FACULTY PROFILES: A CONVERSATION WITH Vincent Rocco
By: Kelly Nee ' 23, student correspondent
Professor Vincent Rocco is a Faculty Specialist in the Operations and Analytics Department in the Kania School of Management (KSOM) who became a full-time faculty member in 2015.
Here, he discusses his time as an educator in the Operations and Analytics Department at the University of Scranton, his role as manager of the Alperin Financial Center, his teaching style, and the university's Jesuit mission.
"[As manager of the Alperin Financial Center] I was originally hired to train students on the Bloomberg Terminals. It has evolved to teaching classes in Excel, Tableau and Finance, as well. Bloomberg software is used throughout investment banks (Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, UBS, Morgan Stanley) and we are lucky to have 12 terminals in the Alperin Center. Not every school can say the same."
Professor Rocco explained that the Kania School of Management integrates the Bloomberg Terminals into the Bus140 – First Year Seminar course. Students are assigned companies and required to research current events, financials, and supply chain information, then present the material as part of a final project. Those students who have completed internships previously have gained some familiarity with the terminals, and are using them on the job.
To help improve the overall student experience, he continually seeks new technologies in analytics that can translate well into the classroom.
"Education, and how we learn is always evolving. This offers a great opportunity for us as a University to evolve as well. I think of myself as a resource for students. My door is always open to students who have any questions on college experience, career advice, what major to choose, and networking," he said.
What do you recommend to someone interested in pursuing a career in your field?
"In any field, you need to be humble, but not timid, and show an eagerness to learn more. You are not expected to know everything in your chosen field, but eagerness, along with good communication skills, can go a long way. Landing a job is a process that requires as many conversations as possible with people in the field. This includes alumni, professors, family and friends, among others. Do not be discouraged by rejection from a job. Use it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and find the right position."
How do you think the university's Jesuit mission has impacted your time as a professor?
"I attended Jesuit high school and college, and now find myself teaching at a Jesuit University. I never thought I would be in a teaching role. I believe that the Jesuit mission of becoming your best self, with continuous education and improvement, has impacted me greatly. I am extremely grateful to the University of Scranton for giving me that opportunity and I now believe it is my mission in helping students do the same."
What haVE been the biggest accomplishmentS of your career?
"Professionally, working as an equity trader in New York during some volatile economic times. Academically, finishing the Chartered Financial Analyst Certification in February of 2022."
MEET Professor Vincent ROCCO
Professor Vince Rocco received his bachelor's from Saint Joseph's University and his MBA from Wilkes University. Prior to joining the University, he worked at Wells Fargo as a private banker and a proprietary equity trader with the Royal Bank of Canada/AMR Capital. In 2019, he was honored with the Kania School of Management (KSOM) "Professor of the Year" award by the University's Business Club.
On the Lighter side
Professor Rocco says his favorite sports team is New York Mets. "This is one of my biggest stresses in life," he joked.
On his playlist you'll find everything from Johnny Cash to Nirvana. "There are so many bands that I love. I grew up in the '90s when Nirvana and Pearl Jam were huge, so I still love that era and listen to that music. But, I also love classic rock like The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers Band, Johnny Cash."