Cesar Vivas, a first-generation accounting student at Ramapo College of New Jersey, announced on Mar. 17 that he will spend his upcoming summer as an audit and insurance intern at Grant Thornton, a well-known accounting firm. Vivas, who is from Freehold, New Jersey, shared the news with his parents after receiving an official offer letter for the position.
The story highlights the importance of networking and support for students from diverse backgrounds in accessing career opportunities. Vivas credited his success to attending the national convention of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) in Las Vegas, which was made possible by Dr. Ed Petkus, dean of Ramapo’s Anisfield School of Business. The event included workshops, presentations, networking events, and a career fair featuring major companies such as Grant Thornton, Microsoft, Deloitte, and PWC.
Vivas said he took advantage of these opportunities by setting up interviews with recruiters and ultimately securing two final interviews with established companies before accepting the internship offer. He also expressed gratitude to Ramapo College for providing him with financial aid and academic support: “I chose Ramapo because they were the ones to give me the best package in terms of financial, in terms of community, in terms of academic support,” Vivas said.
In addition to his personal achievements, Vivas has taken on a leadership role as president of ALPFA at Ramapo College. The club aims to create pathways for other students by offering access to networking events, industry panels, career readiness workshops, and national conventions that can lead to internships and mentorships.
Looking ahead, Vivas plans to work hard during his internship with hopes of securing a full-time position after graduation. He also has aspirations for future leadership roles within the industry: “I want more for myself… I want to become a manager, and then a director, and then even a partner… I really see myself as a CEO … if people are not saying no to your dreams, then you are not dreaming big enough,” he said.
Ramapo College recently achieved recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2026 rankings by breaking into the top 100 schools in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category. The college’s jump to #85 reflects its commitment to supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
