Endicott Hockey Stars Ready for Dream Job Opportunities Heading into Senior Day
When the graduating members of the Endicott College men’s ice hockey team look back on their collegiate careers, they will have a lot to be proud of, on and off the ice.
The senior Gulls were part of the first-ever NCAA Division III men’s hockey team at Endicott when the program transitioned from club status in 2015-16. Since then, those student-athletes, under the tutelage of head coach R.J. Tolan, have brought the team to astronomical heights with consistent national rankings as high as No. 2 overall, a Commonwealth Coast Conference tournament championship in 2016-17, and a trip to the NCAA tournament quarterfinals in 2016-17.
Off the ice, they gained valuable skills for the rest of their professional lives thanks to Endicott’s nationally-recognized internship model. That includes Michael Heidkamp, who is graduating in three years, and Carter Horwitz, both of whom will be part of Wellington Management’s Business Associate Program upon graduation.
Prior to Saturday’s Senior Day, Heidkamp and Horwitz shared what their internship experiences were like, how the internship and career office helped them land dream opportunities prior to graduating, and reflected on their hockey careers.
Michael Heidkamp, Junior (graduating in three years), Defenseman, Marietta, Ga., Finance Major
What was your Endicott internship experience like?
"My internships laid the foundation of my professional work experience by having completed two uniquely different 12-week internships with AT&T and a semester-long internship with Baystate Financial. I was exposed to various aspects of business, including portfolio management and individual financial planning. Without the experience I have gained through my internships, I would not be as prepared or well-equipped to be successful in the professional world following graduation."
How helpful was the internship and career center along the way?
"In my three years at Endicott, both (Career Center Associate Director) Kate Chroust and (Assistant Professor of Experiential Learning and Internship Coordinator for the School of Business) Catherine Butler have read and reviewed my resume and cover letters more times than I could possibly remember. They prepared me for interviews as well as introduced me to industry professionals at Endicott events like our campus business industry nights and women in leadership events."
How has balancing hockey and academics been?
"Balancing hockey and my academics have been difficult due to my ambition of graduating in three years. Balancing the workload from classes along with the busy schedule from hockey has taught me to be proficient with how I manage my time. Time management is a skill that will enable me to be successful in any professional position."
Carter Horwitz, Senior, Defenseman, Tustin, Calif., Finance Major
What was your Endicott internship experience like?
"I recently completed a six-month internship at Sandler O'Neill + Partners. I can’t say enough good things about the company and the people that work there. They were extremely flexible in the fall, which allowed me to focus on my internship in the mornings and hockey in the late afternoons. Everyone there took me under their wing and helped me gain a deeper understanding of markets and financial stocks."
How helpful was the internship and career center along the way?
"(Catherine) Butler was crucial in helping me land my last two internships. She made time for me when I had questions and gave me great advice. Specifically, she was constantly helping me come up with ways to differentiate myself from the rest of the pack of interviewees for the Wellington job. (Kate) Chroust was equally as helpful, and I met with her a couple days before my final interview at Wellington to go over every possible interview question we could think of. She helped me analyze the possible questions and answer them in a precise, yet distinct, way."
What has your hockey experience been like? What emotions are you feeling heading into Senior Day?
"It means a lot to be part of the first group of student-athletes to start the program. I am thankful coach (R.J.) Tolan brought me here. He's been a great mentor and has built a team that has gotten national recognition all four years. I am still excited to show up to the rink every day and get after it with the guys. I am shocked that Senior Day is coming up. The past four years have gone by much quicker than I anticipated. I am thankful that I have been able to be a part of the program and wear the Endicott jersey. The guys on the team are my best friends and it has been an incredible ride."
Interested in attending Senior Day? Head to Raymond J. Bourque Arena on Saturday night for the matchup against Wentworth Institute of Technology. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.