Business Blog Profiles – David Ciancio ’24

Saint Michael’s College defenseman David Ciancio celebrates during an ice hockey game.

Business Administration and Accounting double major Dave Ciancio ’24 has made the most of his time at Saint Michael’s College, both in and out of the classroom. From championship wins on the ice to leadership roles on campus, Ciancio says Saint Michael’s helped him grow into a more confident, well-rounded individual.

The Scituate, Rhode Island native recently shared how his experiences shaped his college journey and prepared him for life after graduation.

His interview below has been lightly edited for style and clarity.

Saint Michael’s College: What brought you to Saint Michael’s, and what was your initial experience like?
Dave Ciancio: I came from a smaller boarding school, so I knew I wanted a close-knit college community. Saint Michael’s felt like the right fit. You really get to know your professors here—they care about you and want to see you succeed. From day one, I felt like I had support.

SMC: What are you studying, and how has your academic experience influenced your goals?
Ciancio: I’m double majoring in Business Administration and Accounting with a minor in Economics. My classes gave me a strong foundation, especially in critical thinking and analysis. One of the most impactful courses I took was Public Economics with Professor Walsh. It challenged me to think about economic policy in new ways and helped me develop my own perspective, which I know will be important moving forward.

SMC: You’re also a student-athlete. How has that shaped your time here?
Ciancio: Being on the men’s ice hockey team has been a huge part of my experience. Winning the NE-10 Championship was unforgettable—just an incredible moment for our team and especially for us seniors. It was the result of years of hard work and perseverance. It still doesn’t feel real.

Saint Michael’s College athletes pose at an event.

SMC: Beyond athletics, how else have you been involved on campus?
Ciancio: I serve as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). That role gave me the chance to advocate for student-athletes and work with college leadership. It really strengthened my communication and leadership skills. There are so many ways to get involved on campus and in the Burlington area, and I tried to take advantage of as many as I could.

SMC: Did you have any internship experiences during college?
Ciancio: Yes, I had internships over the past two summers that gave me a deeper understanding of what it’s like to work in the business world. They showed me that success isn’t always straightforward—it’s about the value you bring to a team. Problem-solving, adaptability, and communication were things I focused on daily, and those were lessons I first learned at Saint Michael’s.

Saint Michael’s College athletes put together holiday bags for kids during a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) event.

SMC: What do you think is the biggest takeaway from your time at Saint Michael’s?
Ciancio: The liberal arts approach pushed me to look at problems from multiple angles. It taught me to form and defend my own ideas, and to communicate effectively. I’ve learned how to approach challenges thoughtfully and creatively—that’s something I’ll carry with me no matter where I go.

SMC: What advice would you give to current or future Saint Michael’s students?
Ciancio: Say yes to opportunities. Try new things, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. Stay engaged. Also, take care of yourself and support others—it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure, but it’s important to enjoy the experience. You’ve worked hard to get here, and these four years go by fast. Take it all in.