At first glance, Will Fredericks' journey to the Lally School of Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) looks like a classic student-athlete story: recruited to play basketball, drawn by the tight-knit team culture, and ready to balance books and ball. What unfolded, however, was a leadership journey defined by self-awareness, mentorship, and a problem-solving mindset both on and off the court.
RPI and Lally: A Launchpad for Lifelong Growth
Will didn’t arrive at RPI with a polished career roadmap. Coming from a family of educators, the world of corporate finance was unfamiliar. “I had no idea what FP&A even was,” he admits. But Lally provided him with a gateway into that world. “What drew me to Lally was how versatile the business analytics degree was. It gave me a curriculum with real world applications and challenged me intellectually.”
That unique integration of STEM and business sharpened his technical skills and taught him how to simplify complexity. This skill has been critical in his role in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), where he translates raw data into actionable strategy for business leaders.
Projects That Made a Difference
Will’s approach to academics was itself a project in personal optimization. With guidance from Academic Advisor Maggie Wright, he intentionally tackled the toughest coursework early in his undergraduate career. This strategic planning allowed him to focus on networking, leadership, and professional development in his final year.
Maggie helped tailor his curriculum to align with his long-term ambitions and positioned him to succeed. “She gave me the structure and support to build the life I envisioned—not just in college, but well beyond it,” he said.
Leadership That Translates
Will’s leadership evolution on the basketball court mirrors the foundation of his professional approach today. Starting as the last man on the bench and finishing as team captain on a top-25 DIII team, he credits this journey with shaping how he approaches challenges at work.
“As captain, I learned to relate to everyone, from the starter to the last guy on the bench. That gave me empathy, humility, and the ability to meet people where they are,” he explained. Those same soft skills now help him manage cross-functional relationships with sales, marketing, and product teams in his company.
“The experience taught me consistency, the power of teamwork, and how to lead by serving others. You show up every day to contribute, not for recognition but because your team depends on it.”
The Value of Relationships
Lally’s impact on Will extended well beyond coursework. The mentorship he received, not just from staff like Maggie Wright but also from coaches and teammates, helped him build confidence and a sense of belonging in a world he wasn’t initially familiar with.
His post-RPI success is also rooted in the relationships he has formed in the workplace. His first manager became a lasting mentor, speaking with him multiple times a week even after moving to another role. “He showed me that none of this is out of reach. Just give it time, effort, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
This relational foundation continues to be central to how Will measures success. "It’s about being part of a team that’s connected, accountable, and moving in the same direction, just like the best basketball teams,” he said.
Advice for Lally Students
Will’s advice is straightforward but powerful:
- Don’t assume anything. Until it’s in writing, it’s not a done deal. Keep working.
- Smile, walk with purpose, and listen attentively. Your presence often speaks before you do.
- Take a genuine interest in others—authentic curiosity goes much further than transactional outreach.
- Simplify. In business, clarity wins. You don’t have to dazzle every time. Just deliver consistently.
Will Fredericks’ story is proof that the Lally School of Management doesn’t just prepare students for jobs. It prepares them for life. By combining rigorous academics, personalized advising, and leadership through experience, Lally helped Will become more than a graduate. It helped him become a confident, values-driven leader ready to thrive in a competitive and connected world.