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Ben Cacoilo C’25, G’26 Fast-Tracks His Future

In just four years, the Drew University student-athlete will earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees

June 2025 – Ben Cacoilo’s academic journey at Drew University is anything but ordinary. He’s on track to earn both a bachelor’s degree in finance and a Master of Science in Finance (MFin) in just four years. And he’s doing it while competing on Drew’s baseball team.

Cacoilo’s fast-paced path began his first year when he declared his major and was introduced to Drew’s Dual-Degree in Finance program, which is typically an accelerated 4+1 program. The opportunity to earn a graduate degree while saving time and money piqued his interest.

With guidance from his advisor, Associate Teaching Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Business Steve Firestone, Cacoilo pursued an ambitious plan—finish his undergraduate degree in three years—which included participation in Drew’s New York Semester on Wall Street Semester and Drew’s baseball team. He’d then complete the MFin during his fourth year, creating a 3+1 Dual-Degree plan.

Balancing the demanding schedule is no easy feat.

“I was able to map out my days and weeks in advance,” said Cacoilo. “That helped me prepare properly for exams, classes, and games.”

He often spent weekends and breaks studying, including winter break, which he dedicated entirely to preparing for the Securities Industry Essentials Exam.

in addition to his academic and athletic commitments, Cacoilo was a member of The Fund, Drew’s student-run investment club, where he collaborated with peers on investment strategies and financial news, gaining real-world insight and experience. “The discipline I learned on the baseball field translated into my academic life,” he said.

This summer, Cacoilo will take his experience to the next level as a Global Broking Intern at TP ICAP’s New York headquarters. Here he will rotate through various desks and operations teams to gain exposure to the full trading lifecycle.

“The close-knit, hands-on experience at Drew has significantly shaped both my education and professional development,” he said. “Programs like the New York Semester on Wall Street and the faculty who bring industry expertise have helped me grow at an accelerated pace.”

With one degree already completed and another underway, Cacoilo is on his way to fulfilling his ambitious goals.

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