Meet Elton Silva '14 – Business & Communication

Thriving in His Career at CVS Health

As an advisor of strategic product development at CVS Health, Elton Silva ’14, helps the company analyze how they can better the lives of their patients with the greatest needs.

"The importance of time management and prioritization – those are two consistent themes that can be found in my every day work at CVS Health,” says Elton. “Completing a dual degree, working several on campus jobs, and interning at various companies are what helped me perfect time management and prioritization.”

Shortly after graduation, Elton made the transition from college student to full- time professional when he was hired by CVS Health as a senior consultant

“I was nervous, but nerves quickly became a thing of the past.  Thanks to Curry, I was equipped with the necessary skills on how to be and act like a professional. The transition from the classroom to an office was practically seamless.”

Elton also recalls his transition from high school to college as a bilingual (English, Portuguese) first-generation American and first in his family to attend a residential college. His research into colleges offering  TV production programs near his Dartmouth, MA home originally brought him to Curry. He loved the campus, the small class sizes, and community feel - and the opportunity for students in the communication program to study in Hollywood.  

Becoming a member of the Communication Scholars program, a select group of talented students, Elton was able to work closely with faculty mentors, get a jump start on internships in the Communication field, and enjoy special opportunities for connections with industry leaders. Meeting one such leader during a campus presentation helped him realize that communication is a business, which led Elton to add business management as a second major.

"Early on, I was interested in managing a television station or working in the corporate offices of a network like ESPN, TBS, or NBC, so it was important to understand how to run a business.”

Ask about favorite classes and Elton cites Fundamentals of Television, where students develop and produce their own shows for broadcast on Curry's campus television station, CC8. Favorite Curry faculty members? Management professor emeritus James Salvucci, and communication professors Jerry Gibbs, Bob MacNeil, John Barrett and emeritus professor Dorria DiManno.

"They all take time to know you as an individual: your name, where you're from, what you're up to on campus, your career goals, and your personal goals. They'll offer references and help you make professional connections.

"Curry's professors are the top resource in all departments. They're so incredible and willing to help all students!”