school since my high school was also significantly small, and the student-to-teacher ratio was the perfect match for me.”

Izabella initially enrolled as a business administration major, but her growing interest in the stock market and private funds led her to switch to finance. A key turning point came from joining the Student Managed Investment Club.

“We go over market updates and discuss what’s happening in the world financially,” she explained. “It made me realize I wanted to pursue this path.”

Her economics class has been the most impactful course so far. “My professor does an amazing job explaining microeconomics while using his real-life experiences. It’s also one of the most interactive classes I’m in.”

Izabella has her sights set on a career in a big city, ideally New York, working at a bank or private hedge fund. “I want to be successful, independent, and financially stable. I want to strive for greatness, become a mentor, and be someone others can look up to.”

For Izabella, one of the most meaningful parts of her FDU experience has been the friendships she’s made. “They became people I can call my family and have made FDU into my home,” she said. “Joining the Student Managed Investment Fund was another highlight, it’s where I discovered my passion for the stock market alongside others who share the same fire and goals.”

Her message to incoming students? “Take bigger risks, be confident, and stay true to who you are. Keep pushing for your goals, start networking early, and help others whenever you can.”

Receiving the John Robert and Marye Trinkle Ruzila Endowed Scholarship has been transformative for Izabella and her family. “My mom is a single parent paying for two kids in college, so any outside financial aid means so much,” she said. “It takes weight off my mom and me, and I can focus more on my studies without worrying as much about the cost.”

Izabella credits her family, especially her mother and brother, for guiding her to this point. “My brother shares my major, so he mentors me and gives advice along the way. Without my family, I wouldn’t have stayed true to myself and my goals.”

As she works toward her graduation, Izabella continues to build the skills, network, and confidence to make her mark in the world of finance, all while remembering the people and opportunities that have shaped her journey.