TABLE OF CONTENTS

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26

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9 19 18 6

6 Editorial: Internship in South America
8 Comic
9 Student Org Highlight: Investment Banking
10 Kimm’s Korner: Under the Microscope
12 Help! I Need a Career Idea: CUNA Mutual
14 Staff Spotlight: Dean Michael Knetter
15 Queries ‘n’ Theories
16 Career Fair Buzz
18 The Best Excuse to Golf: Business
19 A Word from Our Partner: General Mills
20 Pre-Employment Exams
22 Top 10 Ways You Know You’re Failing
23 Madtown Munchies: A Small Business Profile
24 Entertainment Page
26 Finance: ETFs -- A Useful Diversification Tool
28 How to Ace Your Interview
30 Make a Statement Update
31 Meet the b.Liners

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Editorial: Internship in South America by: Andrea Webb

“I can live without heat, a clothes dryer, and coffee ‘to go’ – no problem!” I thought to myself as I settled in with my host family.
I was so excited – finally in Uruguay, ready for my “summer” internship. Why the quotes around summer, you ask? Well, summer
in the Northern Hemisphere equals winter in the Southern Hemisphere. However, winter in Montevideo, Uruguay is much more
moderate compared to Wisconsin’s freezing climate. The average winter temperature is around 40 degrees. I really didn’t have
too many problems adapting to the culture; I came expecting my lifestyle to change so I was ready for it and ended up loving it!

What I wasn’t ready for was the change I would experience in the business world. I didn’t anticipate I would have any problems
adjusting to the cultural differences in my internship. I had a good understanding of the Spanish language; I had taken marketing
courses, international business courses, and
studied the history and culture of Uruguay.
I figured, how could I not succeed with my
knowledge?

I was working for a local dairy company that

was in the process of creating a 10-year
business development plan for a franchise
agreement with a multinational dairy brand.
It was Sunday, the night before the first day
of my internship, and I was planning to begin
in the morning at nine. I got a call from my
boss and he told me to meet him at his office
at four. I thought, “Four in the afternoon...on
my first day? There’s not going to be time to
do anything!”

So come Monday afternoon at four I went

to his office and sat down to chat with
him. Over the course of our 30-minute
conversation his cell phone rang about
Uruguayan Worker Producing Goat Cheese
five times. Each time he would have a
conversation with the person for a few minutes and then return to our conversation. He didn’t say, “Excuse me, while I take this
call,” he just stopped whatever we were talking about to answer the phone. I was a little surprised he didn’t ignore some of the
phone calls. He would laugh and joke around with the person – taking calls that were seemingly unimportant! I began to think
I wasn’t a very high priority for him. I was amazed that in the half an hour of his day I was occupying, I couldn’t even get his
undivided attention! The very first day of my internship and all I did was go to the office and talk with him for about 30 minutes.

The next day he picked me up at 6:30 am and we drove two hours up the coast through farmland to the company’s dairy plant.
He introduced me to others in his office and then spent the first 30 minutes chatting with his employees there (which I expected).
I realized it’s a more relaxed business atmosphere and they don’t get down to work very quickly. We finally headed into his office
where it seemed like we would sit down and get to business. I waited for direction from him, but he again began talking with two
other men in the office. They continued talking for about two hours without even acknowledging that I was there. I had nothing
to do and no assignment.

Later that afternoon he began showing me a presentation for the agreement that is underway with this multinational brand. He
told me to continue looking at it while he left the room. Meanwhile another employee (that he had been laughing and joking with
earlier) came into the office to get something from the room. My boss came back in and the other man left. “Woman! What are
you doing? He’s not supposed to see this,” my boss said.

“What?! – but he works here!” I was confused.

“Yes, but it’s top secret and the employees don’t know about it,” my boss said.

I didn’t really understand, but had to accept it. The end of the day came and I had sat there all morning and afternoon long, doing
absolutely nothing! I got home 12 hours later at about 6:30 pm. A full day of my time, most of it wasted, and things should have
taken 45 minutes...tops!

