Mass Impact: Tom Uschok '86

AMHERST, Mass. -- Welcome to Mass Impact, presented by the UMassFive College Credit Union! Mass Impact is a series featuring alumni discussing how their experiences at the University of Massachusetts helped shape their lives and made them the people they are today.

Today, Tom Uschok '86 reflects on the impact his UMass men's soccer career had on his professional career as a director of municipal bond trading at Bank of America (Merrill Lynch).

What transferrable skills did you learn as a student-athlete that have helped you be successful in your field?
First and foremost "Teamwork" – My experience as a student athlete at The University of Massachusetts taught me to never underestimate the importance of communication and the idea that, in life and in your career, there will be times you need to put others before yourself. I learned the importance of collaboration and cooperation and that I needed to take ownership of my own work.

Secondly I learned how to be "Coachable" as well as how to be a "Coach" – Whether it is another teammate, a professor, administrator or co-worker, you have to learn how to convey your ideas and needs to others. This type of communication is vital in the workplace.

Finally "Have a strong work ethic" – I approached my experience at UMass with vigor and boundless energy, both on the field and in the classroom. That work ethic translates today as I can honestly say I love the career I chose, and that 34 years later, I still enjoy going to work each day on Wall Street.

Who had the greatest influence on you during your time at UMass?
Without a doubt the single greatest influence on my experience at UMass was my Coach, Jeff Gettler. Coach Gettler was a positive individual every day, with a keen sense of right and wrong and an ability to instill confidence in most everyone on the team. To this day I think about his motivational skills and how he was able to get the best out of us as a team and as individual student athletes. Coach Gettler had help along the way; trainers and administrators who looked out for us on and off the field. I think about that to this day. The importance of being a positive influence on co-workers and especially young associates coming up through the early stages of their careers. Coach Gettler was also excellent with time management. Understanding that being on time and making the right amount of time to balance your career, family and friends is paramount to being not only successful in business but also in life.

I would like to add I have gotten to know Coach O'Leary and his staff, plus members of the UMass Athletic Directors office, and I truly believe these incredibly dedicated individuals are giving the current incarnation of Student Athletes on the Men's Soccer team every opportunity to be successful. I especially enjoy the Alumni – Mentor program and look forward to a continued relationship with Coach O'Leary , Ryan Boudway and Ryan Bamford.

How did being a Division I student-athlete help shape who you are today?
Being a Division I student-athlete taught me to be both physically tough as well as mentally tough. I acquired the ability to perform under pressure. Every job will have its incredibly stressful moments. I learned to handle many demands with a high level of emotional intelligence by remaining calm and tackling problems one at a time.

How has UMass Athletics left a lasting impact on your life?
My experience at UMass was amazing. Looking back, I would not change a thing. My four years in Amherst left a huge impact on my life. What I realize now is how resilient I am today because of my experience at the University. I openly welcome challenges. Division I athletics are not for those who want to be comfortable. Playing soccer at UMass taught me to accept challenges head on. Whatever adversity I am faced with, I always try to turn those challenges into opportunities for personal growth.

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