Inside the Nasdaq Tech Conference: How Fordham Students Took the Lead and Changed Their Futures

The morning of the ‘Future of Tech-Savvy Boards’ conference at Nasdaq’s headquarters in New York City, Gabelli School students weren’t sitting in the audience with notebooks. They were introducing speakers, managing logistics and chatting with company founders over coffee. For these young people, the day wasn’t about earning credits – it was about stepping into real leadership positions where their contributions mattered as much as anyone else’s in the room.

This wasn’t another field trip where students observe from the sidelines. At this tech conference, Fordham University’s Gabelli School students ran the show, planning and facilitating a full-day event that brought together leaders across corporate governance, AI, cybersecurity and digital change.

Beyond the Lecture Hall

Hands-on learning has become a buzzword in higher education, but what does it actually look like when students move beyond classroom theories? At the Nasdaq conference, it meant Brandon Piccinni and his fellow Gabelli students found themselves ‘having the access and opportunity to chat with high-level firm executives and company founders’ – conversations that went far beyond the typical internship coffee runs.

John Hottinger, director of career advising at the Gabelli School, explains what happened: ‘Having the ability to access and attend large-scale events can further develop occupational and industry knowledge and is a value add to our community. The potential to network with professionals from numerous industry verticals can contribute to making valuable professional connections.’

The difference between attending an event and running one becomes clear when students take ownership of outcomes. These weren’t helpers assigned busy work – they were essential to making the conference happen, from pre-event planning to on-the-day coordination.

When Students Become Equals

Julia Valentine, founder of the Digital Evolution Institute who organised the conference, watched these students in action and saw something that surprised her. ‘Gabelli School students were the heartbeat behind the Nasdaq conference,’ she said. ‘Their drive, insight and unwavering commitment turned vision into reality. Their support wasn’t just helpful – it was a powerful reminder that when bright minds come together with purpose, there are no limits to what can be achieved.’

That language – ‘heartbeat’ and ‘turned vision into reality’ – isn’t how adults typically describe student helpers. It’s how they talk about colleagues and collaborators. The students earned that recognition through their approach to the work.

Valentine’s praise goes beyond the typical pat-on-the-head acknowledgment: ‘What sets Fordham Gabelli School students and faculty apart is their rare blend of intellect, integrity and heart. The students bring an extraordinary work ethic and a deep sense of purpose, approaching every challenge with curiosity and determination.’

The Access That Changes Everything

Behind-the-scenes roles at major conferences offer something that can’t be replicated in classrooms: unscripted interactions with industry leaders. When students moderate panels or troubleshoot technical issues alongside executives, they’re seen as problem-solvers, not just learners.

Research consistently shows that hands-on learning outperforms traditional classroom education in preparing students for careers by providing real experiences that build practical skills while reinforcing what they’ve learned in theory. Students can test theories, build networks and pick up relevant skills before graduation.

For business students especially, traditional lecture-based education falls short in developing the emotional, social and thinking skills critical to professional success. The Gabelli School’s partnership with the Digital Evolution Institute provides exactly the kind of active participation and real-world application that research shows builds these vital abilities.

The connections students make in these settings often lead to opportunities that extend far beyond the initial event. When executives see students handling pressure and contributing meaningfully, those impressions stick. Quality mentorship relationships like these can shape entire career paths.

Building Something That Lasts

The collaboration between Fordham’s Gabelli School and the Digital Evolution Institute represents something bigger than a one-off event. It’s part of ‘a growing relationship’ that continues to expand opportunities for students to take on meaningful roles in professional settings.

Students describe the experience as life-changing not because of what they observed, but because of what they were trusted to handle. The confidence that comes from successfully managing real responsibilities in high-stakes environments stays with people throughout their careers.

These initiatives align with broader research showing that hands-on learning opportunities such as service projects and real-world applications significantly improve career readiness and skill acquisition compared to purely classroom-based approaches. Modern education models increasingly recognise that students need practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.

For these Gabelli students, the Nasdaq conference wasn’t the end goal – it was a launching pad. The relationships they built, the confidence they gained and the professional skills they demonstrated will influence their next choices and career paths in ways that grades and transcripts never could.

The seeds planted during those conversations with executives and the experience of successfully delivering a major event are already growing into something bigger. The question isn’t whether these students will succeed – it’s where their newfound confidence and connections will take them next.