Student Spotlight: Abbey MacDonald '27

Abbey MacDonald, a first-year management major with a secondary major in both economics and legal studies from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, recently passed the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam and is a member of Women in Business at Isenberg.

What made you choose Isenberg and UMass?

Initially, I was drawn to Isenberg, a highly respected and prestigious institution that is well-known for academic excellence. However, I also chose UMass because of how much the students love it. I attended an Isenberg event, and the students who presented all said the same thing: Since starting at UMass, they all love the school and could not imagine having gone anywhere else. Although I was already strongly considering UMass, hearing this pushed me to attend.

How did you choose your major in management? Why did you decide to pick this over other programs?

I chose management as a major because I have always had a passion for working directly with people, leading organizations and projects, and organizing information and goals. I have found that the most rewarding way to instill these into my life is by working as a leader, which I would absolutely love to be able to pursue in my professional career. 

What have been your favorite classes and experiences at Isenberg so far?

I am currently really enjoying all the resources that Isenberg has to offer. One notable experience was taking a CliftonStrengths assessment, which helped me to identify what my strengths are through an online program and a one-on-one meeting with an advisor. I discovered that my top five strengths are achiever, discipline, focus, competition, and maximizer, and was encouraged to focus on improving and utilizing these strengths in my endeavors. 

What clubs and extracurriculars do you participate in?

At UMass, I am the president of my dorm cluster’s house council and a member of Isenberg Women in Business and the UMass Real Estate Club! I also look forward to being a resident assistant next year.

Have you had any jobs or internships during college?

I am currently a licensed real estate agent at Castinetti Realty Group in Shrewsbury.

What are you planning after graduation?

After graduation, I am planning on pursuing business management as a career and continuing real estate on the side. I hope to someday be a CEO, which would allow me to practice my strengths and aspirations on a large scale.

You recently passed the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam. How does it feel to have achieved such an accomplishment?

I am ecstatic to have passed my Massachusetts Real Estate Exam on the first attempt and feel confident that having passed it so early in my life will help me to build upon valuable skills that will only help to further my college and professional career.