F&M Stories
Darij Kulchyckyj ’24 Maps Blueprint for Success
When Darij Kulchyckyj ’24 first arrived at F&M, two things were clear: “I liked math, and I cared deeply about the environment,” he said.
A liberal arts education allowed Kulchyckyj to follow both professional and personal passions. Within months of graduating, he landed an environmental consultant role at Ramboll Group while simultaneously launching his own music production company.
“I had no clear idea of what I wanted to pursue professionally. But with each passing year, that path gradually came into focus as I began to fall in love with my chosen disciplines and learn more about the wide range of careers within them,” he said.
Within six months after graduation, 92% of the Class of 2024 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.
Darij Kulchyckyj ’24
Double major: Economics, environmental studies
Current role: Environmental consultant at Ramboll
What did the first six months after graduating from F&M look like?
In August 2024, I accepted an environmental consultant position at Ramboll, a global engineering, architecture and consultancy firm. I relocated to Boston and have been settling into my new role. In my free time, I stay connected with F&M alumni, continue making music and have taken up running – with my first full marathon scheduled for this November in Philadelphia.
The first six months after graduation were filled with various post-graduate pursuits. Finishing college gave me the time and space to begin building my career and further invest in my passions. For several months, I traveled back and forth to Lancaster to finish my Nolt Music Award – an award from F&M that supported a self-directed music project. Through this grant, I completed my first EP, , which was released in October 2025 and is now available on all streaming platforms under the pseudonym “hrushka” [Ukrainian for “pear” – a childhood nickname from his parents]. Concluding this project marked a major milestone, as it led to the launch of my independent production company, .
In parallel, I remained deeply involved in the Ukrainian-American community. Since the age of 15, I’ve volunteered as a counselor with Plast, a Ukrainian scouting organization. Last summer, I worked at two different Ukrainian scouting camps serving as the head counselor in Buffalo, NY, and a regular counselor in Washington state.
"F&M instilled and fortified solid technical skills that I put to practice every day
in and out of the workplace, allowing me to chase my passions."
– Darij Kulchyckyj ’24
How did your F&M experience prepare you for where you are now?
F&M gave me the foundation, network and education to develop into the person I am today and that I want to become. It gave me the ability to have fun, find lifelong friends and be a healthy version of myself. I was challenged daily with my coursework and balancing my extracurriculars, but I learned how to manage and be a leader. It showed me how supportive and powerful a community can be, and how to capitalize on opportunities. The path that I am on presently was molded in the education I received at F&M, including my abroad experience at the University of Melbourne in Australia. I learned how to troubleshoot and rely on the resources F&M offers to assist my goals. I discovered what I am good at, and what I want to become great at. F&M instilled and fortified solid technical skills that I put to practice every day in and out of the workplace, allowing me to chase my passions.
As an environmental consultant, I write reports and work with GIS (Geographic Information System) weekly. Academically, F&M provided me with necessary skills to write effectively and efficiently, and learn GIS. A part of F&M’s experience is networking with alumni and my senior year consisted of countless meetings, conversations and events to assist my professional trajectory.
How does your current path compare to what you envisioned in your first year at F&M?
When I first arrived at F&M, the “path” I envisioned – what kind of job or industry might await me after graduation – was incredibly vague. I had no clear idea of what I wanted to pursue professionally. But with each passing year, that path gradually came into focus as I began to fall in love with my chosen disciplines and learn more about the wide range of careers within them.
As a first-year student, I knew two things: I liked math, and I cared deeply about the environment. That initial curiosity led me to explore courses in both areas, ultimately guiding me toward majors in economics and environmental studies. I even tried to take on a math minor, but – true to form – I bit off more than I could chew. Through that experience, F&M taught me the value of focus and prioritization.
Today, my career path combines both my interests and values, while offering hands-on experience that can’t always be taught in a classroom. Nearly a year into my professional journey, the lesson that continues to resonate most is the importance of adaptability – learning how to recognize, embrace and optimize the opportunities in front of me.
I feel fortunate to be at a large company that offers space to grow – not only as a young professional but as someone deepening their expertise in sustainable finance and environmental justice.
Looking back on your college search, why did you choose F&M?
I was looking for a small liberal arts college where I could continue pursuing the things I love. I found a place where I could play music, double major, compete in ice hockey and discover new opportunities. I didn’t want to just be a number in a large environment or part of an overly competitive culture. I knew that small class sizes, easy access to professors and a rigorous (yet supportive) academic atmosphere were what I needed to thrive. I'm truly grateful to say I was right.
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