Over the course of the week it became very evident that my boss viewed me as young and unintelligent and continued to talk
down to me. He referred to me as “woman” and talked to me like I was incompetent. At one point, when I asked what I was going
6
to be doing over the course of my internship, he told me that I could
probably help Sandra (the office secretary), who did not do much Tips for a B
u siness Inter
more than wait on him and run his errands. My entire first week was nship Abroa
very frustrating due to the lack of assignments and lack of respect I d
felt from him.
Journal! Journal! Journal!
at you did last
Throughout the next few weeks as we actually began working on a Do you remember wh
t. What made you
project, we began to bridge the cultural gap. After the second week, Tuesday? Probably no
be r the little things
I began to understand the roots of many of my frustrations the first laugh? I can’t remem
many of your
week. We were talking about work environment and he told me that I enjoyed, but so
tions (especially
that very rarely do people sit down and work alone. The business thoughts and observa
ent country) are
atmosphere is very open and very “interruptible” (as I experienced when you’re in a differ
very fun to loo k back on.
my first day when he continually answered his phone). People do
not generally have their own private cubicles or offices. As a result,
Stay with a
however, it is a more fluid process of handling tasks when they host family
This gives you
an opportunity
!
arise. The importance of the relationships between employees is more about th to learn
e culture and
zer...
something that should be maintained every day. the everyd
lives of the pe
s aniti other ople in the area ay
d
an n many .
I knew this culture was more relationship-focused than our
Br ing h i xist
task-focused American businesses, but I didn’t realize that the sn’t e ntries!
it doe cou
“relationship building process” can sometimes take a week or two.
It almost seemed as if there was a set amount of time that I had to try.
in your coun rd.
be around the office before we could actually start working.
to th e b a n king system yo ur AT M ca
Look in ha ve pr oblems w ith
es, yo u m ay at yo card
urth
I also realized the Uruguayan culture has a higher Power Distance In some countri es will tell you
th ou gh yo ur bank in the stat rd is ex tre meley useful
than the U.S. This can help to explain why my boss was so hesitant Even
no t. Ha vi ng a credit ca the fees
will work, it m ay re to look toin
to show his business presentation to the other employees. The boss
M ca rd is no t working. Be su it ca rd s. Travel
has a lot of power and his authority should be respected. He also has if your AT
r by us in g yo ur ATM or cred .
that you will in
cu other options
an obligation as the authoritative figure to maintain good relations velers checks as
with his employees, which can explain his joking and laughing with with cash or tra
them.
Know how m
The role of Uruguayan women in this society is quite different than uch the loca
this will save yo l bus charge
a woman’s role in American culture. Women in Uruguay have the u embarrassmen s...
same political rights, but in reality, the culture is still very male
t!
dominated. Of the 65 people working for the company, there were city
a map of the
only two women and they were both secretaries. I had to realize my Always carry nough money
e
boss’s opinions of me were not a reflection of me, but were rooted in with you and xi home!
the culture. One of the major problems I had was that I interpreted to take ta
a
of your
g the beginning
many of his actions incorrectly. I found that the more you can take Especially durin with the
are unfamiliar e!
stay when you eful. f hom rite
an objective approach in a foreign culture, the better.
d this advice us o
city, you will fin y o u fav o
e mind r your ’re
hat r
o u
iends e if yo
By the end of my internship, my boss had asked me to work with
him as his associate. We conquered the cultural differences and t h i ngs t re of your fr o have thes
Br ing ictu
ap ce t
’s ni .
found common ground. In the business world there will always
h e t h er it’s ing gum, it t homesick
buyers and sellers, both domestic and international. One’s W h e w a b i
of c feelin
g
competitive advantage comes from the ability to tailor products and brand
services to another person’s culture. Talk with
pe
have trave ople who
Whether you are the person adapting to a new culture, or you have This led to you
country. r
an employee from a different culture, it is really important that you is a
onc Ask about th
e problems
approach the relationship objectively. With a true understanding of e in experienced they
a lif so that you
other cultures, the business world is at your fingertips! etim ca n avoid
e op some headac
port hes.
unit
(And yes, if you were wondering, I was not able to find any place y... E
in Montevideo that sold coffee ‘to go’...except McDonald’s. But I NJO
Y IT
couldn’t get over the thought of going to McDonald’s when I was on !
a different continent!)
7
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 Comic by: Amber Piacentine

