William Mahony

Success Check-Up

 

Recent finance graduate William Mahony is on the pulse of a career in medicine, beginning his studies at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston later this summer. A native of Austin, Texas, William is eager to combine his passion for science with sharp interpersonal skills acquired on the bluff as he strives to become an LMU Lion with the roaring power to heal.

“My LMU undergraduate experience connected me with so many knowledgeable people and resources,” said William, who graduated in 2018. “In particular, LMU Career and Professional Development (CPD) played a key role in my success as a student and as an applicant to medical school.”

Describing CPD’s service as incredibly “comprehensive,” William says his road to medical school was made smoother with the help of a Health Professions Career Coach, who not only conducted mock medical school interviews with him, but researched his top institutions in order to pose program-specific questions.

Since its launch in 2015, CPD has quickly become the bluff’s one-stop shop for professional resources, guidance and experiences that help students reach successful outcomes suited to their strengths. In fact, 99 percent of LMU’s most recent graduating class are either employed, in graduate school, or taking part in post-graduate service within six months of graduation.

William says he sparked to LMU as soon as he stepped foot on campus, showering praise on its culture of small classes, engaging professors and mission to help others. He adds that his LMU College of Business Administration (CBA) coursework was the perfect complement to his biochemistry minor, helping to strengthen his communication skills and ability to work effectively in groups.

“I liked the collaborative nature of CBA,” William said. “We were always working together in very meaningful ways in order to learn and solve problems. I think the experience has helped prepare me to go into the collaborative environment of healthcare.”

William added that a particular highlight of his academic experience was being able to flex his research muscles in the lab with LMU Professor of Chemistry Jeremy McCallum, where he and a group of peers explored potential treatments for type 2 diabetes. They went on to present their findings at the LMU Undergraduate Research Symposium – the bluff’s annual showcase promoting the power of undergraduate research.

In addition to his rigorous coursework, William was active in a number of campus experiences, including the LMU Finance Society, Beta Theta Pi fraternity and as a CPD Peer Advisor. He also found time to routinely volunteer in the geriatric unit at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center.

As for what advice the future M.D. has for incoming LMU Lions?

“As an LMU student your professors, advisors and peers can help you achieve your goals,” he said. “Take advantage of these resources and use your experiences on the bluff as a springboard for your future endeavors.”