Emma's Study Abroad Experience

WiB wants to give Emma Howey, Vice President of Membership, a warm welcome back from her fall 2023 study abroad trip to South Korea! We sat down with Emma and asked her a few questions about her study abroad experience. Read below to learn more!

1. Where did you study abroad?

   I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea!

2. What was the living situation like?

   I lived in an apartment style dorm with five roommates. I shared my room with one of my roommates and we had our own bathroom. 😎

3. What’s a new hobby/food/sport/etc. you picked up while abroad?

   A food that I had never had before that I became obsessed with is pork cutlet. I would eat it at least once a week and seriously had to limit my intake in fear I would get sick of it (I never did). Also bingsu (shaved ice) was everything to me. 

4. What’s a new thing you learned about yourself while abroad?

   Something I learned about myself was that I have anxiety when I can’t communicate properly. I would seriously get so stressed out when I didn’t know the right words to say. But, I also learned that I’m very good at planning travel. I’m just great at mapping out where to go and all the timing so I can fit in everything I want to do! I’m a great solo traveler. 😎

5. How the work-life balance while abroad?

   I dearly miss my work life balance… I was in five classes and they were very hard (international finance and hedge funds ) especially since I wasn’t used to the competitive culture of academics. But I also had way more time since I wasn’t in any organisations and didn’t have a job, so I was able to travel a lot but also spend time in my dorm watching my k-dramas that I love so much. 

6. Advice for those who want to apply for study abroad/scholarships for abroad?

   My advice for applying for scholarships is to apply to as many as possible and make sure you have good recommendations !! I credit so many of the scholarships I got to the great recommendations I had written for me! My advice for applying for abroad is to make sure you really know what you’re getting into. I had studied the Korean culture for seven years before going and still made sure to talk to people that had studied abroad there before so I could hear their experience and advice. You won’t always be able to tell how your experience will be, but it’s very important to be as informed as possible before going and living in another country for a few months.

Thank you so much to Emma for sharing your favorite tips and memories from going abroad, and WiB is so excited to have you back this semester!!

WiB's Women's History Month Idols

For Women’s History Month back in March, we asked our Wibbers about women they look up to. It’s important for us to have other women to look up to as a reminder of the progress we have made and an incentive to continue their legacy. Here are some of their answers :

Deepica Mutayla

She is the South Asian representation in the beauty community that i didn’t have while growing up! - Shreya

Eli Rallo

She is hilarious and gives me such great hope about what life can be like post-grad. She’s currently managing a podcast, freelance journalism, writing a book, and managing a huge TikTok following.

Joanna Gaines

I look up to Joanna because of her commitment to family while being amazing at everything she does. From decorating, gardening, and baking, she really does do it all and I hope to one day emulate her as a mother and business woman. - Kayla

Emily Weiss

Emily Weiss is the CEO of Glossier which is a brand I personally admire due to the brands ability to redefine beauty and be such an empowering company for many girls. Emily Weiss is the brain behind this company and I admire her a lot for her ability to persevere through challenges and create a company that is so successful and admired by many women. - Aashna

Oprah Winfrey

She inspires me with her passion and drive for success, despite who/what may try to slow her down. Also, she was the first Black woman to be named a billionaire! - Anonymous

Princess Diana

Instead of following the ways of the royal family, Princess Diana took it upon herself to help others as much as possible. Here selfless attitude inspired many and can be seen in her quote "Anywhere I see suffering, that is where I want to be, doing what I can." - Anonymous

Girls Inc. Revamp

Last weekend, Wibbers had the opportunity to help revamp the Girls Inc. of Monroe County facilities. 

Wibbers assisted the staff by cleaning, painting, and organizing so that they can welcome girls back soon for classes. 

It was an amazing experience to connect with other Wibbers all while making an impact on our community, something that we are stressing the importance of this year by offering community points.

For more information on Girls Inc. of Monroe County, check out https://girlsinc-monroe.org/.

A Wibber Summer

As another school year approaches, we all rumble with excitement upon our return to campus! For many Wibbers this summer was filled with internships, study abroad, work, travel, and family & friends. Let’s dive into some of our Wibbers experiences and what they’re anxious to get back to in Bloomington!

Aashna Dogra

This summer I had a Social Media Marketing Internship with MORE Magazine. It has been so insightful and I was lucky enough to be blessed with a freshman internship through WIB! My boss, Arianna Cruz, spoke at our conference this past year and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I’ve had!

Kodee Lewis

This summer I had my first internship with Bank of America in wealth management based out of their New York office. I was able to network with a lot of people and learn more about BofA culture. I loved it so much I signed my return offer and will be going back next year! Back in Bloomington I’m so excite to eat at Longfei again

 Faith Hampton

I interned with Onzie - an active apparel brand in Los Angeles! I joined their marketing team and got to exercise my creative abilities through content creation for social platforms, photo shoots, collaboration proposals, and influencer relations.Back in Bloomington I'm looking forward to catching up with all of the WiB ladies, watching IU sports (in person!) and eating at all of the great Bloomington restaurants.

Meera Unni

I did a social media internship for a nonprofit organization called Injury Free Coaltion for Kids. I essentially helped managed and create content for their social media page to gain more followers and interaction on their page! This summer I also got to spend lots of time with friends and family and went on a family vacation to Gatlinburg where we stayed in a cabin and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Back in Bloom I’m really excited to get back in person and attend an in person mass meeting. I have heard such amazing and fun things from past members about in person mass meetings and I cannot wait to experience it myself.

Casey Duong 

This summer I was a Marketing Intern at a rapidly growing real estate company called LivCor! It was located in the Willis Tower and it was AMAZING getting to go in and experience that real life experience. I had a summer project exploring social media advertising campaigns and put my data skills to use!

Spoorthi Vittaladevuni 

This summer I was a S&T Summer Analyst at Citi! Once we’re back on campus I can’t wait to meet with wibbers in person, hang out between classes, and see a bustling Hodge Hall again.

