Mandy Sutherland
- Gillett, Wis.
- B.B.A. in management, with an operations management emphasis
- What's next: Employment with Ferguson Enterprises in Anchorage, Alaska
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Bill Hoepner |
Mandy Sutherland watched countless Super Bowl commercials throughout her time at UW-Eau Claire.
No, she wasn't neglecting her studies. Starting her freshman year, Sutherland collaborated with professors Dr. Chuck Tomkovick and Dr. Rama Yelkur on research measuring the effectiveness of Super Bowl advertising. Her four-year stint as a student researcher is unheard of for an undergraduate student outside of the sciences, Tomkovick said.
Sutherland researched the box office success of movies advertised during the Super Bowl. The research provided her with many unique opportunities, including writing a professional manuscript and traveling to present the research findings in Salem, Mass., and Madison. As a sophomore, her research poster placed second in the Business and Professional Studies category during UW-Eau Claire's 2004 Student Research Day.
The experience, said Sutherland, a management major with an operations management emphasis, gave her valuable marketing experience to enhance her résumé. She classifies her research as one of the highlights of her college career, and she encourages current students to collaborate with their professors on projects through UW-Eau Claire's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Sutherland urged current and future students to take advantage of what UW-Eau Claire has to offer: "This place is just throwing opportunities at you. Seize them!"
More on Mandy Sutherland
Future plans: I plan to graduate in May and move to Anchorage, Alaska. I accepted a full-time position with Ferguson Enterprises and hope to start a great life up in the last frontier!
What she liked most about her time at UW-Eau Claire: I am from such a small town that moving to a large city has given me the opportunity to be exposed to new knowledge, ideas and people I wouldn't be able to experience back home. On the lighter side, one thing I love about living in Eau Claire is Jeff and Jim's Pizza and the ability to get something to eat past 10 o'clock!
Highlights of life at UW-Eau Claire: My highlights include working on research with Dr. Chuck Tomkovick, because every day is another adventure. Also, I will never forget moving into Towers 10th floor; it always rained, and we always had to walk up 10 flights of stairs. Lastly, the highlights of life at UW-Eau Claire happen when I am with my friends; whether it was when we were doing nothing, studying, watching movies, or going out. The pictures can say 1,000 words!
Proudest college accomplishments: When I took second place in the Business and Professional Studies category at Student Research Day 2004, it was a total surprise. I was a sophomore competing against upperclassmen and graduate students.
Advice for incoming students: Take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you here. There are so many opportunities, and the only way to capitalize on them is to pull up your sleeves and work hard for what you want. My advice to incoming students is to do your research. Research who you are, what you like, and then compare that to what major you want. Also, don't be afraid to use all your resources. I didn't know that operations management existed until a professor told me about it.
Learn about other featured May 2007 graduates
