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Olivia Connors
Year: Senior, graduating in June 2016
Hometown: Spokane, WA. I came to Seattle from a smaller city in Eastern Washington and was excited about getting to know more diverse people. At this school I have been so lucky to learn about different cultures, identities, and human right’s initiatives.
Major: Business – Marketing, Sales Certificate
What are some of your activities and hobbies?
FIG Leader – For the last two falls I have taught a class of 25 first-year students as part of the First-year Interest Group (FIG) program at UW. The program can basically be understood as an extension of orientation that helps first-year students transition into the college setting. We cover topics from registering for classes to the importance of diversity on campus and pair them with engaging activities. As a freshman I loved my FIG experience; it helped me transition into the college setting, taught me valuable skills, and most importantly introduced me to some of my best friends at this university. I wanted to be able to give back to this program that meant so much to me, thus why I became a FIG leader. It has been awesome to watch the students connect to the university and also with each other. Plus, being part of this community has brought even more new friends into my life!
Husky Sales Club – From early on in Freshman year I knew that I wanted to become part of the Foster Professional Selling program. I have been part of several Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus, but Husky Sales Club has been the most natural fit. Here I get the chance to hear from a variety of companies not just about their work, but also valuable career advice. While this club has been extremely helpful for my interest in a sales career, I think it could help students from any major to learn useful tips for any profession.
Fitness – I grew up playing sports all seasons of the year, so when I got to college and found myself spending basically no time doing physical activity I knew something had to change. Now I go running on a weekly bases to destinations around the UW campus – my favorite spots are Green Lake and Gasworks! I also have taken up yoga classes around the Seattle area. Last but not least, I have played on a few intramural sports teams including flag football (never thought I would do that)!
Do you have a job(s)? What is it like?
DocuSign – Currently I am interning at a company called DocuSign in downtown Seattle. This has been an awesome opportunity for me to dip my toes into the water for a sales career. It also has helped me to have an inside view of what it is like to work in the technology industry. Also very importantly, DocuSign has taught me what corporate life is like and that is not something I could have ever learned in a classroom. I was also able to work as the lead intern this summer and that taught me so much about being in a leadership role in the workplace – plus it was a great chance to get close with everyone on my intern team!
Tour Guide – As a tour guide for the University of Washington Campus Visit Program I have had such a blast. Of course I’ve learned a lot of facts and figures and brushed up on my public speaking skills, but at the end of the day this job is all about having fun. I get to genuinely share my excitement about the school with potential students. This job has forced me to take a serious look at what I’ve gotten out of this university. I do my best to answer all my visitor’s questions candidly and honestly, recognizing that the school is not the perfect fit for everyone, and even poses some challenges for me, yet nonetheless it has provided me with the best experience over the last four years.
I also have worked in the restaurant industry before these two jobs both at Cultivate and SkyCity. Working while in school is incredibly humbling experience, it is definitely tough, at the end of the day though it is a great way to hone in on the critical skill of balance.
How was your study abroad trip to Ireland? What is something that really stood out on the trip that impacted you?
Ireland was amazing. The group I was with was amazing. The faculties that lead us were amazing. And the country itself was amazing.
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In our three weeks we visited over 17 companies, played laser tag, slept in a castle, biked throughout the green fields and much more. Something that stood out to me was how much I valued my alone time. I know that sounds like not the most significant take away from being immersed in another country, still that is what stood out. I loved being with my group, meeting the Irish locals, and going on company visits, but what stands out in my mind was when I was on the Aran Islands coming back from this beautiful water feature called “The Worm Hole” I got lost in a field between hundred year old stone walls with no road in sight, and alone. While I gathered my sense of direction I realized for the first time the whole trip I was alone. As someone who considers herself very extraverted and social it was strange for me to realize how happy this one moment of isolation made me. After the trip I’ve thought so much about how I am a more global citizen, and more cultured, and all of those things everyone who goes on study abroad will say. The main takeaway however was how little things I take for granted can mean so much, in this case a moment of alone time.
What is it like being a student in Foster?
Challenging – getting into Foster alone was a very competitive process. There were many prerequisites requiring skills all across the board as well as a Written Skills Assessment. As someone who is not as math minded I struggled with prerequisites like Math 112 and Accounting 215, but ultimately I was able to push through and realize that some challenges aren’t as bad as they seem. It also is a really competitive school by nature. My peers in the business school are some the most smart, most innovative people I have met. At times I start to doubt myself because I see how successful they are, then I realize I am amongst them. It is awesome to be part of a school that challenges me everyday to be better.
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So much opportunity – The other great part about Foster is that there is so much opportunity. RSOs involved in the business school are just one of the many things that are offered. There are many businesses that seek out Foster students by being actively engaged on campus doing things such as hosting case competitions or offering to speak in our classes. Because there are so many great opportunities, many students are able to leave with a great network before they have even entered the professional world. They also can use their network to help other students—which is what happened for me when a girl from my group project connected me with DocuSign.
Overall, I am really grateful for my last three years here at University of Washington and I can’t wait to see what the rest of my fourth year holds!