Another academic year has flown by at the UO, and soon another class of Ducks will collect their diplomas and take wing to begin the next chapter in their lives. Members of the Class of 2019 arrived on campus in fall 2015 nervous and ready to start a new adventure called college. Now they're ready to embark on the next adventure. As part of a series on soon-to-be-graduates, Around the O spoke to senior Braxton Williams about the path he carved during his time at the UO and about what lies ahead.
Major: Double major in marketing and finance, minor in Spanish
The undergrad experience: Williams gives credit to the friends he’s made who have made his experience special during his time as an undergrad. Much of his community came from playing basketball at the Student Recreation Center and watching basketball in the residence halls.
Outside the classroom: He was a member of the Warsaw Sports Business Club and a development manager for the Oregon Consulting Group. Williams says working with the consulting group was an eye-opening experience where he had to implement his work in a fast-paced environment and learn how to interact with professionals. He said both groups provided him not only confidence but also a community of like-minded individuals who challenged him to grow intellectually.
A working man: Williams has spent two years working in Mohr Career Services, where he was able to help students with resumes, cover letters and general career guidance. He said he was also “able to learn a lot of crucial professional development information.”
Influencers: His supervisor at the Mohr Career Services, Sarah Jester, is excellent at giving feedback, and she went above and beyond to ensure he was growing as a person, he said.
Favorite campus spot: The Rec Center. For Williams , it was a place to not only relieve stress, but a place to meet new people.
Advice to first-years: Take advantage of all the extracurricular opportunities, because doing things outside your comfort zone is where you’ll have the most fun and learn the most.
What’s next? He’s headed to Seattle to be an analyst at a management consulting firm.
—Around the O