Hannah Evans

This summer I was fortunate enough to have an Internship in Chicago as a “Tik-Tern”/TikTok intern, where I worked with clients to develop social media strategies and initiate the production of content. My office was right in the West Loop, so lunch breaks were filled with trips to new restaurants and even visits to the McLaren showroom which was right across the street! I can’t wait to be back in bloom and start recruitment for this year's new Wibbers!

Lisa Warren 

I worked on Nantucket Island for half the summer, in a restaurant called Lemon Press! Back in Bloom I’m definitely looking forward to eating at all the different restaurants and walking around campus in the fall!

Abby Erickson 

I interned for Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, on the Enterprise Digital Marketing Team. I was able to incorporate my sustainable business knowledge to work on audits of the company's website and ESG Report and use my marketing skills to create content streams for our blog and social media. I thought critically in order to understand new target markets, developed KPIs for different projects, worked closely with external agency partners, and so much more. Back in Bloomington I can’t wait to visit the new Crumbl in town!

Maitreyee Malpekar 

This summer I studied abroad in London at the LSE. Back in Bloomington I’m most excited for ​​*hopefully* in-person mass meetings!!!

Lauren Robinson

This summer I worked in KPMG’s Strategy practice out of the Chicago office. It was a positive experience, and a great way to learn more about the consulting industry. I enjoyed honing my analytical skills by working on various tasks including developing a product costing model, analyzing accounts receivable aging, and credit spend. Back at school I’m super excited to be back to in person classes in Hodge and run into friends I haven't seen in a while. Also really excited for Bloomington restaurants (Siam House - of course!), coffee shops, and runs around campus.

Riley Cox

This summer I was a summer camp counselor at a military based summer camp called Culver!

A Tale of Two I-Cores

Building on two years of rigorous pre-requisites, Kelley students enroll in a block of four classes that focus on the important relationships among finance, marketing, operations, and management, also known as the “Integrative Core.” Additionally, I-Core students take Compass III to solidify their understanding of what it means to be a business professional. Throughout the semester, I-Core students go through several real-time experiences that challenge them to solve cross-functional business problems while developing their professional and leadership skills. The final I-Core case—also known as the Kelley "rite of passage"—is an extensive and intense team project in which students demonstrate all they have learned.

Abby Ericson, 2022

In the summer of 2018, I sat in a room full of “Kelley kids” during a summer orientation academic advising session. I knew no one, I still wasn’t sold on the idea of going to business school, and my once extraverted self wanting nothing more than to be a fly on the wall. I learned about all the courses I needed to take before “I-Core” during my junior year-- whatever that was. A rising senior told us all about the classes, the professors, the case, and the famous t-shirt and celebratory party. It was all very confusing and seemed like a lifetime away.Throughout the next two years, I worked hard to succeed in the pre-reqs while making great connections along the way. Once it finally came time to enroll in the infamous 13 cr block in the spring of 2020, I felt many different emotions. I saw it as a daunting challenge, but nevertheless, I felt prepared and confident that I could excel regardless of the semester’s rigor. Despite Kelley’s best efforts, we finally received word that I-Core would be taught entirely online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous class sessions and recordings. I was bummed. Strangely, I wanted to file into the lecture halls and test my hand at the coursework. Instead, I woke up every morning for my 8:30 live lecture followed by another professor’s recording for the day. I knew I was doing it all alongside many others, but part of me always felt lonely… like I was stranded on an island by myself having to figure everything out. The homework was hard, the studying was frustrating, and most times I didn’t even make it out of my pajamas in the mornings. Regardless, online learning had its perks. I could rewatch entire classes, refine my notes, attend more office hours, and reference class material during exams (although, don’t worry, it didn’t help much!). After completing two weeks of midterms and finals, I was drained and ready for a break. I did my best to recharge during Thanksgiving, but I still felt nervous for the case. Working with five strangers on Zoom didn’t seem as fun as camping out in a room in the library for days on end. However, my teammates were all wonderful to work with, and we pieced together an impressive case. Figuring out the answers to tough, holistic questions made me feel like my work that semester wasn’t all for naught. Two and a half years later, I finally felt like a businessperson. Part of me finds it strange that I have yet to meet my professors or teammates in person, but at the same time, I also marvel at the connective powers of technology. Looking back on last semester, I was able to learn so much without even leaving my room. A global pandemic definitely takes a toll on learning, and my mental health was surely challenged at times. However, I found a way to grind through the trials and walk away with a wealth of knowledge and a deeply rewarding sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I wish this past semester had been different in many ways; I didn’t get to shake my professors’ hands in Prebys at the end of it all, make new friends, see others in passing, or sit in a lecture hall even once. But, the lessons I learned about perseverance and grit were invaluable, and I discovered more about adaptability than I ever thought possible. Life will undoubtedly throw you some punches, just remember to laugh at yourself and roll with them. 

