From Connecticut College to Tuck: Meet Bridge Alumni Kareem Alazem and Emma McDonnell

Pictured (back right): Recent Tuck Bridge alumna Emma McDonnell, an undergrad at Connecticut College, alongside her capstone project team members (left to right) Reese Spence, Ela Snyder, Lindsey Glew, Will Procter, and Jack Phillips. | Photo by Laura DeCaupua

Economics students at Connecticut College, Kareem Alazem and Emma McDonnell recognized gaps in their knowledge of essential business concepts. To address these, they enrolled in the Tuck Business Bridge Program. They spent three weeks in Hanover, learning business fundamentals, collaborating with top students from various schools, and advancing their career skills.

Kareem Alazem Bridge’24

Student at Connecticut College, Class of 2027

Why was it important to you to attend the Tuck Business Bridge Program? What skills were you trying to round out? 
I wanted to attend Bridge to expand my accounting knowledge. One of my classmates had previously attended the program and shared what a positive experience it was for him. His enthusiasm inspired me to apply, and I’m so glad I listened to him because I loved my time at Bridge!

As an economics major, I was particularly drawn to the accounting and corporate finance course offerings. In just three weeks, these courses provided me with a deep understanding of subjects I was not previously familiar with. I now feel confident in answering most technical accounting questions. I know this will set me up for future success, as I will have my strong economics background coupled with the business knowledge I gained at Bridge. 

What was the highlight of your Tuck Bridge experience? 
One of my favorite things to do during my time at Tuck was take trips into the town of Hanover with friends. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore! TukTuk Thai was a fan favorite among our group! These trips downtown, getting away from the stress of classes or work, were the highlight of my Bridge experience. 

What are your career goals and what skills or lessons from Bridge will be most valuable in achieving them?
Following my graduation from Connecticut College, I hope to pursue a career in investment banking. Recruiting starts this spring, and attending Bridge has prepared me for it. I find the technical questions in interviews some of the toughest, but after taking the accounting courses at Bridge, I feel like I have a leg up on that. The networking opportunities at Bridge were incredible as well. I practiced speaking with professionals, became more comfortable in those settings, and heard from individuals working in industries of interest to me.
 

Pictured (center): Kareem Alazem, Connecticut College ’27, with his Bridge capstone project group members (left to right) Matt Synnott, Zara Tse, Charlie Medd, and Sara Lipsitch, who conducted a company valuation of E.L.F. Beauty.

Emma McDonnell Bridge’24

Student at Connecticut College, Class of 2026

Why was it important to you to attend the Tuck Business Bridge Program? What skills were you trying to round out? 
I attended the Tuck Business Bridge Program to supplement my liberal arts education with a more technical and practical understanding of business concepts. As an economics major, I have a strong theoretical foundation, but I wanted to develop skills in financial analysis, marketing strategy, and business operations. The program provided me with hands-on experience and a deeper dive into these topics, helping to round out my skill set and prepare me for a future career in business.

What was a highlight of your Tuck Bridge experience? 
A highlight of my Tuck Bridge experience was the opportunity to collaborate with an exceptionally talented and motivated group of peers and mentors. I worked closely with professors like Kathleen Fitzgerald, who taught our accounting class and offered invaluable guidance as my capstone project team developed a 3-statement financial model to project our company’s future performance. My dedicated groupmates and our Bridge Fellow, Katherine, worked together seamlessly, pushing each other to deliver our best work in the final presentation.

What are your career goals and what skills or lessons from Bridge will be most valuable in achieving them?
From my experiences at Tuck Bridge, I developed a deeper understanding of various fields within business and what is required to succeed. Across the board, hard work, attention to detail, motivation, and teamwork are essential to success. I found wealth management, financial consulting, and private equity most interesting—and I also identified careers that I don’t want to pursue—which is equally important as I explore internships for this coming summer.