Fishing
I grew up in Minnesota, so fishing has always been a big part of my life. One of my best memories is catching a huge northern pike on Lake Superior late in the summer. The fog was coming in, the water was completely flat, and I fought that fish for a good 20 minutes before I got it to the boat. That feeling is why I keep going back.
I'll fish just about anywhere. Fly fishing on the Lester River, trolling for lake trout, ice fishing on a frozen bay. It's taught me a lot about patience and just slowing down, which honestly helps with everything else too.
Snowboarding
Spirit Mountain is right here in Duluth, so it was pretty much impossible not to get into snowboarding. I still remember my first real run down the black diamond. My legs were shaking the whole way, but by the time I hit the bottom I was hooked.
I try to ride at least a couple times a week during the season. Night riding after a long day of classes is hard to beat. Cold air in your face, fresh groomed snow, and nobody else out there. It's the best way to clear your head.
Hiking
Duluth has some of the best trails in the state right outside your door. I spend a lot of time on the Superior Hiking Trail, sometimes just a quick loop after class, sometimes a full day up along the ridgeline above the lake. The views never get old.
Lester Park is probably where I go the most. The river cuts through this gorge, and after a good rain the waterfalls are awesome. It's a solid reset when school gets stressful. Honestly, hiking is a big reason I picked Duluth in the first place.
Future Career Path
I'm graduating from UMD in May 2028 with a degree in Consumer Insights & Analytics. After that, I want to find a job where I can use data to help shape marketing strategy and figure out why people buy what they buy.
Here are two companies I'd really like to work for after graduation:
Target Corporation
Target is based right here in Minnesota and has a really strong analytics team. Their Guest Insights division is where I'd want to be. It's the kind of work that actually interests me.
Contact Info:
1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: (612) 304-6073
Careers: corporate.target.com/careers
Why I'm Qualified:
My Consumer Insights & Analytics degree aligns directly with Target's Guest Insights work.
I have hands-on experience with data analysis tools like Excel, Google Sheets, and Google Analytics,
along with survey design and consumer behavior analysis. As a finalist in the AMA Digital Marketing
Competition, I've applied these skills in a competitive setting. My customer-facing roles as a
snowboard instructor and dock hand gave me real insight into how people make decisions.
General Mills
General Mills does a lot of cool work with consumer research and brand strategy. I like the idea of understanding why people connect with everyday products. That's the kind of problem I want to work on.
Contact Info:
1 General Mills Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55426
Phone: (763) 764-7600
Careers: careers.generalmills.com
Why I'm Qualified:
My background in consumer behavior analysis and survey design fits General Mills' focus on
understanding what drives brand loyalty. I bring strong collaboration and communication skills
from team-based projects and my work in the American Marketing Association. With experience in
data analysis and a passion for understanding why people connect with everyday products,
I'm ready to contribute to their consumer insights and brand strategy teams.