Jenna Cochran, 2021

As I came to Kelley and IU, I was flooded with information about involvement opportunities, prerequisites, and I-Core. While I was very excited to immediately get involved and find my place at IU, I-Core was not something on my radar because it seemed so far away. Once I joined organizations like WiB, I remember seeing the I-Core juniors running around, stressed out, and constantly studying. I was worried about my ability to accel in I-Core, despite being successful in the prerequisite classes. By talking to upperclassmen, I found out most of the structure and details of how I could expect I-Core to go. I learned that your grade is almost entirely dependent on your midterm and final exam grades, that you have to hold yourself accountable for the readings, and that there was going to be a case at the end where you spend every minute with your team. I was able to mentally prepare for this challenging semester and ask upperclassmen for advice. Once I was in my first semester of Junior year, I woke up early and hopped on the bus to go to Kelley for my 8:30am section. I walked into the giant lecture hall and recognised many more people than I expected. A group of us always sat together on the right side of the lecture hall and we created a group chat for the many questions that we would ask each other throughout the semester. After our ten minute break and our second class, we ended at 11:50am. We would then spend the rest of the day working on homework and readings for that day. The midterm and final exam weeks were challenging in many aspects. We had an exam every night four days in a row, so that we could have one for each subject. Since there were so many students, we were assigned random buildings across campus that would allow room for us to take our exams. The stress and preparation of taking all our exams back-to-back was high, but we were able to sit in the library with friends and study for hours to help each other prepare for the exams. We got through the exams and the only thing left was our case. Our teams were sent out through canvas and then we were in charge of creating a group chat and figuring out when to meet. One of my teammates in greek life allowed us to use a room in her house to work on our case. We spent all day in this room for about a week with our team trying to perfect each portion of the case. While this process was challenging and morale was low at times, our team was able to stay positive, work together, and help each other out in order to complete the case. Some of my favorite moments of the semester were taking breaks with my team and joking around to keep our spirits high. I am very grateful for the friendships I was able to make on our team and how accomplished it felt walking into Kelley on the last day to turn in our case. As we put on our “I Survived I-Core” shirts on, ate breakfast, and hung out the rest of the day, I was so proud of what we were able to complete in such a short time.

"More Than a Month"

“More Than a Month” is a film directed by Shukree Hassan Tilghman, which tells the story of a “29-year-old African-American filmmaker, who sets out on a cross-country campaign to end Black History Month. He stops in various cities, wearing a sandwich board, to solicit signatures on his petition to end the observance. He explains that relegating Black History Month to the coldest, shortest month of the year is an insult, and that black history is not separate from American history. Through this thoughtful and humorous journey, he explores what the treatment of history tells us about race and equality in a “post-racial” America”.”

In light of Shukree Hassan Tilghman’s Film, and Black History Month, it is more important than ever to recognize the significance of Black history POST its dedicate month of observance. Black history is American history. Roots from each race and culture build the foundation to which we as Americans should continually cherish and celebrate. As Americans we should constantly strive to stay united through mutual acceptance, commemoration, and respect for one another’s backgrounds. Although there are still massive strides towards equality and justice to be made, WiB’s continued efforts to demonstrate support, acceptance, and understanding towards those of different races or backgrounds will never fade.  

To learn more about Black History Month explore these resources:

 https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/30/at-home/honor-black-history-month.html

https://www.pbs.org/articles/2021/02/celebrate-black-history-month-2021/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/02/01/black-history-month-2021-how-celebrate-what-know/4292640001/

Black owned businesses in Bloomington that you can support (click to slide through gallery):

Second Semester Slump

As we move forward towards another semester of online classes, it is crucial to take the time for yourself in order to reinforce your love for learning, although that may look very different this year. Throughout first semester, I had an extremely hard time feeling connected to my professors and the material I was being taught, and unfortunately this led me to feeling as if I was losing a large part of myself as a student. When first enrolling here at Indiana University, I knew that in order to fulfill my collegiate ambitions I would need to find balance within all aspects of my new life in Bloomington, and this year that balance was lacking. In order to realign myself with my academic values and goals, I decided to make changes within my everyday life that would help me to re-sparke motivation, wonderstruck, and a passion within my learning. Some of these changes included journaling, reading, and following research/academic based instagram accounts. When I first started journaling I felt an immense amount of pressure to have something profound to write, and ultimately I found myself looking for relief in my words when there wasn't any. Only when I realized that the breakthrough doesn’t occur until you're not looking for it, did I begin to find peace and comfort from my casual reports. Just the simple act of daily writing and reflecting helped me to reinvigorate my love for note taking and finding new ways to organize my thoughts. Soon I found myself becoming more invested in my coursework and focusing more on application learning. In addition to journaling, reading has become a tool that allows me to find gratitude rather than guilt in my down time. I often find myself overwhelmed with anxiety when I know I’m spending my time poorly, and because of that It has been hard for me to implement relaxing time into my day. But through the practice of reading, I am not only fulfilled after my short 30 minutes, but I have grown to see reading as less of a task and more so as a treat. Lastly, and most importantly, I have started to follow more academic and interest based instagram accounts. Through doing so, I find that my time spent on social media is filled with educational learning and interest pulling topics and ideas rather than mindless bikini pictures. Rather than scrolling through my feed in a state of hypnosis, I find myself doing additional research when I read something intriguing, or looking for articles and podcasts that align with my newfound interest. 

Implementing these small changes into my everyday life has not only built a better foundation for personal growth, but they have helped me to re-express my love for learning and equipped me with the tools in order to continue evolving as a student and individual.

VOTE VOTE VOTE

The election is right around the corner and WiB wants all of our members to be engaged citizens! We have started a voting initiative that is aiming to help 100% of our members who are eligible US citizens registered to vote! It is so important to do our civic duty and make our voices heard and is something that Women in Business as an organization is putting at the forefront this year! WiB votes!

There are so many resources we can access to inform ourselves on the importance and impact that our votes have! Be sure to check out Netflix’s new limited series “Explained: Voting” if you’re interested in learning more about why your vote matters!

The right to vote is at the foundation of America's democracy. But not every vote is created equal. How does the system work, and can it be fixed? SUBSCRIBE:...

What to Expect From WiB This Coming Semester

Now that most of us have returned to campus, it’s more important than ever before for us to stay safe, and prepared for the coming school year. Heres what you can expect from WiB now that we’re back in Bloomington.

The executive board, which includes; Sophie Wang (President), Caroline Short (VP of Networking), Jennifer Cochran (VP of Outreach), Kathryn Scott (VP of Finance), Kaylyn Du (VP of Membership), and Ritika Mehta (VP of Communications), shared a message with the community outlining our responsibilities as individuals, members of a greater community, and as apart of humanity.

“We know that the past year has been tough for all of us: being home, conducting internships remotely, the changing or cancelling of plans. The current state of the world is stressful and overwhelming but we are so proud of you all for adapting to your situations. We cannot wait to get started on another wonderful year of WIB!

