How did you find out about Nicholas?

I was living in Washington, D.C. at the time but I grew up in Neenah, WI, so when I thought about going back to school, I definitely wanted to research UW-Madison's program. Because I did not have a finance background, I was concerned about being behind my classmates. However, I thought the Nicholas program would provide me with more than enough finance courses, and the second-year practicum was the clincher as this will give me real-world hands-on experience.

 

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Kristy Hofkens
Nicholas 2006
Jones Lang LaSalle

Why did you choose to come to the University of Wisconsin Nicholas Center?

Besides the hands-on experience that I will gain in the second year, I really liked the fact that the program is small, but within a large university. I thought I would be able to have a real sense of community both with the entire MBA program and my fellow Nicholas students, while receiving the benefits that only a large university can provide. I was right!

What are your career objectives?

I would like to start off the next stage in my career with a job in consulting. Because I do not have a finance background, I think this will give me the ability to work on numerous projects over the next few years, and then allow me to further focus and pursue what I enjoy.

What have you found most surprising about coming to Madison?

I knew Madison would be quite a shift from Washington, DC; however, it is a shift I am enjoying! There is a very friendly and casual atmosphere in Madison that I have never experienced before. There are also just so many and such a wide range of things to do - you can go to the farmers' market on Saturday morning, then see the Badgers win a football game, and finish your day off attending a performance at the Overture Center for the Performing Arts.

What would you like to have known before coming?

I was really worried about all the changes I would be experiencing at once, but I didn't really think that everyone would be experiencing some change. I was also worried about shifting form having a B.S. in political science to receiving my MBA in finance and becoming a student again. But, I think it is almost easier now that I've worked, since working made me more disciplined than I realized. I also thought housing in Madison would be a little cheaper!

What were you looking for in your internship?

I really wanted to find an internship in consulting. In my previous work experience, I was a consultant, just not in the finance arena. I found the ability to shift projects while remaining at the same company and dealing with people to be important aspects of previous jobs that I enjoyed, and I was not willing to give these up when I switched to finance-related work. I am fortunate enough to be interning with KPMG in Washington, D.C. this summer.

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