Student Spotlight - Rachel Jack
Posted: October 23, 2017 12:00:00 AM CDT
Rachel Jack, an Enactus member and the leader of New Venture Adventure tells us a little bit about what she learned from organizing such a big event as well as how Enactus in general has helped enhance her UNK experience.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a senior from Eustis, Nebraska. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. You can always find me doing a little DIY project around my apartment or looking at Pinterest.
What is your major and what career are you pursuing in this field?
My major is Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and I have a minor in marketing/management. After I graduate my plan is to work for a company as an in-house accountant.
How has Enactus impacted you and your UNK experience?
Enactus has helped me gain connections beyond normal classroom experiences. I have been able to participate in events that impact our community. The involvement with Enactus has helped me gain professional skills that are not taught in a traditional classroom. My UNK experience has blossomed since my involvement in Enactus and I am now stepping more outside of my comfort zone.
You recently organized and hosted New Venture Adventure, can you tell us a bit more about what this is and how it impacts the community?
New Venture Adventure is a day for high school students to learn about both the hard work and excitement of becoming an entrepreneur, this year about 130 students were in attendance. Students work to create a mock business over the course of about 5 hours. During the day, these young entrepreneurs meet with local professionals to help them experience what a normal startup goes through. New Venture Adventure shines a light on different tasks that a business goes through when it is created that many people don't think about. We have heard comments from students including the day was more fun than they thought it would be, they learned a lot, and enjoyed working with other students.
What was the biggest challenge you found when organizing NVA?
Lack of Enactus Students volunteering.
Overall, what did you learn from organizing NVA?
You never realize the nuts and bolts to organize an event. I have made connections with organizing the event that will help me develop as I go out into the real world.
What piece of advice do you have for other UNK students?
Get involved! I know that going to your first meeting and speaking up is hard but in the end, your experiences help shape you as a person. I would not have gained as much knowledge, personal communication, and time management skills if I didn't push myself with getting involved.
Who is your role model and why?
I know this is very clique but my mother is my role model. She has taken what life has given and made the best of every situation. Whenever I feel down I know I can call her and she will just listen.
What has been your favorite class at UNK?
I don't have a favorite class so far but I have enjoyed business law and management. The information that I have learned from these classes can be applied to any job I may have and the teachers that taught me these classes truly show an enthusiasm that makes learning a hard topic fun and exciting.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
Recently, I started an internship for the City of Minden and learning more about the governmental application of accounting has opened me to explore different avenues for post-graduation employment. I do have some time to think about different opportunities because I will graduate with my undergraduate in May of 2019. After I receive my undergraduate degree my plan is to go straight for my MBA which I will not graduate with until May of 2020 at the earliest and it may even be May of 2021 before I graduate.