Our Responsibilities On Campus 

As you all know, COVID-19 will be an ongoing struggle. With students all coming back to Bloomington, we hope that you all take time to seriously consider how you will live and interact with others as safely as you can. Not only do we as an organization have to adapt to our new situation, but we all individually have to change too. We encourage you to reach out to friends, Wibbers, and other members of your community by starting every conversation with a genuine “how are you doing.” This community will look a little different this year, but our goal is to remain as connected as ever. 

Bloomington and Beyond 

For our members that will not be coming back to Bloomington, we want you to know that you will still function as the valuable and impactful members that you already are! We are here to help you remain connected with your committee, branch, and the organization as a whole, no matter where you are.

WIB Operations This Fall 

Currently, we are planning on hosting all events virtually. This is a requirement from Student Life, though we may have opportunities for small, informal group events that are held outdoors. In-person meetings are acceptable for groups of less than 10 people. If an event will have more than 25 people, it has to be approved by Kelley. We will be taking this very seriously, so plan on mostly virtual, organization-wide events! Mass Meetings will also be held virtually! Committee planning time will be separated from Mass Meetings and dictated by your VP and Directors. This will allow for more flexibility for our friends that will not be in Bloomington. We know your time will be valuable this semester, so we will be sending out an agenda before the meeting as well as holding ourselves to a 45-minute meeting window.

We are so excited for this coming semester, but recognize the risks present in todays societal climate, and with that we want to make it our primary focus to do what is best for the health and safety for all.

The Importance of Getting to Know Yourself and Reconnecting With Your Creative Side

As summer quickly passes and we all prepare for the coming school year, I’ve noticed that I’ve lost touch with myself and the things I used to enjoy doing in my free time. Amidst the rush and stress of trying to normalize the new way of things, I feel as if many of us have forgotten about the simple joys of spending time alone with our thoughts and getting to know ourselves as individuals. To combat this feeling, I recently dedicated a day to maximize my creative energy through a few simple tasks and projects. My “prescription” for the day called for 1 hour of revisiting old Pinterest boards, 4 hours of cutting and pasting to make the perfect collage, 1 spontaneous sunset photoshoot, an evening set aside to catch up with my sister over custard and tacos, and even a nostalgic midnight trip back to my hometown high school.

As we move forward towards the uncertainty of this coming year, I hope we all carry with us the ability to reconnect and grow with ourselves, and most importantly I hope we remember to embrace our creative side.

Wibbers in Quarantine

With the current climate of todays society, WiB has continued its efforts in empowering others, fighting for justice, and ensuring that we all do what is best for our health! But, in addition to this, we’d like to highlight some behind the scene pics, stories, and lessons from our very own Wibbers in lockdown!

President, Sophie Wang

Has been…

Making monochromatic mood boards with roommates!

Exploring a local cave in Bloomington for the first time!

Meditating on Lake Monroe using the Kelley Head Space subscription!

Testing out her hammock and using it to relax in her neighborhood creek trail!

Mentorship Associate, Maddie Chew

Has been…

Taking trips to Lake Michigan with her new pup Taffy! Taffy loved her first road trip and is also the perfect partner when it comes to afternoons full of webinars and internship zooms!

Social Associate, Danielle Dionisio

Has been…

Working towards fully and actually love herself during quarantine. Danielle shared that she “went through a bad breakup and realized that (I deserved WAY better) the person who's going to remain constant throughout my life is myself. I don't hate men—I LOVE them but I learned that whatever's meant to be in my life will stay or come back at the right times. Basically I've been going through a lot of self-reflection and discovery and I'm healing every wound with the help of my loyal and amazing friends!” Here are some of the major life lessons she’s learned!

- The best way to succeed is to focus on yourself! It helps to gather inspiration from others FOR SURE, but it's always important to know that someone else's success (or beauty) doesn't detract from yours.

- Be your own best friend! You wouldn't tell your best friend to not eat that extra cookie or not have another serving, so don't tell yourself those things, either.

- Feel the emotion. Your feelings are entirely valid. However, don't let it consume you. FEEL YOUR FEELINGS AND LET THEM GO! If it doesn't push you forward, don't let it pull you back.

- ^On the same note, put your negative energy in a better place: YOU!

- People will (usually) act in their own best interests. Don't take it personally unless it's clear their intentions are to hurt you.

- Love your family. We're in college and times are sososo rough right now, but the bright side is that we get this extra time with them.

- It's not easy, but it’s worth it!

- If you're not doing so already, work to become the person you want to be.

Conference Associate, Charlotte Hagedorn

Has been…

Playing real life ‘Clue’ with her Family! Charlotte shared that she and her whole family “dressed up and it was so fun!” Each person in her family was a character and her brother even sent out individual invitations. The Hagedorn family as also played jeopardy, started baking and made tons of fam tik toks!

Other Quarantine musts/recommendations include:

• Try the Buzzfeed lemon cake

• Watch “I feel pretty” and “Athlete A”

• Read “Dear Edward” and “The Immortalist”

• Download Sculpt Society and Peloton

How to Survive Freshman Year: WiB Edition

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Freshman year is a year of growth in many ways. I certainly feel like a different person from the scared girl who got lost in Kelley the first day of school. A large part of that growth was due to mentorship from older members in WiB, so we asked our wonderful wibbers to share some advice for incoming freshman.

On finding a community 

“ I went to several on campus events that I was interested in. This helped me tremendously find my belonging on campus it helped me find WIB :) Also, the free food and shirts were a plus”. 

-Alaina Powell

“One of the best pieces of advice I got was to follow your heart and pursue your passions. Especially as a freshman, it’s easy to get caught up with the activities of others and in short, it can create unhealthy anxiety. Remember to be unconventional and follow your interests. Personal example I remember is coming to an advisor nervous that I was not doing case competitions; and she told me this and a month later I got involved with an organization that I could make an impact in - CEWIT!”

