Fernando Cárcamo Soler

As an international trade & finance major, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College member, and LSU Global Ambassador, Fernando Cárcamo Soler approaches his education with a clear sense of purpose: to grow in ways that allow him to serve others.

"I think a fulfilling life often entails managing your time wisely between your personal and career goals, being grateful for what you have, and contributing to other people's lives unselfishly with the ultimate intent to make the world a better place for everyone."

Originally from La Ceiba, Honduras, Fernando is drawn to the global perspective offered by his major. Through courses that examine the opportunities and challenges shaping national economies, he is gaining a deeper understanding of how cooperation and trade can help countries achieve shared prosperity.

After graduating in May 2026, Fernando plans to pursue a master’s degree in development economics, a field focused on helping developing nations reduce poverty and strengthen economic opportunity. Ultimately, he hopes to return to La Ceiba and apply what he has learned to improve economic conditions in Honduras. As the son of entrepreneurs, he also sees business creation as a way to expand opportunity and uplift communities.

Fernando is pursuing that vision deliberately, seeking out experiences that match his ambitions.

After connecting with a recruiter at the LSU Career Expo, Fernando completed a sales and entrepreneurship internship with Southwestern Advantage in Columbus, Georgia. During the 12-week program, he improved his communication skills by speaking to over 3,000 families and generating $33,000 in personal retail sales.

“It was a very intense internship, but I think that's what students should seek. They should seek discomfort and grow from all the things that they fear. I think that's the reason why I grew through the internship.”

This summer, Fernando will return to Southwestern Advantage as a student manager, where he will train new interns and support their professional development. Helping others succeed is a responsibility he takes seriously.

Fernando serves as a supplemental instructor and academic tutor with the LSU Center for Academic Success, where he helps students master challenging course material. He also works in the LSU Global Office, assisting international students as they navigate the academic, cultural, and social adjustments that come with studying in a new country.

For Fernando, the most meaningful part of these experiences is watching others grow.

"You can see the outcome of putting in work when you affect others in a positive way. You practice that selfless muscle a lot, and it's just fun."

That commitment to service also shapes how he defines success. When asked what motivates him, Fernando doesn't point to titles or accolades, but to the kind of person he hopes to be remembered as.

"I hope when I retire, people say that I'm a good dad, a good husband, and a good son, and that in my job or my career, I was courageous. I was honest and selfless."