Elizabeth Kaldun
- Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
- Bachelor of business administration degree in finance
- What's next: Employment as an individual annuities service specialist at The Hartford in Woodbury, Minn.
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Bill Hoepner |
Almost everywhere you go at UW-Eau Claire, females are in the majority. But on a campus where there are three female students for every two male students, the demographics change a bit for women who declare a business finance major.
Elizabeth Kaldun is one of those women, who comprise just 29 percent of students enrolled in the College of Business's finance program. But being outnumbered wasn't a problem for Kaldun.
"Even though females are in the minority, I never felt that way," she said. "Professors and classmates respected everyone’s input equally."
During her time at UW-Eau Claire, Kaldun participated in the Student Investment Management Program, which she said strengthened her research, communication and time management skills.
"It was an honor being trusted to manage a portfolio valued at over a quarter of a million dollars with eight other incredible students," she said. "We had an amazing time learning from our program director, Raymond Hughes, other professionals and each other."
Kaldun also served as president of UW-Eau Claire's Financial Management Association, and with that group visited companies in several of the Midwest's major metropolitan areas.
An advantage in earning her finance degree at UW-Eau Claire was learning from faculty members with experience in the business world, Kaldun said.
"In my personal financial planning course, I was taught by a practicing financial planner," she said. "Fortunately, many professors here have real-world experience they bring into the classroom."
More on Elizabeth Kaldun
Future plans: After graduating I will be working at The Hartford in Woodbury, Minn., in their call center as an individual annuities service specialist. In five to 10 years I would like to be a certified financial planner.
What she liked most about her time at UW-Eau Claire: There are many things I liked about UW-Eau Claire, like the smaller class sizes, the location, the opportunities to become involved in organizations, the people, and the campus atmosphere and scenery. The services the university provides are also great. I was able to see this firsthand through my involvement with the University Recreation aerobics staff as a Pilates instructor. I enjoyed helping people feel better about themselves and getting to know them on a personal level. UW-Eau Claire is a distinguished university, and I was proud to call it home.
Highlights of life at UW-Eau Claire: UW-Eau Claire provided the setting for some great adventures, personally and academically. Through my participation in the Financial Management Association, I was able to visit companies in metropolitan areas including Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee and the Twin Cities. These trips allowed me to experience different cities, explore possibilities with companies and strengthen bonds with my peers.
With the Student Investment Management Program, I was able to attend the Redefining Investment Strategy Education Forum in Dayton, Ohio. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the economy, markets, international business and management from leaders in the respective topics. We heard from Peter Coors, Knight Kiplinger and Dr. Myron Scholes, among many others.
Another highlight was being a part of the Shamrock Shuffle through my employment with University Recreation. One semester I assisted in the organization of the event. It's a 5K fun run/walk open to the community to raise funds for the National Youth Sports Program. I enjoyed working with the people who were honest, hardworking, and dedicated. It was heartwarming as well to see the participants there for a good cause. Also, I got to promote the event through interviews with TV-10 and a local news channel. It’s fun being able to say I've been on TV!
Proudest college accomplishments: First and foremost, I am proud to graduate! There were times when personal problems made me want to quit, but I reminded myself how far I have come and what a great feeling of accomplishment I would get from completing my degree.
Second, I am proud to have achieved multiple goals. I was able to become a leader with the Financial Management Association. I became a better person through my interactions with friends, professors and peers. I got a great education. And I don't have any regrets.
Third, I am proud to have achieved the reason for getting a college degree: I got a big kid's job! The people who have helped me along this journey should be proud of themselves for giving me the skills and support needed to survive college and the job campaign. I hope you all know who you are and are just as proud of yourselves as you are of me.
Advice for incoming students: Don't be shy! Get involved in organizations, bond with your classmates, and most importantly, talk to your professors. This campus offers unlimited opportunities for you; don't waste them. The sooner you get to know your peers, professors, and the university, the better off you will be.
Also, visit Career Services to look at the major options, find your best fit, and learn about the process to obtain your dream internship or career. Knowing what you want and how to get it will make your life a lot easier.
Final note: Find a good balance between your academic and social lives. You can do well in school and still have fun. For the academic side of things: Read your books, take notes, study with classmates, and become friends with the librarians (they will help you with those dreaded research projects and papers). On the social side: Find friends who accept you for who you are and make time each week to do at least one fun thing. You are paying money for both an education and an experience. Don't let either rule your life. You can have your cake and eat it too here at UW-Eau Claire!
Learn about other featured December 2007 graduates
