Whether she is giving tours to prospective students or performing under the lights of Jordan-Hare Stadium, junior Ronda Woods never fails to embody the Auburn spirit.

Woods initially became interested in Auburn University while participating in a high school marching band camp on campus.

“That's when I had my moment, that this is exactly what I want in a college– the atmosphere, the environment, I felt so safe,” said Woods, recalling her reaction to the campus tour. “It just felt like such an idealistic campus experience, and that’s when I decided to take Auburn more seriously.”

After returning to Auburn to tour the Harbert College of Business, Woods decided to attend Auburn to study finance.

Wood’s interest in working with numbers led her to explore quantitative careers in business. Finance was the natural choice that aligned with her strengths and interests, said Woods.

Since Spring 2023, Woods has been a member of Harbert’s Executive Society, a host and leadership organization consisting of distinguished Harbert College students. The Executive Society promotes Harbert activities by conducting tours, attending recruiting events and interacting with guests at receptions and luncheons.

One of her most cherished Executive Society events was serving as an ambassador for Harbert College’s 10-year naming anniversary celebration.

“I remember being there and meeting all of these people and being so thankful to be a part of such an amazing organization,” said Woods. “I got to meet so many donors and connect with them and just have a really meaningful experience.”

In addition to her role in the Executive Society, Woods also serves as the vice president of external engagement for the Auburn Finance Society and is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a business fraternity.

Outside of her academic involvement, Woods is a member of the Tiger Eyes Flag Line, an integral part of the Auburn University Marching Band’s visual ensemble. The experience has provided her with transferable life skills, such as punctuality and discipline.

“Being able to be a representative for the university in a different light on Saturdays is definitely rewarding,” said Woods.

Alongside her active campus involvement, Woods’s coursework has equipped her with practical skills necessary for the real world. One required course, Professional and Career Development in Business, taught her important soft skills that are often overlooked.

The lessons on professional interaction helped Woods flourish during her summer internship as an equity research analyst at Ranger Investment Management in Dallas this past summer.

During the summer of 2025, Woods will be interning as a global credit markets analyst at BNP Paribas in New York. Woods came across this opportunity through Handshake, Auburn’s primary platform for helping students find internships and jobs.

When asked what advice she would offer prospective students, Woods emphasized the importance of using Auburn’s resources.

“Take the time to talk to advisors, talk to faculty, utilize all the resources you gain from your introduction classes, because they'll definitely help you get to where you want to be in your future,” said Woods, “I definitely do not believe I would be in the position I am in right now if it wasn’t for the Harbert College of Business.”

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