Research Symposium

BIO

Noah Ramby is a sophomore at Florida State University, expected to graduate in 2028. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance. Noah participates in Florida State University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, where he conducts research under the mentorship of Dr. Aleksandra Zimmerman. Through this program, he has developed experience in academic research, analytical thinking, and financial problem-solving.

Beyond his academic work, Noah is actively involved in campus leadership and athletics. He co-founded a run club at Florida State University, helping to create a community for students interested in distance running and fitness. Outside of campus, Noah competes in Ironman events around the world, demonstrating his commitment to endurance athletics, discipline, and personal growth.

Noah’s academic interests focus on accounting, financial analysis, and business strategy. Following the completion of his undergraduate studies, he plans to pursue a Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) at the University of Colorado Boulder. Through graduate study and professional experience, he hopes to further develop his expertise in accounting and finance while preparing for a career in the field.

Through his academic work, research involvement, and athletic pursuits, Noah continues to develop the discipline, leadership, and analytical skills that support his long-term professional goals.

Finding the Fit: Undergraduate Identity and Career Pathways​​

Abstract

 This study examines how identity shapes undergraduate students’
major choice, career development, and post-graduate pathways.
While professions are working to diversify, they still lack a clear
understanding of how social and cultural identity influence
economic outcomes such as major choice, access to opportunities,
and career trajectories. Findings aim to inform educators, students,
and employers seeking to strengthen career development support
and improve transitions into the workforce. With our data, we can
pursue avenues to help diversify different professions and destroy
the barriers holding undergraduate students back. ​

Using survey data, our research explores patterns in major
choice, career preparation experiences, and perceived support to
better understand inequities in professional pathways. The survey
questions are not based on a particular hypothesis but rather meant
to reveal patterns that can explain why undergraduates do or do not
make choices in their careers. To garner data, our team built a survey
using Qualtrics, based on a foundational survey geared toward
professionals in established career paths, created by our research
mentor, Dr. Zimmerman, and her team. Survey responses were
analyzed using descriptive and comparative methods to identify
patterns, inequities, and differences between groups. Thus far, we
were able to have 180 complete responses to our survey from
undergraduate students at different institutions across the US.
Results revealed patterns in major choice related to social identity.​

Keywords: Business, Accounting, Finance