Saying yes to what’s next

Ethan Schweitzer starts his days early.

“A typical day for me at CMU starts early. During the week, I usually wake up around 6:30. I like to start my day by checking the S&P 500 futures, the news, and the 10-year Treasury futures so I know what is happening in the markets.”

That daily habit reflects more than routine; it shows a mindset built on curiosity, consistency, and a clear interest in where finance can take him. For Schweitzer, a senior finance and logistics management major from Traverse City, Mich., that interest has turned into a growing list of experiences, connections, and goals that continue to shape his time at Central Michigan University.

Finding the right fit in finance

Schweitzer chose CMU for both practical and personal reasons.

“I chose Central Michigan University because it gave me the best mix of affordability and opportunity. The Michigan Finance Scholars program especially stood out to me because it showed that CMU invests in students who are serious about finance and want to keep growing both academically and professionally,” said Schweitzer.

That focus on growth carried into his academic path, where he also found value in understanding how businesses operate behind the scenes.

“I chose my major because I was drawn to how business decisions shape real outcomes. Finance stood out to me because I have always been interested in trading, the capital markets, and the way money, risk, and strategy all connect,” he said. “I was also drawn to supply chain because it shows how businesses actually operate behind the scenes and how important good decision-making is to keep everything moving.”

Learning by doing and competing

Inside and outside the classroom, Schweitzer has leaned into hands-on learning, and pushed himself through competitions and student organizations.

“One of the most meaningful has been being part of CMU’s Student Investment Fund, where I have been able to work with others, analyze companies, discuss investment ideas, and see how classroom concepts apply in real financial decisions,” he said. “I have been involved in several organizations and experiences, too, that have played a big role in my college experience, especially Pi Sigma Epsilon, the Student Investment Fund, and the Wall Street Journal club.”

Through those experiences, he’s competed nationally and built practical skills.

“Those experiences have pushed me to grow in leadership, communication, and technical skills, and they have made my time at CMU much more meaningful by connecting me with people and opportunities that have challenged me to keep improving,” he said.

Support that makes a difference

Schweitzer credits both faculty and peers for shaping his experience. He pointed to the way professors connect concepts to real-world applications.

“My favorite classes so far have been my finance classes with Brad Taylor and Claudine Salgado, along with Sean Goffnett’s logistics class,” he said. “Brad Taylor has done a great job of making finance interesting and helping me understand not just what we do, but why we do it.”

That support extends beyond the classroom.

“My professors have been willing to answer questions, offer guidance, and push me to keep improving, while my peers have created a strong community around me.”

Building community by showing up

For Schweitzer, finding his place at CMU started with a simple approach: getting involved. That mindset helped him build connections that continue to support him.

“I found my community at CMU by putting myself out there from the moment I transferred in. I wanted to get involved right away, so I made it a point to say yes to as many opportunities as I could,” he said. “Over time, that helped me build friendships, find mentors, and create a strong support system.”

“I would tell a high school student to say yes to opportunities and try as many things as possible when they first start college,” he said when asked about advice he wished he had when he started at CMU. “I also think it is better to try things early, because if you end up not liking something, you find that out before spending too much extra time and money going down the wrong path.”

Now, even with a packed schedule, Schweitzer stays grounded by focusing on what he enjoys.

“What keeps me motivated during the semester is my genuine passion for what I am studying,” he said. “I really enjoy learning about finance, markets, and business, so it does not feel like I am forcing myself to care about what I am doing.”

And when things get busy, he knows when to reset.

“When school feels overwhelming, my go-to way to reset is to step back and do something that clears my mind. Those breaks help me relax, refocus, and come back ready to get back to work.”

Looking ahead to what’s next

In the short term, he’s focused on gaining experience and continuing to prove himself, but he already has a clear vision for his future and credits CMU for helping him take those steps.

“This summer, my biggest goal is to earn a return offer and take another step toward making my long-term dream of working in sales and trading a reality. My goal after graduation is to build a career in sales and trading, ideally with RBC,” Schweitzer said. “CMU has helped shape that goal by giving me a strong foundation in finance, exposure to the capital markets, and hands-on experiences that have prepared me for opportunities like this.”

When Schweitzer reflects on his time at CMU, it’s not just the experiences that stand out, it’s the growth behind them.

“I will remember the lifelong friendships and relationships I built, both personally and professionally, along with the trips, experiences, and amazing opportunities CMU gave me.,” he said. “More than anything, I think I will remember how much I grew during my time here and the people and opportunities that helped shape that growth.”