Soon after Aaron Dickman’s father accepted a job in Toledo, the family moved from their home in East Lansing, Michigan to join him.
Dickman made another move as well — transferring from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, about an hour from East Lansing, to The University of Toledo.
Aaron Dickman was a sophomore when he transferred from Grand Valley State University in East Lansing, Michigan to UToledo after his family moved to Toledo.
The switch not only provided Dickman an easy 20-minute commute from the family’s home in Toledo, but it also presented beneficial academic and career possibilities through the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation.
“I was impressed by the business school, specifically the accounting program, as I felt that it would prepare me for both internships and a career after college,” he said.
Once accepted into the University, Dickman’s transfer was made all the easier through Freshman Camp, a three-day event that introduced him to the college experience at UToledo.
“I met some new friends there, and I keep in touch with them,” he said. “I also participated in Rocket Family Weekend, complete with going to a football game. Some of my classmates and I formed a study group for one of my classes for that semester, and that was the most fun I have ever had in the classroom. Becoming involved on-campus has also been a joy.
“After COVID affected my freshman year at Grand Valley State University, UT gave me an opportunity to have in-person classes,” Dickman added. “Because I learn best from this format, my academic performance has improved. I also have had the opportunity to branch out and meet new people, which was something I lacked my freshman year” at Grand Valley State University.
Now a junior, Dickman is majoring in accounting and minoring in data analytics, with plans to pursue master of science degree in accountancy and eventually take the CPA exam. He also is the treasurer for the Hot Chocolate Club, a campus student organization, and is a member of Tau Sigma, an honor society for transfer students.
Dickman isn’t the first member of his family to be a Rocket; an aunt graduated from UToledo in 1988. And for students at other Universities who are looking to make a switch — particularly those who are pursuing business-related degrees — Dickman said The University of Toledo has made a significant difference for him both now as a student and in his professional aspirations.
“UToledo has prepared me for the real world by the services offered by Business Career Programs. Without their help and continual support, I do not think I would have landed the internships I have had,” he said. “The business school has also been instrumental in their hosting of the job fair, which allows me to interact with prospective employers.
“There also are a lot of student organizations (both business and non-business) for students to become involved. If you want to take on a leadership role in a student organization, this school supports that.”
