Life After LCC is a monthly interview and story series featuring alumni of LCC International University. The series is part of 35 Years - 35 Stories, celebrating the university’s 35th anniversary. 

This story features Ivan Kovtoniuk, from Ukraine, a Class of 2025 graduate with a major in International Business Administration. Ivan currently works as a Fund Accounting Officer at Alter Domus, a Financial services company in Vilnius. 

Ivan – Answers to Interview Questions  

1. Tell us about your current role or project. Where are you now? 

Having graduated from LCC back in May, I decided to continue my education in the field of economics. Thus, this September, I enrolled in a two-year master’s program in Financial Economics at ISM University in Vilnius. In addition to being a full-time student, I have undertaken an internship and secured a full-time position at Alter Domus as a Fund Accounting Officer. 

 2. What experiences at LCC brought you to this current point? 

While at LCC, I was consistently taking every opportunity for personal and professional development. I was part of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) for three years, acquiring essential skills that helped me to stand out in the every-changing job market. Additionally, I held multiple positions as a student assistant and tutor at the LCC Student Success Center throughout my time at the university, which also provided me with the necessary work experience. 

 3. How did LCC influence your choice of profession or career direction? When did you realize what you wanted to do professionally? 

Throughout my time at the university, I acquired a deep interest in discovering the worlds of economics and finance. This interest pushed me to pursue a concentration in these subjects, defining my current academic and professional pursuits. Ultimately, I believe that it was the encouragement and support from my professors, who nurtured my curiosity in their fields, that influenced my current pursuits. 

 4. How did LCC help you grow as a leader? Tell us about your leadership experience. 

As I mentioned earlier, the university’s LDP played a defining role in my development as a leader who strives to serve the community and lead with love at heart. This growth was further reinforced during my three-year journey as a Director of Operations at Chick-fil-A in the United States — a position I obtained thanks to the university’s partnership with the Lifeshape program. 

 5. How did LCC help you build relationships and networks that still matter to you today? 

Throughout my four years of study at LCC, I built an incredible network of connections with thought leaders and business professionals from all over the world. More importantly, I also gained a wide circle of peers who are now working and studying in diverse fields and locations. Having such a broad network is extremely rewarding, especially when it comes to discovering opportunities in academia or the professional world. 

 6. What are your favorite memories about LCC? (classes, professors, student peers, anything you can think of) 

Quite frankly, it is almost impossible for me to choose favorites from my experience at LCC. My entire journey at the university, even with its trials and tribulations, has been one of the greatest periods of my life. I truly cherish the time spent as part of the LCC community and look forward to contributing to its continued growth and flourishing in the future. 

 7. What advice would you give to future LCC students? 

Unsurprisingly, my advice to future LCC students is to take full advantage of all the opportunities that come your way during university (and in life in general). Student life is largely unpredictable, and it requires the courage to dive into new experiences headfirst. Although being opportunistic may seem scary or even reckless at first, it can ultimately turn into one of the most rewarding experiences of your lifetime.