Eric Gustafson
- Waukesha, Wis.
- Marketing, Spanish for business graduate
- What's next: Working as a management trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Waukesha
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Rick Mickelson |
A desire to enhance his global perspective brought Eric Gustafson to UW-Eau Claire four years ago. Now he leaves with long-term aspirations to apply his expanded world knowledge in his business career.
For Gustafson, UW-Eau Claire's study-abroad programs were a draw when deciding where to attend college. He now counts his semester abroad in Valladolid, Spain, among the highlights of his UW-Eau Claire education.
Another highlight for Gustafson has been what he calls "realistic" coursework as a UW-Eau Claire student.
"For each one of these classes we were required to actually work with a local business or non-profit to put together marketing research, a promotions plan, or a marketing business plan," Gustafson said. "I found each one of these projects useful because it brought me closer to the community and allowed me to apply textbook knowledge to something real. These projects actually allowed me to see the value in what I was learning in class."
Gustafson, selected this semester as the College of Business Outstanding Marketing Student, also gained real-world experience during a summer 2009 internship with his soon-to-be employer, Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Waukesha. There he had opportunities to work in customer service, sales, marketing — "even washing cars," Gustafson said.
"I was given the opportunity to create and execute the marketing plan for my branch for July," he said. "At the end of the summer I presented to my fellow interns, guest judges and area rental executives. I was honored to have my presentation chosen as the best operations plan presentation."
With dual degrees in marketing and Spanish for business, Gustafson now has long-term goals of working in advertising at an international level or helping small businesses expand internationally.
More on Eric Gustafson
Future plans: It is tough to say exactly where I would like my career to be in 10, 20 or 30 years, but I would really enjoy working in the account services department of a major advertising agency. This would be the best way for me to work with clients and help them take their products to the next level. Ideally, I would love to utilize my Spanish language skills and do advertising on a global scale and potentially work abroad. Another potential career that I am interested in is to work as a consultant to help small businesses expand internationally.
Unique aspects of his UW-Eau Claire experience: The most unique aspect of my UW-Eau Claire experience was my study-abroad experience in Valladolid, Spain. I knew that I wanted to study abroad in college ever since I graduated from high school. That is part of the reason I decided to come to UW-Eau Claire. At UW-Eau Claire we have an excellent Center for International Education that provides us with great opportunities to study almost anywhere in the world.
In Spain, I had the opportunity to live with a host family and expand my knowledge of the Spanish culture as well as my knowledge of the Spanish language. Also, while I was over in Spain, I had the opportunity to travel all over Europe and see some awesome historical sites. In addition, the people I met studying abroad had a great influence on my life. I had supportive professors, both back at UW-Eau Claire and abroad, great friends and a wonderful host family.
What he liked most about his UW-Eau Claire experience: I really enjoyed the sense of community here at UW-Eau Claire. Also I like the fact that the professors are so willing to help students and get to know them on a personal level.
Highlights of his life at UW-Eau Claire:
- Studying abroad in Valladolid, Spain. This was by far my best and most educational semester as a UW-Eau Claire student.
- Being involved with the American Marketing Association and planning a 5K run/walk for Special Olympics.
- Attending the AMA national conference in New Orleans.
- Living in the dorms — I met some of my best friends and have some of the best memories from these days.
- Having the opportunity to work with local businesses, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, in completing realistic course work.
His proudest accomplishments/achievements while pursuing a UW-Eau Claire education: I think my greatest accomplishment while pursuing a degree at UW-Eau Claire is a culmination of everything I have done here. As I prepare to graduate, I look back on all the opportunities I have had over the past four years. I also reflect on all I have learned, the places I have gone and the people I met. Some things that stick out are working with AMA/Special Olympics, study abroad and my internship with Enterprise.
Advice for success to incoming UW-Eau Claire students:
- Get involved. Join an organization or club your first semester. It's a great way to meet a whole different group of people.
- Get to know your professors. Professors here at UW-Eau Claire are awesome, and they are always willing to help you. They are a great source of information and are excellent references.
- Try new things. College is a time to expand your horizons — try something that you have never seen yourself doing. This could be volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, going on a camping trip with University Recreation or just going to see a concert.
Learn about other featured December 2009 graduates
