By: Kelly Huth

“What’s next for the Class of 2025” is a series that features Lafayette grads—where they’re headed, and the mentors, resources, and experiences that inspired their future path. Stay tuned for more stories throughout April and May. 

Andrey “AJ” McIntyre says Prof. David Shulman always told him, “‘Make your own luck.” McIntyre says those words of wisdom stuck with him and guided his college career. (Photo by Adam Atkinson)

Andrey “AJ” McIntyre

Major/minor: Anthropology/sociology with a minor in economics

Destination/future plans: Customer success support in a client-facing role in Philadelphia, Pa., working for FreedomPay, a global leader in commerce payment platforms.

Andrey “AJ” McIntyre says he’s grateful to Rebecca Shafer, assistant director, career counselor at Gateway Career Center, for helping him to find his next step. “She was a big, big, big part of me finding a career—it was awesome to know I had someone who could help me and advise me on next steps.” From refining his resume to interview prep, McIntyre says he owes a lot of credit for his success to her. “All those little things add up to make you the best version of yourself on the job market.”

Involvement on campus: McIntyre was a forward on the men’s soccer team for two years, earning recognition on the All-Patriot League Third Team and the All-Atlantic Region Second Team in 2024. McIntyre volunteered in the Earn Your Spots book club alongside his soccer teammates, participating in read-alouds for students at Paxinosa Elementary School. “It was awesome—it felt great giving back to the community and the next generation,” McIntyre says. “They were always so excited to see us.”

The experiences that mattered most: For McIntyre, his soccer career defined his time at Lafayette, providing life skills and connections for his future.

“I think being a student-athlete really prepared me for the next chapter in my life,” he says, adding that he learned discipline, how to manage his time, and how to build a strong mentality from his experience. 

He’s thankful for the dedication of the entire coaching staff, particularly Malik Wagner, director of operations, and Dennis Bohn, head coach. “They were really helpful and engaged in what players were doing after college,” he says, noting Wagner helped him to connect and build relationships with alumni in his field to explore future opportunities.

In the classroom, he credits Prof. David Shulman, David M. ’70 and Linda Roth Professor of Sociology and chair of organizational studies, with providing insight and inspiration for where he could implement his degree. “He was one of the first people I talked to on campus, and he left a quote with me: Make your own luck.” McIntyre says this message stuck with him during his college career.

He adds that the lessons of Prof. Carlos Tavares, assistant professor of sociology, resonated with him, helping him to understand the dynamics of business and people through research. His adviser, Prof. Caroline Lee, offered support whenever he needed it.

McIntyre also forged a connection with Gladstone “Fluney” Hutchinson, professor of economics.

“His economics class gave me the drive to pursue my career,” McIntyre says. 

“The staff here have your best interests at heart, and they want you to excel. If the person you reached out to doesn’t have the answer, they’ll steer you in the right direction because everyone is welcoming and wants to help.”