Why Zalman Chose the Business Administration Pathway

Zalman Vishedsky shares his journey to becoming a lawyer.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Business Administration?

I always knew that I wanted to attend law school, so I was looking for an undergraduate  program that would educate me in a way that would prepare me for my future career. The Men's Division of Sara Schenirer business degree program through Saint Peter’s University was appealing because of its broad educational scope. As an attorney, I’ll greatly benefit from my general understanding of accounting, marketing, and economics which were all part of this degree.

How prepared did you feel when you first started? What surprised you most about your classes?

I felt mentally prepared for the experience. I knew what I wanted to accomplish and I was ready to work for it. I was uncertain, however, whether I was academically prepared coming from yeshiva where secular studies were not emphasized, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the coursework relied almost entirely on materials taught in the program itself. The vast majority of my classmates shared my educational background and were also able to succeed in the courses. 

What has been your favorite part of your experience so far? Most challenging?

I appreciated the written assignments more than anything else. I enjoy writing, and I was challenged to perform and address a variety of writing styles, formats, and subjects throughout my classes. What I found to be the most challenging was adapting to the different business topics, many of which I had not yet been exposed to. In each of the three semesters I had to adjust to unfamiliar material, new professors, and unique ways of thinking.

How would you describe the support you receive from Sara Schenirer staff and professors?

Just one week into my first course, I contacted several of my classmates and started a study group. Most of us kept in touch throughout the program and still stay connected to this day. If I had to pick one word to describe the culture at The Men's Division, it would be collaborative. My professors were always responsive and accommodating, and my classmates never hesitated to assist me.

What are your goals after earning your degree?

Entering the program, I had two primary goals in mind. The first was to perform well so I would be admitted to law school, and the second was to develop a general proficiency in all things business-related. It has been just over three weeks since I completed the program, and I am now sitting at my desk in Ithaca as a student attending Cornell Law.

How did you decide to pursue a career in law?

For years, I had been in search of a career path that was intellectually-oriented, suited to my personality, and well-paying. While I am not yet a lawyer, I feel prepared for the rigorous path ahead of me. Sara Schenirer provided me with a strong foundation and understanding of the business world that will benefit me over the course of my career. 

Would you recommend this field to other frum men?

A career in law is very specific to an individual’s interest, personality, and professional goals. A law degree requires many years of schooling and long work hours, but can lead to high earning potential and ample job opportunities. It may not be the right fit for someone busy raising their family or looking to control their own hours. The field of business, however, is broader and the degree program covers many different areas that can help lead to a successful career in business.

In addition to your anticipated career path, what are some other ways to use your degree?

One of the many great things about the Sara Schenirer BBA degree is the vast scope of its business education. Coursework centers on functional areas including management, marketing, economics, finance, accounting, law, and statistics. Rather than choosing one specialization, you study a broad base of business topics and that foundation serves as a stepping stone for any business-oriented career path. With my degree, I know I can always change course and pursue accounting, business analytics, or organizational management since I know I have the strong basis to do so.

What are some pathways to finding a job in your chosen field?

I worked hard in Sara Schenirer to earn high grades so I could get admitted into an Ivy-League law school, which should ensure I land a great job after graduation. There are numerous other directions you can take with the BBA degree, all of which have their own path to growth and success.

Can you give an idea of starting salaries in the industry and how one moves up?

After law school I plan to work in BigLaw, which is a collection of the top 100 law firms. There is a set salary track that starts at $230,000 (after bonus) for first-year associates, and then increases exponentially every year. Without question, my experience at Sara Schenirer set me up for success and helped me start on my path to becoming a lawyer.