- Tara Aggarwal

On finding friends

 “Don’t be scared to DM people on Instagram or reach out to other freshman! Everyone’s in the same boat and one of my best friends actually Dmd me on instagram to get lunch and now we’re so close!”

 - Tess Viola

“Be open to new people! One of my closest friends is someone i was SO unsure about when I first met her but is now such a huge part of my life. Class groups, Gresh, clubs - people are everywhere and always worth meeting!”

 - Annie Hockel

On doing well in school

“Also just definitely quality or quantity with your involvements. I thinks it’s easy to get in the mindset that you need to be doing everything to be successful and you really don’t at all. You just need to be doing a couple things well. So choose your involvements wisely because they become a really big part of your life” 

- Jenna Cochran

“ Take classes at your local community college over the summer to lighten your load (especially calc, finite, macro, micro)”

 -Tess Viola

“One suggestion about community college classes- be REALLY careful because Kelley has switched which classes it will and won’t allow to transfer! So some of what we did is no longer allowed. Just plan to meet with an advisor and discuss ahead of time!” 

-Molly McGuire

“Take the accounting help class if enrolled in A100 (it’s called EDUC-X 152) and the only homework is to do the optional homework Vivian gives” 

-Tess Viola

On making the most of freshman year

“Cherish my free time and use it for my hobbies (volunteering, being outside, going to dance classes, reading) with new and old friends! Everything really ramps up after freshman year, and I didn’t realize how much free time I had back then compared to now”

-Sophie Wang

As you can see, we all had different experiences. You too will forge your own path, make your own mistakes, and come out the other side changed. Hopefully, these tips will help you along that (long) journey. Lastly, a huge thank you to every wibber who went out of their way to share some advice today and every day after. 

My Sophomore Slump

College begs a million and one questions from the moment you are accepted. Which dorm do you want to live in? What's your major? What clubs will you join? What kind of person do you want to be? Who will you surround yourself with? Do you want to party? What kind of grades are you willing to work for? Some choices are simple, others seem to lurk forever. I felt a lot of pressure to choose — to be certain of what I wanted and how I would get there, and so I did. I dug in my heels about every choice — I was certain I hated banks and corporate America and wanted to work in tech with startups. I accordingly changed my major to Information Systems and never looked back. I sat through classes I thought I liked but actually felt apathetic about, getting sub-par grades. I worked for a start-up for two summers that lacked the size or structure to give me much guidance, not to mention the work was completely unrelated to my path. But I had decided that this was what I wanted to do. Changing my mind would go against the persona I constructed.

Mid-sophomore year, I was in full-on crisis mode. My mental health spiraled as I applied for an endless string of internships, all of which systematically turned me down. The momentum from freshman year ran out, and I felt like a complete failure. Up until this point, I had a strong sense of direction and awareness of what I wanted, and how that changed, but it seemed like change was no longer an option – it was succeed at what I set out to do or fail. I had no idea how to move forward or gain perspective on my situation. I started writing applications to transfer colleges and even debated taking a semester off, just to escape the feeling of inadequacy.

Growing up feeling independent and sure of myself led to good grades and a strong sense of self, but when I lost that feeling sophomore year, it was replaced with a hatred for why I couldn’t make myself feel strong and steady again. I knew logically that everything would be fine, but logic and emotion exist in two very different worlds.

In the midst of my sophomore slump, a part of me knew something had to change. I learned about the Investment Management Workshop from some Wibbers that I loved and respected, and figured trying out their path wouldn't hurt.  Their support and guidance helped me get accepted into the IMW. I still held firm on my decision to work in startups despite immersing myself in the world of finance. Joining the IMW felt like an accomplishment I should have been proud of, but instead, I felt like a fraud — like I shouldn't have been allowed in the room because I didn’t really know what I wanted. That feeling didn’t go away my entire sophomore year. I just plowed through, waiting for the reprieve of summer.

I wish I could give a fabulous line of advice or quick fix for when life absolutely sucks, but that doesn’t exist. I tried everything I could to "cure" myself, from running a half marathon to reading countless books and doing meditation — all of which I'm so glad I did, but none gave me the relief I was looking for. Only time could do that.

I spent the summer in California working at the aforementioned startup, but more importantly, spending time with family, hiking, running, camping and doing things I loved, all which were completely unrelated to school. Within a month, I felt human again. In another month, I could stomach thinking about school and jobs, and I re-gained the freedom to be what I wanted without self-imposed restrictions. I decided finance might be alright after all, and I applied to some jobs. I was lucky to have offers before school began and signed early in the semester, freeing up a lot of mental space as I entered I-Core.

I started junior year with a clean slate. I forgave myself for the harsh criticisms I told myself and approached learning with an open mind. To my surprise, finance was my favorite part of I-Core, so I switched my major over winter break. I watched all the horrible feelings from sophomore year melt away and reveal a new version of myself. I feel strong, confident, and sure of myself. But I also accept that I am changing and cannot be defined as one thing forever. I've realized it's okay to change my mind about whatever I want, and that no one, not even myself, has the right to make me feel bad about it. I trust myself to know what is right for me and not compare that feeling to yesterdays.

P.S. I know this story is all wrapped up in a bow where I got a great job and I'm happy and there are rainbows everywhere, but in the midst of it, I was absolutely miserable for eight months straight. I broke down in nearly every hallway in Hodge and hid myself away from friends and clubs. Hindsight is 20/20, but I was damn near blind for a lot of it. My best piece of advice is to trust your gut and just keep chugging — and seek therapy if at all possible. I really wish I had.

Author: Niki Ryan is a junior majoring in Finance. She is the Director for Intellectual Development and enjoys working on the committee’s new podcast and planning organization-wide events!