8
 STUDENT ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHT:
Wall Street is a demanding environment where long
hours and fierce competition are the norm. Only
those willing to fully commit themselves to the
challenging profession of investment banking will
be successful. The Investment Banking Club (IBC)
is a starting point for such committed individuals
to utilize what they learn in the Wisconsin School
of Business, as well as in the IBC, to become
successful in their professional careers.
IBC members will tell you that Wall Street is the
best place for students of all backgrounds to start a
career in finance. High motivation, ability to juggle
multiple tasks simultaneously, teamwork skills and
great attention to detail are common characteristics
among people who thrive in this dynamic and
often stressful environment. Exit opportunities for
professionals working just two or three years in
investment banking are unparalleled. Ex-bankers
are often the first candidates for highly competitive
and high-paying jobs in large asset management
companies such as private equity firms and hedge
funds.
To ensure a dedicated core of members and to
promote a sense of camaraderie that continues
well beyond college, the IBC is an exclusive club.
Attaining membership status in the IBC consists of
a two-step application process that begins during
the first few weeks of every semester. First, an
applicant must submit a résumé through BuckyNet.
Board members then select the candidates they
would like to interview. Each of these selected
students must fill out a personal statement and
participate in a “super day” of several interviews
with the club’s board of directors and senior
members. The board of directors then selects the
club’s new members. In the past few semesters,
the club has received roughly 90 applications and
interviewed 30 to 40 students for 10 to 15 spots.
The pool of admitted students often includes a
handful of math, science, and humanities majors,
not just business majors.
Officers:
Michael Rak - President
Marko Lazarevic - VP External Development
Matt Gribble - VP Internal Affairs
Chris Martinez - VP Member Relations
Yang Song - Secretary/Treasurer
Links:
Club’s Website - www.wiscibc.com
Contact: MRak23@gmail.com
Investment Banking Club
The IBC Trip to Chicago
The IBC holds weekly meetings on Sunday evenings
for two hours. The first hour is called the valuation
session, and is for freshman, sophomore and junior
students. During this time, juniors and seniors
in the club teach students on-the-job skills in a
simulated work environment. Such skills include
financial statement analysis, company valuation
and interviewing skills.
During the second hour, seniors join the rest of
the members for the general meeting. The general
meeting portion of the evening is split into two
parts, a senior focus and current events. During the
senior focus, seniors provide information to educate
the club’s members about their former internship
experiences. During the current events portion of
the hour, the members discuss recent news stories
concerning the banking industry, the financial
markets or the economy in general.
Learning also occurs outside of Sunday meetings.
IBC members take a trip to Chicago in mid-fall
and New York City during winter break. Some
of the investment banks visited on such trips
include Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank,
Goldman Sachs, Houlihan Lokey, J.P.Morgan,
Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley,
Robert W. Baird and UBS. The trips are arranged
by current student members who contact alumni
working at these various firms. The visits are an
all-day affair consisting of information sessions
at the aforementioned firms. The alumni typically
discuss their work and provide insight into what
IBC members need to know if they are interested in
CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
by: George Ryan
pursuing a career in investment banking.
Alumni relations are essential to the IBC. The
club facilitates such relations through its annual
publication titled Insight, which is distributed to
the IBC alumni. The purpose of Insight is to keep
the club’s alumni network active and display what
the IBC is doing. Members of the club write articles
on evolving issues within Wall Street and add their
own analysis based on what they have learned in
the club. In an upcoming edition of Insight, feature
articles include: opposing opinion articles on private
equity financing as well as an interview with a
senior private equity banker.
There are many benefits to being a member of the
IBC. Club members work hard to place Wisconsin
students on Wall Street. IBC members typically
work in investment banking upon graduation,
but the club also places students in other finance
professions such as investment research and asset
management. The club currently boasts a 100
percent placement rate for full time jobs obtained
by graduating seniors. During the 2007-2008 school
year, IBC members received internship and full-
time job offers from The Blackstone Group, Credit
Suisse, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, J.P.Morgan,
Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch and Morgan
Stanley, to name a few. Even though the IBC helps
its members find employment upon graduation,
job placement is not the club’s sole focus. The IBC
provides a forum for individuals truly passionate
about all areas of finance to share their enthusiasm
with fellow University of Wisconsin students. 9
 Kimm’s Korner by: Kimm VanDen Heuvel

Under the Microscope:

