Rattlers on the Rise: Hudson Taylor Turns Academic Excellence into Opportunities at Google, Harvard
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As one of five finance interns selected by Google and one of 14 sophomores chosen nationwide for a highly competitive American Express internship program, Florida A&M University junior Hudson Taylor has built a portfolio that includes experiences with Google, Harvard Business School and the University of California system.
Taylor has maintained a 4.0 GPA, while being a business administration honors scholar and MLT Career Prep Fellow in FAMU’s School of Business and Industry (SBI).
For Taylor, the opportunities are about more than personal achievement.
"It's an honor to represent FAMU and show that students from HBCUs can compete and excel at the highest levels," he said.
Hudson Taylor, a junior business administration student in Florida A&M University's
School of Business and Industry, poses during his internship with American Express.
(Photo Courtesy: Hudson Taylor)
This summer, Taylor is serving as a Google Summer Financial Analyst in Chicago, where he supports finance initiatives focused on using artificial intelligence to improve business processes and operational efficiency.
Taylor's summer also included participation in the Summer Institute of Emerging Managers and Leaders, an intensive leadership and professional development program hosted by the University of California Riverside School of Business. The national program brought together 50 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions for case competitions, networking opportunities and leadership development.
Hudson Taylor completed the Summer Institute of Emerging Managers and Leaders at the University of California Riverside, a nationally competitive leadership and professional development program. (Photo Courtesy: Hudson Taylor)
Upon completing the program, Taylor earned eligibility for a full-tuition scholarship to select graduate business programs within the University of California system.
"It definitely takes a weight off my shoulders," Taylor said. "Knowing that I have that opportunity available for graduate school gives me options for the future and allows me to focus on continuing to build my career."
The experience reinforced a lesson Taylor believes has been critical to his success: the importance of networking.
"They stressed network, network, network," he said. "The connections you make today can create opportunities years down the road."
The experience also strengthened his interest in graduate business education and helped prepare him for another milestone this summer.
Hudson Taylor, far left, participated in the Summer Institute of Emerging Managers and Leaders at the University of California Riverside School of Business. Upon completing the program, Taylor earned eligibility for a full-tuition scholarship to select graduate business programs within the University of California system. (Photo Courtesy: Hudson Taylor)
Taylor was selected for Harvard Business School's Summer Venture in Management Program,
a pre-MBA experience that introduces students to graduate business education and leadership
development.
While opportunities such as Google, Harvard and SIEML highlight Taylor's accomplishments, faculty members within SBI say his success is the result of years of consistent leadership, initiative and a commitment to excellence.
"In an environment filled with talented students, Hudson easily stands out through his focused work ethic, collaborative attitude and commitment to excellence with caring," said Kenyatta Rosier, Ph.D., an instructor in Florida A&M University's School of Business and Industry.
Hudson Taylor, right, poses with fellow participants during the Summer Institute of
Emerging Managers and Leaders at the University of California Riverside. The nationally
competitive program brought together students from Historically Black Colleges and
Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions for leadership development, networking
and graduate business preparation. (Photo Courtesy: Hudson Taylor)
Rosier said she recognized Taylor's leadership potential while teaching his global business course.
"I was amazed to see him recruit more than a dozen students to charter an international club, host a booth at the study abroad fair and lead a service-learning experience in Greece where students provided consulting services to small businesses," Rosier said. "Whether in the classroom, on a project team or engaging with industry partners, Hudson consistently demonstrates the qualities of a future global business leader."
Taylor credits much of his success to the preparation he received through SBI.
"I definitely would say SBI puts you ahead of the rest when it comes to professionalism and soft skills," he said. "The way we're taught to communicate, engage with professionals and present ourselves has helped me stand out in every opportunity I've had."
His perspective is shared by faculty members who say SBI's combination of academics, leadership development and real-world experience helps prepare students for opportunities like those Taylor has earned.
Hudson Taylor, top center, joined students from across the country during the Summer Institute of Emerging Managers and Leaders at the University of California Riverside. (Photo Courtesy: Hudson Taylor)
Valerie Anderson, a professional leadership development instructor in SBI, said Taylor's accomplishments reflect the program's commitment to preparing students for success.
"Hudson's success is a testament to the holistic nature of our program, where academics,
professional leadership development and internships are combined," Anderson said.
"These experiences will enhance his technical preparation, expand his professional
network and position him for long-term success. Hudson is proof that you can get anywhere
from FAMU."
Beyond internships and leadership programs, Taylor has also made an impact through service and leadership initiatives.
As founder and president of FAMU's Global Business Brigades chapter, he led a group of students to Athens, Greece, where they provided consulting services to refugee- and migrant-owned small businesses. The experience combined leadership, service and business strategy.
Prior to attending FAMU, Taylor also demonstrated a commitment to serving his community. As student body president at Chiles High School, he launched a fundraising project benefiting the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Stroke Unit, a program that continues today and has raised thousands of dollars.
As he prepares to enter his senior year on the Highest of Seven Hills, Taylor remains focused on learning, leading and creating opportunities for others.
"I've been fortunate to have mentors and people who invested in me," Taylor said. "I want to continue opening doors for others and showing what's possible when you take advantage of the opportunities available to you."
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
