Leveraging coursework and clubs to excel in co-op experience

LinkedIn Profile

What did you do during your co-op?

During my co-op at Coca-Cola, I worked under the Supply Chain Finance Team, which worked on capital budgeting decisions for the Coca-Cola North America supply chain. I was tasked with creating a financial model that outlined the financial feasibility and impacts of changing a Simply Orange juice bottle on our supply chain. My work at Coke allowed me to strengthen the skills I learned in the classroom and allowed me to make a real impact on one of the world’s most iconic brands. My favorite part of my co-op was visiting the manufacturing plant in Florida that produces the majority of Simply Orange juice for all of North America. My team and I were flown out to Florida for a tour of the plant and to visualize the impacts of our project on the manufacturing of orange juice. The plant was capable of producing 500 – 800 bottles of orange juice per minute, so the impacts of a change in production are substantial. Overall, the trip was a great opportunity to see with my own eyes the impacts of my work and to see the magnitude of the Coca-Cola production capabilities.

In what ways has Saunders/RIT prepared you for the job market?

Through course work and extracurricular activities at Saunders, I was well-prepared and equipped with the right skills to excel at my co-op and at future jobs. Microsoft Excel skills are essential to performing in the finance industry and I went into my co-op already knowing how to complete complicated financial models through taking courses in financial modeling and Excel. I also think that through my involvement in the Financial Management Association (a club at Saunders), I have gained crucial experience with leadership and communication while working to analyze our stock portfolio of over $300,000.

Why did you decide to attend Saunders College of Business at RIT?

I chose to attend Saunders because of the ability to become involved in clubs and the way that faculty is actively involved in my success. Clubs have strengthened my interest in working in the finance industry, and have helped me to get co-ops at top companies. Also, my professors' involvement in my success is helping me to understand concepts, perfect my resume, and prepare for interviews. They take a personal approach to make sure that I am prepared for the modern job market.

What do you feel is the most distinctive advantage gained from your Saunders experience?

The most distinctive advantage I have gained is leadership experience through club activities. As the Portfolio Manger for the Financial Management Association, I have had many opportunities to lead fellow students. I am tasked with leading a team of sector analysts that manage our investment portfolio. Having leadership experience under my belt before even graduating has been a huge game changer in my success.