How did you land a job six months prior to graduation?
I worked very hard my freshman and sophomore years taking 18-20 credit hours each term and even some classes over the summer and winter intersession in order to get ahead in my studies. Although in years on campus I was technically a sophomore, in credits I was a junior, thus Whirlpool Corporation hired me as an intern the summer before my junior year of college. I arrived early, stayed late, pushed myself way out of my comfort zone, and did everything I could think of to make my mark on the company. And the last day, I was offered a full-time job upon my graduation.
What is the Global Consulting Program and how was your own experience?
The GCP is essentially a two-week consulting project where business students from OHIO are placed in groups with college students in Asia, Europe, or South America in order to consult with a real local business to help them with everything from a business plan and marketing strategy to increasing sales or designing new products. I was lucky enough to get into one of the most sought-after locations, Greece, when I went on GCP in the summer of 2011. Participating in GCP is, to this date, the most life-changing and enriching experience I've had. From the incredible students I worked with in Greece to the comfort of traveling with 18 OHIO students who are now among my closest friends, the GCP set me up for success not only in my global studies, but also in the real world, because I've essentially interned in a different country. The sites are breathtaking, project material is relevant, and the adversity from cultural and language barriers proved to be a fantastic growing opportunity making GCP the best thing I've done in college.
Have you had an opportunity to develop your leadership skills?
I've had more opportunities to develop my leadership skills at OHIO than I can even count. I've worked my way up in Connect (College of Business student-alumni organization) from active member my freshman and sophomore year to secretary my junior year and now president my senior year. I started in The (Ralph and Lucy Schey) Sales Centre as a sales certificate candidate, went to director of outside sales for two years and am now a vice president. I was accepted into the Select Leadership Development Program my sophomore year and have done everything from meeting with executives to making a leadership portfolio to present to prospective employees. Finally, OHIO offers free leadership seminars. Upon completion, you receive a leadership certificate.
You’re a resident assistant (RA). How is campus living?
Embrace living in a residence hall for all of its communal glory! The residence halls have so much character and so many memories that you feel special adding to its history during the years you live there. I've lived in a residence hall all four years of college since I became an RA and I don't regret it for a second! You're surrounded by students in the exact same boat going through the exact same things you are, so the friends and peers you meet and make are irreplaceable. RAs are always around to help you with anything from class schedules and getting involved to dealing with homesickness, so you constantly have someone on your side to answer questions and help you make OHIO your new home.
How important is it to get involved on campus?
I can honestly say that getting involved on campus is the number one reason why I stayed for four years at OHIO and why I have the job opportunities that I have. Getting involved is not only a way to enhance your leadership skills and have something to do during the week other than attend class, but it's also where I met my best friends and grew personally. I gained confidence and so much perspective by working in teams. All but one question in every single interview I've had were about the student organizations, jobs, and extra-curriculars I did outside of class. That's what companies care about and being able to genuinely talk about your involvement on campus is where the offers are.
