For Nick Lloyd, the path to college wasn’t always easy. As a first-generation college student from Eagle, Idaho, Nick came to college determined to expand his horizons. Now a graduating senior at Boise State University double majoring in accounting and finance with a minor in analytics, Nick embodies what it means to build his own future—laying the groundwork for personal success while creating opportunities for others.
Finding the Right College Fit
Nick worked full time through high school. He saw how attending college was a determining factor in his co-workers’ career trajectories. One thing was clear for Nick: “College was that thing that was going to open doors for me and allow me to have options.”
Knowing that he wanted to stay close to home, Boise State emerged in his college search as the right fit for two critical reasons: “Boise State was kind of my first priority because it was (one) affordable, but (two), I really like the classroom size. I’m somebody who really focused on connecting with professors,” says Nick, “And Boise State was the perfect opportunity to do that.”
Propelled to Succeed with the Honors College
Nick admits he was relatively introverted in high school. “I was somebody who kind of tried to stay away from people and really mind my own business, “ he says, “I was always the one in the back of the classroom in high school.” So when Nick set his intentions for his first semester, he knew some things needed to change. And a critical part of his plan to hack his old habits was to get involved and maximize his college experience through Boise State’s Honors College.
Amid a lot of changes and even uncertainty about his major selection, he credits the Honors College’s tight-knit learning environment and faculty support for helping him find his footing with both finding his major and getting plugged in socially.
“I was very lost. But the way that I found my way was utilizing the Boise State community,” says Nick, “Talking to professors and joining student organizations helped me kind of find the path that I wanted to take.”
Connecting to the Campus Community
“I did everything I could to kind of force myself outside of my comfort zone and join a bunch of student organizations,” says Nick, “It really helped me find a passion for people.”
Nick’s involvement in the Honors College helped his college life take off. Now he represents the Honors College as a senator in student government and serves and holds leadership positions in Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting and finance honor society, and for both Beta Gamma Sigma and the Financial Management Association. He sharpened newfound leadership skills with mentorship and support.
Nick has led in various ways, but one project close to his heart is working to support Boise State’s Special Olympics. “I want to kind of give back so that other people can have that same opportunity.”
Finding Success Beyond the Classroom
Nick’s work inside and outside of the classroom set him up with some great resume-building experiences that made him a prime candidate for enviable internships at Microsoft, Simplot and more. With five internships under his belt, Nick has intentionally built a career path that aligns with his long-term goals.
Channelling his focus and ambition has led Nick to rewarding moments of recognition, such as leading Boise State’s chapter of Business Professional of America as Vice President to take home a 2nd place award in Advanced Spread Sheet Applications from national competitions in Chicago. He was also honored at Boise State’s Campus Awards ceremony, recognized with a Commitment to Community Award.
As Nick looks ahead to graduation, he’s on a mission to help others by sharing his story and reminding them that their goals are achievable. When it comes down to it, the secret sauce to his fruitful journey at Boise State boils down to this:
“I would say really take advantage of the opportunities to get involved, “ he says, “It’s about your career. It’s about your future.”
So, what do you want to achieve, Broncos?