This write-up was created by first-year Marketing student, Gauri Anand.
Tippie Alumni Stephanie Andersen
Hometown: Clinton, Iowa
Current City: Atlanta, Georgia
Current Job: Purchasing Analyst, Benchmark Brands, Norcross, GA
What was your undergraduate degree in?
Double major in Accounting and Management & Organizations from the University of Iowa
What was your job/career before Tippie?
I spent three years with John Deere as a part of its Finance Development Program, a rotational program designed to give employees accounting experience in both corporate and operations roles. I worked for two years at John Deere Intelligent Vehicle Systems in Urbandale, Iowa in general ledger accounting and financial analysis, and then transferred to the internal audit staff based in Moline, Illinois.
What is the best memory of your time at Tippie?
One of my best memories at Tippie was having the opportunity to participate in the International Immersion experiences offered over winter break. I traveled to Hong Kong and China during my first year and Santiago, Chile my second year. Being exposed to completely new cultures through company visits, business speakers, and sight-seeing activities with the other students was something I will never forget.
What was your most valuable experience at Tippie?
My most valuable experience at Tippie was gaining leadership experience through student organizations. I was actively involved in the Graduate Marketing Association and National Association for Women MBA’s. These organizations gave me the opportunity to gain experience in event planning, fundraising, public speaking, budgeting, and time management.
What would you recommend to prospective students considering Tippie?
Tippie is unique in that it offers a personalized career services approach to its students. Through one-on-one sessions with the career services team, to mock interviews, to case interview workshops, the amount of focus put on helping students achieve success in their job search is incredible.
Was there any faculty or staff that impacted your time here?
I was so appreciative of all of the marketing faculty that work directly with the MBA program. Coming into the program as a career changer, it was great to gain real-world experience through consulting projects with companies and case studies. I loved the Field Studies in Marketing course with Professor Gruca and Product Management with Professor Murry.
Any advice you would like to share with current Tippie students?
Pursue your passions. Life is too short to settle for anything less than a job that you love.
