Joshua Reis Soares graduated from Framingham State in 2026 with a degree in Business Management and a job offer at New York Life, the second-largest life insurance company and the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States.

"My experience at Framingham State was very positive. I met many mentors, made new friends and reconnected with people from earlier places in my life. My freshman year, I wanted to get a job near campus where I could meet other students so I started working at the Chipotle in Shoppers World. I made so many friends working there my first few years that people around campus started recognizing me because of it. During my sophomore year, I began working as a lifeguard at Lifetime and continued to hold both jobs until I graduated. Without a doubt my most eventful year was my senior year, balancing multiple jobs, an internship and classes on top of maintaining relationships was difficult, but I found that the challenges made me sharper.

Because I was a commuter, I knew I had to learn how to make lasting impressions if I was going to connect with people on campus. I spent a lot of time focusing on improving my communication skills which is helping me in my new role at New York Life, as I am very often working with strangers who I help become comfortable with working with me. 

I am currently working as a financial professional, helping people with their biggest financial goals, and adding security to their plans, whether that’s getting married, buying a house, having children or retiring. My favorite part of my work is connecting with new people and seeing how I can help them in their lives, and then ultimately seeing them improve because of my recommendations. My biggest current career goal is to have 300 clients by 2030, which I am working toward by attending community events, social gatherings and word of mouth referrals."