Table for One

College is a time when we are seemingly constantly surrounded by people — which is amazing. I love people, and I’m about as extroverted as a person can get. But, I’ve come to a point where I now realize there is a time when I need to allow myself to be alone. During this time alone, one needs to step back and totally release from the commotion that surrounds us. I often find myself so caught up in what I can do for other people that I forget to take care of myself. What has helped me to truly realize this and understand that I need to spend time taking care of myself too, is simply going out on my own and finding my own independence. When I am walking around London by myself or even sitting at a café alone, I make a true effort to stay off my phone and spend that time engaged in the present moment. When I am present with my own thoughts, without the thoughts of others circulating in my head, I feel more apt to trust my personal intuition. I’ve never been one to “just go with my gut” — I am usually a major overthinker. But because I have embraced this new-found independence, I am now used to relying on myself, and I feel confident relying on my instinct.

Spending time alone is where you learn to follow your inner voice, allowing that voice to guide you rather than letting the thoughts or opinions of others obscure what you truly want. Once you learn to follow your inner voice and you learn to filter out the outside influences, you will be more apt to make good decisions — the decisions that are right for YOU. I have noticed that by following my instinct and by making the right decisions for myself, I have felt incredibly liberated. Of course doing things for others is so important, and it is essential to care for others too. Yet, there is a point where we need to give ourselves that same time and attention. We are strong and can stand to take care of ourselves too. This inner voice and inner strength are rooted in realizing our true wants and needs and discovering our true selves. This is done by embracing our independence.

Whether you choose to embrace this independence by going on a walk around Bloomington alone, going to a yoga class alone, or grabbing a table for one, you are the one who chooses. Personally, much of my semester has consisted of exploring the city of London by myself or flying to other cities solo. This has been such a defining experience because by focusing on solely myself and my personal journey for the day, my eyes are much more open to my surroundings and how I can use my surroundings to get to where I want to go. It is me and the world and nothing in between. I am now so much more confident in my decisions and so much more relaxed with the life I lead. Spending my valuable gift of time on myself has helped me to be so content with who I truly am.

On a more extreme note of embracing independence, Cheryl Strayed in her novel Wild recalls how she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, from the Mojave Desert to the Oregon-Washington state line, completely alone. It became a spiritual journey that ultimately saved her. Pure bravery and grit pushed her to rely on herself, and herself only, to complete this journey. A journey on which she found and embraced herself after being lost for so long.

Whether we are an extrovert or an introvert, in college or on the journey of a lifetime, we must find that time alone to embrace ourselves and our own independence.

Table for one, please?

Author: Mandy Novicoff is a junior majoring in Marketing and Professional Sales. She is currently enjoying studying abroad in London, England!

Pictures from Mandy’s adventures in London:

A Freshman Perspective

From the first time I stepped into Hodge Hall, I was overwhelmed with nervous giddiness. The building was intimidating with its soaring ceilings, hustle and bustle, and students walking with purpose in full business professional attire.

Doubt and insecurity immediately flooded my mind.

Did I actually belong here? Would I be able to compete alongside these incredibly talented individuals?

The first few weeks of school was me trying to find my bearings. I got to know my professors, studied for classes, and bonded with my floor mates. However, something was still not right—I was still trying to find my passion. In high school, I was highly involved in my school’s DECA chapter and that was where I had found a community of some of my closest friends. Thus, I made it my goal to find a similar community of inspiring, caring, and hardworking people. Soon thereafter, I stumbled upon WIB while talking to a friend. I have always been passionate about female empowerment, and a club that combined it with business, seemed the perfect place for me.

Even after joining WIB, I felt the same doubt and insecurity that I felt my first day in Hodge Hall. I was surrounded, again, by talented and brilliant women who were doing incredible things both inside and out of Kelley. However, instead of letting these doubts and insecurities consume me, I decided to reverse the cycle. I began talking to the women of WIB, connecting with them, and showing genuine interest in creating a relationship. Rather than seeing these women as my competition or people I had to be better than, I began to change my mindset. I started to notice all of the amazing opportunities that WIB provided, and I sought out all of them. I no longer needed to prove myself to people; instead, I was determined to work hard and help the people around me also achieve their goals.

First semester freshman year was a period of growth and change, but I am now going into second semester confident in my own abilities, knowing that I have an incredible community of strong women who are supporting me every step of the way.

Author: Spoorthi Vittaladevuni is a freshman majoring in Marketing and Business Analytics. She hopes to pursue a career within the consulting industry and is excited to be a part of WIB!

The Truth About Work-Life Balance at a Big Four

Being a part of the Kelley community, I often run into the question of how does one genuinely balance work and life when working at a large company? I usually get the same kind of answers, like “go do yoga” or just “prioritize your health.” Although true statements, the answers are not usually beneficial or detailed with the true experiences employees face in the corporate world. Getting somewhat annoyed at the tiny answers I was being given to a big question, I decided that I wanted to search for my own answers. I reached out to four women Kelley graduates, each one currently working at a different Big Four firm: EY, PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG. Each person was eager and excited to give me some insight on the true story behind work-life balance.

When did you graduate from Kelley and what did you study?

EY: I graduated in Spring of 2015 with a degree in Finance and a minor in History.

PwC: May 2015 - majored in accounting and minored in political science.

Deloitte: 2015. Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics.

KPMG: I graduated in 2015 and studied Accounting and Finance.

What company do you currently work for? How long have you been working for this company and what is your position?

EY: I currently work at EY in Chicago. I interned at EY and have worked here for the last 3 years.

PwC: PwC. 3 years - Senior Assurance Associate.

Deloitte: Deloitte Consulting LLC. 3 years. Consultant.

KPMG: I work for KPMG's Chicago office. I've been working here for 3 years, and I'm a senior associate in their audit practice.

On average, how many hours do you work each week?

EY: It can vary but 50-55 is average.

PwC: Depends on the time of year. Busy season is typically 70-80 hours a week, quarterly reviews are 45-50 hours a week and the majority of the rest of the year is 40-45 hours a week.

Deloitte: 55 on average but this varies a lot depending on how my project is going. I've had as heavy as 75 hours and as low as 35.

