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Andy Bessette

Andy Bessette

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Career Roadmap

Andy's work combines: Business, Education, and Accomplishing Goals

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Day In The Life

EVP & Chief Administrative Officer

I lead a variety of operations that make up the bulk of Corporate Services.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies

    University of Connecticut

  • Graduate Degree

    Economic Geography

    University of Rhode Island

  • Certification

    Advanced Professional in Real Estate and the Workplace

    International Development Research Corporation

  • Certification

    RPI

    BOMA

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Administrative Services Managers:

Bachelor's Degree: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies

Graduate Degree: Economic Geography

Certification: Advanced Professional in Real Estate and the Workplace

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    I grew up in a relatively economically challenged, diverse mill town in Rhode Island, with grandparents who were Polish immigrants, all of which had a profound influence on my life.

  • 2.

    Growing up, I was always the tall kid because I was 6'2 at the age of 12. I stood out and was somewhat bullied. I faced challenges everyday because of my size, which was really tough.

  • 3.

    I was a first generation college student, so going to college was a huge deal for me and my family. Going to graduate school was an even bigger deal!

  • 4.

    I was a member of the 1980 Olympic team. After I won the U.S. Olympic Trials for track and field in the hammer throw, the President and Congress decided to boycott the Olympics. I didn't get to go.

  • 5.

    I learned that you don't always control your own fate and some things are beyond your control, but that does not stop you from trying your hardest, outworking everyone around you, and never giving up.

  • 6.

    After I landed a career at Travelers where I've had several opportunities. I've worked in several offices across the company and have held various operational roles with increasing responsibilities.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Teachers:

    I was told that I was overweight and out of shape and would never be an athlete

  • How I responded:

    I worked even harder to show that person that they were wrong. I never stopped improving and competing and ultimately, that lead to my success in both athletics and business.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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