SUCCESS STORIES
Jeff
Gilbertson - 1999
Jeff was hired by Exel Global Logistics, in
their air export operations. Later, he
moved to the ocean export department where he
worked with clients from around the globe. Jeff
credits his semester internship with Daktronics
in Brookings, SD, and his study abroad
experience in Germany as the reasons for his
successful career. Jeff states, "It helped
me to learn (German) culture and opened my eyes
to a new view of how different cultures do
business together....my internship at Daktronics
helped me even more. It gave me such a
competitive edge on other potential people who
were trying to get the same job as me."
Jeff majored in International Business Studies.
Ann
Toulouse - 2001
Ann was hired by a financial services
organization headquartered in Fargo, North
Dakota. After five months on the job, she
had the opportunity to transfer to San Diego,
California. The bank she worked for was
located in 13 states and she had the opportunity
to transfer to any branch. Ann credits her
study abroad experience in Mexico with providing
her the courage to move across the country to a
new job, away from her family and friends.
After just six weeks in San Diego, Ann says, "I
have experienced and learned more than I every
thought possible. Not a day goes by that I
don't remember my time in Mexico and how
important it was for career and personal
development." Ann majored in International
Business Studies.
Travis
Letellier - 2002
After working a variety of positions in Rapid City, South Dakota, Travis moved to Miami, Florida, to begin his Ph.D. in economics at Florida International University. His primary field of research involves applying techniques of Behavioral Economics to the U.S. political system. During the summer months, Travis works in Washington, D.C. He recently did research at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), analyzing the fallout from the California Energy Crisis of 2000-2001. Referring to his work for the federal government, Travis says, "I have taken courses in regulation, and I really enjoy joining the theory that I learned in class with the practical applications I see in Washington. I definitely credit NSU and my professors for helping spark this passion I have for economics." As a Teaching Assistant for Florida International University, Travis also lectures and instructs economics courses at the university.
Sundance Wicks - 2003 (BA), 2006 (MS)
Sundance was one semester away
from graduation when he was afforded the
opportunity to play professional basketball
overseas in Stockholm, Sweden and independently
study abroad, finishing his degree via
correspondence classes. While playing
professionally overseas, Sundance put his degree
to good use by helping the Sodertalje Basketball
Club (SBBK) improve their home attendance
marketing schemes. By mid-season, the average
attendance at home games increased from
approximately 750 to 1300 fans. Sundance says,
"The professors that I developed relationships
with and worked with on a daily basis are really
what inspired me to try and go out in the world
and impact people. They do an excellent job of
preparing you for real world situations and they
don't just sit in a class and go through the
motions. I could not have picked a better place
than NSU to get my education." Sundance is
currently an assistant coach at the Northern
Illinois University for the men's basketball
team.
Karen
Kieffer - 2005
Karen was hired by CLAAS Group, one of the
largest agricultural equipment manufacturers in
the world. For the past five months, she
has worked in the Corporate Marketing Department
at the parent company in Harsewinkel, Germany.
After a six month stay, she will return to the
Omaha, Nebraska office where she will continue
working and pursue her graduate degree in
business. Karen says, "NSU has given me a
solid education and excellent experiences that
have shaped me as an individual and have helped
me succeed in business." Karen majored in
International Business Studies, Economics and
minored in German and International Studies.
She also obtained a Certificate of Technology.
Kendall Schneider - 2006
Kendall was hired for a newly created position
by Daktronics, located in Brookings, South
Dakota. Daktronics is one of the world's
largest suppliers of electronic scoreboards, large screen video displays, and dynamic sound
systems. Kendall is the International Service
Coordinator for the European, Eurasian, Middle
Eastern and African markets. He provides
customer support in those regions and works
closely with Daktronics offices located in
Bristol, United Kingdom, Wiesbaden, Germany and
the newly established offices in Paris, France
and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He works
closely with another NSU International Business
Studies graduate, Adrianne Lindquist.
Kendall says, "NSU gave me the combination of
opportunities and education I couldn't have
gotten anywhere else." Kendall majored in International Business
Studies and plans to finish his Spanish degree.
He also plans to pursue his graduate degree in
business economics.