How to shine before, during, and after your interview

Whether you are approaching the college finish line or beginning your four to
five-year trek through UW-Madison, be sure your interview game is mastered.
How well you interview influences the internship you hope to get at a presti-
gious firm, the job you aspire to fill that pays the big bucks, or even the position
you land as a barista at Starbucks. Also, it is important to remember that your
verbal interview is just one of the three important phases of the interview
process. Your pre- and post-interviews are the two phases that precede and
follow your verbal interview. Pay attention to the three steps of the interview
process—pre, mid, and post—and like a good golf swing, follow through.
PRE-INTERVIEW—Practice, Critique, Practice
Disclaimer: It is important to note you can improve your interview skills at any
time. Even if you have no intentions of searching for a job, it is useful to keep
your interview skills sharp, as your practice will serve you well during future
job-hunts.
The First Impression Always Sticks
professional voicemail that is coherent and states your full name. Also, get rid
of ringbacks. Recruiters do not want to be serenaded by Chris Brown’s latest
jingle as they wait for you to answer their call.
Bring on the Questions!
Whether you have an interview next Tuesday at 9:00 am or you are simply fine
tuning your Q&A skills, it is crucial that you are able to formulate answers
for various interview questions. Interviewers may ask behavioral questions
beginning with the phrase, “Tell me of a time when you
demonstrated…” Recall the past and think of times
PRAC
RA TICE
when you demonstrated fairness, leadership or honesty
P
and recount the story in a professional manner. In
PRACCTICE
addition, situational interview questions are used to test TICE
interviewees on the spot. Typically, an interviewer gives a
testing scenario and asks the candidate how they would
handle the situation. Begin brainstorming as to avoid the deer-in-the-head-
lights look when you are asked such questions during your interview.

Typically, a company’s first impression of an applicant is formulated based on

how the applicant looks on paper. Therefore, the importance of a fine-tuned
résumé and cover letter are necessary in order to pass a job candidate on to the
next round of scrutiny. Résumés are detail-oriented, outlining an applicant’s
most promising traits that relate to the company and the position applied for.
Be sure your résumé has white space, and is one page in length. In addition,
tailor your cover letter to fit the job you wish to acquire. (For more informa-
tion regarding résumé and cover letters, see the article, Career Fair Buzz). It is
important to constantly update and critique your résumé.
The Business Career Center Toolbox
The Business Career Center (BCC) is full of goodies to help students on the job
hunt perfect their interview style.
Interview Cards
When preparing for potential interview questions, play solitaire for the interview
world. The BBC has decks of cards available for student to pick up displaying a
variety of commonly-asked interview questions.

Dig Up the Archives! Mock Interviews

Continue your practice and acquisition of the perfect interview by partaking in
Chances are you have applied for a handful of jobs with different companies,
which is smart: you do not want to ‘put all your eggs in one basket.’ Now it
is time to dig up the company archives. You should know basic facts about
the companies you applied for, such as when they were founded and recent
company news. Also, awareness of each company’s mission and vision is cru-
cial. During an interview, it is likely you will be asked questions regarding the
company or why you wish to work for their firm. If you are able to incorporate
researched information about the company in your responses, brownie points
will be awarded.

