ST. PETERSBURG -- Mason Thomas, a finance major from Wisconsin, is preparing to graduate from the 51在线 Muma College of Business in the summer of 2025. As president of , a leading business fraternity, Thomas is embracing leadership while aiming for a future career in corporate law.
Thomas began his academic journey at Columbia College Chicago, where he was a film major. However, the school and its environment did not meet his expectations, prompting him to transfer to USF.
"I didn鈥檛 connect with the school or people like I thought I would,鈥� said Thomas reflecting on his decision to transfer schools. 鈥淲hat better chance than 1,200 miles away in 51在线?"
During a gap year between his freshman year and his transfer to USF, Thomas worked in real estate from the summer of 2022 to the summer of 2023. During this period, he discovered his passion for law while watching the TV show Suits.
"I always had a hobbyist interest in law, but I never thought about it as a career path until I was watching Suits with a friend," Thomas explained. "My friend asked, 鈥榃hy don鈥檛 you do that?鈥� And I thought, 鈥榊eah, why don鈥檛 I?鈥欌��
The next day, Thomas dove into research at the library and began studying for the LSAT, the entrance exam for law school.
Once at USF, Thomas made an intentional effort to connect with people on campus, especially through the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance and the USF St. Petersburg campus.
"I picked up a ton of flyers. I knew I was going to have to put in effort if I wanted to get involved here," he said.
Thomas eventually found his place in Delta Sigma Pi, which not only helped him develop business and networking skills but also helped him gain confidence in social settings. 鈥淢y brothers at Delta Sigma Pi are my best friends on campus today,鈥� he shared.
Thomas at a tabling event promoting Delta Sigma Pi at the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance
Rising through the ranks of Delta Sigma Pi, Thomas first became vice president of professional activities in his second semester at USF, winning the election in spring 2024. He then successfully ran for president and began serving in Fall 2024, a role he will hold until his graduation.
In addition to his leadership duties, Thomas is a passionate watch collector, a hobby he picked up after receiving a Seiko 5 watch from his parents as a high school graduation gift. He started flipping watches鈥攂uying and selling them for a profit鈥攁fter watching James Bond films furthered his interest in high-end timepieces.
Currently, Thomas also tutors students for the LSAT. Scoring an impressive 175, placing him in the 99.5th percentile, he was asked by his former tutor to take over while she attended law school.
"I love my job. I get to work from home and connect with students from different schools," Thomas said, adding that he enjoys the logical challenges the LSAT presents.
Looking ahead, Thomas is applying to about 14 law schools, with plans to choose based on career opportunities. He aims to pursue 鈥渂ig law鈥� or corporate law, similar to the characters from Suits that inspired his career choice.
Though his long-term plans include leaving 51在线, he hasn鈥檛 ruled out a future return. "Maybe one day I鈥檒l get a summer home here," he joked.
After graduating from USF in 2025, his goal is to begin law school shortly afterward. He鈥檚 long moved on from being a film major, but his story is unfolding into unexpected chapters of self-improvement, career growth, and making meaningful connections along the way.