Hi! I’m Jake, a student at Michigan State University studying Finance. I’m an outgoing and friendly person who enjoys meeting new people, exploring new places, and making the most out of every experience. I’m also easygoing, respectful, and always happy to connect with others and share a good conversation.

Hometown

East Lansing

Major(s)

Finance

Minor(s)

Sales

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Residential Business Community, Broad College of Business, Spikeball club, Wealth Management Club

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was a little different because Michigan State was so close to home. Being only a few minutes away, I felt like I already had a pretty good idea of what I was getting myself into. However, that expectation could not have been farther from the truth. Although many students from my high school also attended Michigan State, the number of new people I met, new activities I participated in, and experiences I had was drastically different from anything I had experienced in high school. The transition was incredibly exciting and gave me the opportunity to meet people from completely different backgrounds while becoming more independent. At the same time, it was difficult at times as I adjusted to the increased academic responsibilities and the many changes that come with college life. Overall, my experience at Michigan State has been both challenging and rewarding, and I have had a great time growing personally, academically, and professionally.

Tip for future students

One of the biggest things I would tell future students is to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. College gives you so many opportunities to meet new people, try new activities, and experience things that you never would have expected. It can be intimidating at first, but putting yourself out there makes the transition much easier and can lead to some of the best experiences and friendships. I would also recommend staying organized and learning how to manage your time early because balancing classes, social life, and other responsibilities can be difficult. Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Favorite class

Business 100 and Business 200 stand out to me because of the variety of guest speakers and instructors who take the time to come into the classroom and share their knowledge and experiences. I especially value the fact that many of these professionals take time out of their own schedules to speak with students because they genuinely care about helping us receive the best possible education and gain a better understanding of the business world. Hearing directly from professionals and faculty members with different backgrounds and areas of expertise provides perspectives that would be difficult to gain solely from a textbook or traditional lecture. These experiences have made both Business 100 and Business 200 more engaging and have helped me better understand the different career paths, opportunities, and expectations within the business field. I believe this exposure to real-world experiences is one of the strongest aspects of these courses and something that makes them especially valuable for students preparing for their future careers.

Career goals

After college, I hope to pursue a career in finance and build a successful career in the business world. I am interested in exploring different areas of finance and finding a career that allows me to use my strengths in communication, problem-solving, and working with others. I also hope to continue developing professionally, build strong relationships, and eventually reach a position where I can make a meaningful impact within an organization. Long term, I want to be successful not only in my career but also as a person who can give back and help others along the way.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be with my friends, whether that means going out to dinner, playing golf, watching a movie, or just hanging out and talking. One of my favorite parts of college has been the relationships I have built, so I enjoy spending my free time with the people closest to me. I also appreciate having nights where I can relax, take a break from schoolwork, and enjoy myself without having to worry about my schedule.

High school or secondary school

Okemos High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the field outside of IM East I met so many of my friends outside playing games there!