As Hammed Fofana gets ready to graduate from La Salle University in 2025 with a degree in accounting and finance, he is also preparing to take a major step forward—pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Notre Dame, with a special focus on deals advisory and data analytics.
But his path wasn’t always smooth. Fofana faced early challenges, made bold decisions, and stayed committed to his goals. Today, he stands as a shining example of what dedication, hard work, and support from mentors can achieve.
Turning Setbacks into Comebacks
Fofana had originally aimed to join La Salle’s Business Scholars program, but missed the GPA cut-off by just 0.1%. While this might have discouraged many, he quickly changed direction and joined the Business Leadership Fellows program instead.
This move turned out to be a blessing. It gave him new motivation to work harder and take advantage of every opportunity that came his way, both inside and outside the classroom.
Gaining Real-World Experience Across Campus
During his time at La Salle, Fofana worked in several departments, including Admissions, Athletics, the Multicultural and International Office, and the School of Business. These roles taught him more than just office tasks—they helped him build leadership, time management, and communication skills.
“Working in different departments helped me connect with people from all walks of life,” Fofana said. “It trained me to adjust quickly and stay professional in every situation.”
Building His Career, One Step at a Time
Fofana’s first big step into the finance world was as a wealth management intern at Janney Montgomery Scott in Newtown, Pennsylvania. There, he worked with La Salle alumnus Paul Furlong ’89, whose team manages over $2 billion in assets. This hands-on experience gave Fofana valuable insights into investment and client advisory services.
Later, he joined Armanino in Philadelphia for a strategy consulting internship. This allowed him to develop his understanding of financial planning and business strategy. These internships helped him grow his confidence and prepared him for competitive roles in the finance industry.
Earning Full-Time Offers and Fellowships
While managing a full-time co-op and his coursework, Fofana secured a full-time offer from Mazars for a role in financial valuation in New York City. He also received admission to New York University for graduate studies.
However, guided by his mentor and La Salle professor Dr. Mark A. Thomas ’86, Fofana made a different choice. He accepted admission to the University of Notre Dame, where he will study as a KPMG Fellow for 2025–2026. This prestigious fellowship supports outstanding students and will help cover the costs of his education.
The Power of Mentorship
Fofana credits much of his success to strong mentorship. One key mentor was Reggie Browne ’93, a respected name in finance. Browne’s advice helped Fofana fine-tune his career plan and stay focused on the bigger picture.
With this kind of support, Fofana always made sure that each decision he took aligned with his long-term goals.
Advice to Future Finance Students
Now, as he looks to the future, Fofana has one clear message for students aiming for success in finance: Be proactive. Whether it’s internships, networking, or mentorship, the experiences you gain outside of class matter just as much as your grades.
Fofana’s journey shows that with the right mindset and hard work, it’s possible to turn early setbacks into major achievements.
Hammed Fofana’s story is one of courage, growth, and smart choices. From missing a GPA requirement by a hair to becoming a KPMG Fellow at Notre Dame, he has proven that success isn’t just about academic marks. It’s about making the most of every opportunity, learning from every challenge, and staying focused on the end goal. With his strong foundation in accounting and finance, and a deep commitment to growth, Fofana is ready to lead the way in the world of advisory services and data analytics.