KPMG: It varies throughout the year. During our "busy season" (generally January to March) I'll work anywhere from 50-70 hours. During the summer, I'm usually able to work a regular 40 hour week.

What does work-life balance mean to you? Are you able to achieve this at your current job?

EY: To me, work-life balance means working with a team that supports me in doing what I need to do – working out on the road, doing laundry when I’m home, eating healthy, etc. I currently work with a team that helps me achieve my work-life balance goals but that hasn’t always been the case. I think it’s important to prove yourself with your team and show that you can get your work done, even if you leave early to go to that 5:30 cycling class. Trust is earned.

PwC: Work-life balance to me is having the time and flexibility to do the things I love outside of work. I would say I'm able to achieve this the majority of the time at my current job. We are given a decent amount of vacation days a year and are highly encouraged to use all the days we are given. PwC is also supportive of allowing employees to get involved in recruiting, volunteering, intramural sports, etc. If you speak up about what is most important to you, teams are typically very accommodating (within reason) as it is in their best interest to keep you happy.

Deloitte: To me, work-life balance means that I feel emotionally, physically, and mentally healthy at work and outside of work. This means having time to go to the gym regularly, getting to hang out with friends and family, and taking time for myself, while also performing well at work. Yes, I have been able to achieve this at my current job but due to the culture of consulting, which is very project-dependent. I was staffed for nine months at a horrible project location with poor leaders and had very little work-life balance then. Since you are constantly changing projects and working with different leaders, achieving work-life balance is sadly always variable. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you really don't.

KPMG: Work-life balance means being able to separate my work-life from my life outside of work. For a good portion of the year, especially in summertime, this is certainly possible in my current role. During busy season, it can be a lot more challenging because there is an expectation that work is your main focus, and work does take over a little bit in that sense. It is a very challenging balance to find, and I'm far from having it fully figured out, but I do think it's possible if you take advantage of the flexibility that is offered throughout the year outside of busy season! Another way that I try to find this balance is by not making myself available at all hours of the day. I try to avoid responding to emails after I leave work for the day so that I don't set the expectation that I'm available 24/7. I have definitely found that my managers respect and encourage setting this boundary!

There are many articles that are written about work-life balance that encourage setting strict work hours or carving out time for friends and family. What happens when your work schedule doesn’t allow you to do these things?

EY: It’s really easy to drift away from family and friends when you’re on the road so frequently. Taking advantage of alternative travel can help you keep in touch with friends who live far away – which is a plus.

PwC: For Big 4 auditing, the hardest time to obtain work-life balance is obviously during busy season. However, you go into public accounting being aware of that and learn to plan your personal life around busy season. You typically aren't allowed to take vacation during January or February, but most people plan a big vacation after filing date and are provided flexibility throughout the rest of the year.

Deloitte: If you are on a team where your leaders really don't care about your work-life balance, it gets hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. My suggestion is to still force yourself to go to the gym or disconnect from work even if you're exhausted at the end of the work day. Spending just 30 minutes working out can really change your mental health. Another way to achieve this is to have open and honest conversations with your team leads about your mental state. Sometimes you can negotiate better working or travel hours. Also, take your PTO!!! I know that I am guilty of not taking my PTO for fear of hurting my utilization but at the end of the day, I don't want to burn myself out. It is important to remember that at the end of the day, life isn't about working until you die.

KPMG: This is a tough question, because there truly are times when the demands of work make it feel impossible to spend time with the people I care about. I think you really have to speak up when there are important events you want to attend (I was the maid of honor in my best friend's wedding in the middle of busy season - it is possible!) and make sure to set boundaries and stick to them.

 What do you want Kelley graduates that are entering a Big Four company to know about work-life balance? What is something you wish someone had told you?

EY: Work hard to earn trust. Communicate what you need early. Look to the tone leadership is setting about work-life balance.

PwC: I want graduates entering a Big 4 company to realize that work-life balance is doable, but flexibility is also a privilege and something that is earned. New associates need to earn the trust of their seniors and managers to get the perks of working from home, utilizing Flex Fridays, etc. As you start to earn the trust of your team and get promoted, you are given a lot more opportunities to obtain work-life balance.

Deloitte: It comes and it goes. Deloitte does a great job from a C-suite level to encourage taking time for yourself, but you don't always see that executed at a project level. If you choose to enter consulting at Deloitte, just be realistic with yourself that sometimes you might travel a lot to a small middle-of-nowhere town and it will suck. However, other times you'll get staffed on projects that let you leave at 5pm. There will be times when you have a bad work-life balance, but during the times where it's good, set a healthy routine for yourself and recognize what helps you de-stress and keeps you healthy. You have to identify for yourself what it means to have work-life balance because it really is different for everyone.

KPMG: I wish someone had told me that it's OK to speak up when you are feeling overwhelmed, or if you feel like work is starting to take over your life. If you don't speak up, no one will know that you need help!

 What does your company do to promote a divide between working life and personal life?

EY: I think our leadership does a good job setting the right tone. If they’re local, they try to leave to make it home for dinner with their families and encourage their teams to do the same. You might need to do some work afterwards, but it’s better than missing dinner completely!

PwC: I would say PwC doesn't encourage putting a "divide" between working life and personal life. They would prefer you to be open and honest about your priorities and family obligations. Teams are typically very understanding as long as you are upfront about your other commitments and tell them well in advance.

Deloitte: Deloitte really encourages disconnecting while on PTO. For me, this means not taking my work phone on vacation, so I set a clear boundary with my team that I am not working while on vacation. Additionally, a year or so ago, Deloitte instated Flexibility & Predictability guidelines which means talking to your team leaders about flexible travel schedules and giving team members more predictable working hours. I haven't really seen this play out on my projects which sucks, but I know other projects who let their teams travel less and have more work from home weeks. This is significant for improving mental health, so I hope more leaders instate this on their projects.

KPMG: KPMG promotes flexibility during "down times" - we are able to leave work early on Fridays in the summer and most people take advantage of that. We also have a generous time off package, and in my experience, my teams have been very supportive of taking it. In fact, I'm taking the next two weeks off to travel in Northern Europe. In many jobs it would be tough to take so much time off at one time, but my company definitely recognizes the importance of taking time away from work to recharge.

Do you have any additional thoughts around work-life balance at a Big Four that you would like to add?

EY: I’m part of the Professional Women’s Network Executive Committee at EY and it gives me the opportunity to plan events focused on topics I care about, one of which is work-life balance and staying healthy! At any Big Four firm, there are tons of ways you can get involved and plan events to get people talking about the things that matter to you. There are so many experienced professionals who are more than happy to talk to you about their experiences finding balance.

PwC: Work-life balance is achievable but it's mostly on you to make it happen! You have to be proactive, speak up, and prioritize the things that are important to you.

Deloitte: Work-life balance is difficult to achieve. You have to have project leadership that prioritizes this and also the courage to prioritize it in your own life. Figuring out what work-life balance means for you is the first key step. I've seen a lot of friends quit because the job just became too much of a grind. However, if you have the courage to speak up to your team leads to show that you need XYZ to get your work-life balance, at least you open the door to more options.

KPMG: Speak up when you need help! Reach out to someone in your network for advice or talk to your seniors and managers.

Through talking to these four women at the Big Four firms, I was able to learn about work-life balance and the challenges and successes each one has had.

Author: Sabrina Siew is a sophomore majoring in Operations Management and Sustainable Business with a minor in Dance. She enjoys combining her passion for business with the humanities, as well as incorporating creativity into her life.

5 Things to do During Your First Semester at IU

You’ve moved everything you own into a 12x12 dorm room, attended all Welcome Week activities, and took the long trek to Hodge Hall for your first day of school. Now what?

1. Go to Class (actually…)

Sometimes it can be hard to wake up for that 8:00am Finite class or make it to your giant A100 lecture – but don’t forget the reason you’re at IU in the first place! It’s so important to go to class so you can stay focused, have a great education, and hear crucial announcements. Check out your syllabus so you are prepared for class every day.

2. Connect with Professors

Building relationships with professors will be very beneficial during your time here. Every professor has office hours where you can stop by to ask questions, share your thoughts, or get to know them outside of the classroom. Don’t wait until the end of the semester when you have a borderline grade – stop by and say hi in the first few weeks! This will make it easier to ask for help later in the semester when courses get difficult AND will definitely help you stand out in your HH2075 lecture hall.

3. Visit the UCSO

It’s not too early to stop by the UCSO (the Undergraduate Career Services Office) and see what it’s all about! During the first few weeks of school, they will have Open Hours for you to learn all about the awesome resources that they offer students. You can create your resume, meet with a career coach, or explore different internship opportunities.

4. Get Involved with an Organization

Whether it’s a professional organization, club sports team, or extracurricular activity, it’s so important to get involved. Not only will you grow your network and build your resume, but you will make lasting relationships, gain important skills, and have fun! During interviews, companies are not just interested in what you do in the classroom – they are eager to hear how you spend your free time! Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new things.

5. Make Friends in Your Classes

When weekend homework assignments and studying for exams come around, it will be great to have connections in your classes! Many classes involve group projects, and you will have to spend time with your peers outside of the classroom. These team meetings are always more enjoyable when you get along with your classmates. (Also, it doesn’t hurt to have someone to share notes with and sit by in class.)

Following these tips will help you navigate your first year. Welcome to IU!

Author: Maddie Preusse is a junior majoring in Marketing and Business Analytics. She is highly involved in WIB and IUDM and has a strong passion for helping others.

Royal Engagements with Alexandra Cristina: Countess of Frederiksborg

Yes, she is the Countess of Frederiksborg, but that is only one of the many interesting things about her. Recently named IU’s poling chair of business and government, she came to talk to WIB about her career. Whether it was learning Dutch in six weeks to address the entire country, or collaborating on an ethics book, she has tackled so many unique challenges with poise. On behalf of WIB, thank you for imparting your wisdom and inspiring us to harness our power as women! 

Quick Tips for Recruiting with WiB

Worried about how to stand out in a large group setting? Worried about how to start a conversation? Have no fear, you're in the right place! Hello and thank you to everyone who is interested in going through Women in Business recruiting for the 2017-2018 school year. Our executive team enjoyed meeting you all at our call out meeting and are looking forward to reviewing applications. If you answered yes to the first two sentences of this blog, here are some quick tips on how to slay your interviews and making your mark on our organization.

1.     You can do this. Believe in yourself and what you have to offer because you are pretty gosh darn awesome.

2.     The number one tip for anything in life is to be yourself. We appreciate genuine, honest and authentic, and rather ~humorous~ people. We want women who will become mentors to others and leaders within our organization.

3.     Focus on your accomplishments. Each and every one of us has unique experiences to touch upon and we want to hear all about yours. Big or small, be excited to tell us all about them!

4.     Talk about the things that inspire you. WiB strives to recruit women who inspire each other. We also value opportunities to share our different passions with the world. Whether it be a sport, a philanthropic effort, social awareness, community health and wellness, share it with us!

5.     Dress your best. My personal motto has always been to dress for success. When you look your best you feel the most confident. This doesn’t mean you have to blend in. If you love a bright color, wear it! If you love polka dots, sport those polka dots! There are no rules here.

6.     Help us help you. Let us know what you want to bring to our organization. WiB strives to create an environment where we can learn, grow and succeed together through the endless ideas of our members. Come eager to talk about what you see WiB doing this semester and in the future.  We LOVE fresh ideas!

Hopefully these few tips help you prepare for our pre-interview events and help you stand out as a potential candidate for Women in Business. We are anxiously waiting to meet you all and wish you the best in your recruiting pursuits. As always, please reach out with any questions you may have during the recruiting process.