Phone Alert
Yes, companies will call if you have widely advertised your résumé. Therefore,
make sure your voicemail is up-to-par. This is not the time to screen your calls,
but rather a time to screen your cell phone in general. Compose a professional
voicemail and immediately delete those that read: “Yo yo, this is Joe. Leave
a message, and I’ll holla back at ya!!” This is a NO, NO. Be sure to record a Photo By Bruce Fritz
10
mock interviews. The BCC offers mock interviews to juniors, seniors and mem-
bers of the Five-Year Professional Accounting Program. Students must sign up
for this service on BuckyNet and are granted one interview per student. Faux
interviews are 30 minutes in length, conducted by practicing professionals in
the student’s profession of interest. At the interview’s close, students are given
feedback for enhancement.
InterviewStream
InterviewStream is another opportunity for improvement offered by the BCC to
students year round. In order to utilize this system, students must find a PC-
based computer that has an internet connection, a microphone and a webcam.
If all ingredients are not present for home use, students can utilize the isolated
interactive kiosk in the BCC. After accessing the InterviewStream program,
students select the questions they would like to be asked. After the virtual
interview is conducted, students then upload the interview online where they
can access the recording of their interview and share it with family, friends and
their advisor. After the virtual interview has taken place, students should make
an appointment with their advisor for an interview critique. InterviewStream is
a helpful tool because it asks questions similar to those asked in actual inter-
views. Also, feedback is provided regarding both non-verbal and verbal errors
made on behalf of the interviewee.
Two Birds, One Stone
If you have submitted an application or accepted an interview, it is important to
prepare yourself for what lies ahead. It is crucial you think about what points
you want to convey to the interviewer. Brainstorm different ways in which you
could implement your past experiences into different interview questions. It is
time to kill two birds with one stone. It is important that you look at the specific
KSAO’s (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other) of the job for which you are
applying. The KSAO’s are found in the job description and they outline the traits
the position requires. For instance, if the job you are applying for requires a
candidate that is organized and possesses leadership skills, emphasize these
traits in your answers. If you are asked a behavioral question that requires you
to recount a time when you demonstrated a trait, reference a time that required
you to use leadership.
After diligent preparation, you will be ready for any interview circumstance
that may come your way. If you have no intention of getting a job in the next
six months, keep your skills sharp and continually update your résumé. Being
prepared will serve you well as you battle a hectic
life that may not leave room for interview
T unable to accept, decline their offer in a timely manner to give other potential
preparation in the future when you actually need
U R FIRS
it. If all goes according to plan and you land EY O ION
the interview, you will be prepared for a successful MAK PRESS .
I M K
interviewer-interviewee interaction. STIC
Drum Roll Please!… Day of the Interview
On the day of the blessed event, remain composed. You have practiced,
critiqued and practiced some more. You may feel like a wreck on the inside
as nerves and tension mount – try not to show this outwardly. Avoid burn-
ing the midnight oil the night prior to your interview and, in the morning upon
rising and shining, be sure to dress conservatively with neutrals or blacks. The
culture of the company will help you figure out if a business suit is necessary,
or if slick trousers and a classic, pressed top are appropriate. It is important to
eat a substantial breakfast and leave the house in a timely manner that will not
CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
induce you to feel pressed for time. Your goal is to arrive 10 minutes before the
interview, demonstrating your punctuality. Most importantly, do not fall victim
to the first impression error. First impressions go a long way in the business
world. Make sure you demonstrate good posture, make eye contact, offer the
interviewer a firm handshake and do not fidget during the interview. Also, do
not forget a that sincere smile goes a long way. During your interview, utilize
control statements demonstrating what you can do for the company. Control
statements portray a time when you took action. An example of a control
statement is: “I have great leadership and organizational skills to offer your
company. At my last job I was responsible for implementing their new wellness
program. My organized, good work ethic would be a great addition to your firm
as I tackle new projects.” Ask what you can do for your company, not what
your company can do for you. When answering various questions, be brief and
concise. Also, be interactive. Ask the interviewer questions such as: “What
is a typical day on the job like?” Most importantly, do not reference salary or
job benefits during the interview, as those are fine details discussed upon hire.
Upon the interview’s conclusion, shake the interviewer’s hand and thank him/
her for their time.
Picture Taken By Bruce Fritz
POST-INTERVIEW: How to make an impression after you leave
the office
Do not become an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ victim. Remember Hallmark says
it best. Be sure to write a thank-you note to the employer in a timely fashion,
typically one to two days after the interview was conducted. It is important that
you never burn a bridge. If you were offered a position with a company and are
candidates the opportunity to accept. Also, writing a positive rejection letter is
a way to maintain a good employer-employee image. Your path may one day
lead you back to the company you once interviewed with, making it neces-
sary that you maintain a positive, respectable reputation with them. If you are
offered a company position and you wish to accept, be sure to write a formal
letter of acceptance for the company’s legal and filing purposes. The formal
letter records your start date among other fine details. A general rule of thumb
is to accept a position in a way that is equivalent to how it was offered to you.
You are ready! Now that you have reviewed how to tactfully approach each
step of the interview process, you can better prepare for those that lie ahead.
Whatever the circumstance, a polished résumé, a firm handshake, well-
answered questions and respectable acceptance or rejection of a position will
serve you well on your journey to be the best you can be.
11
 HELP!
I Nee d a Ca re e r I d e a ! by: Jake Martin

If you’re anything like I am, finding an internship or entry-level job can be

a daunting task. Which companies should I look at? Where can I develop CUNA Mutual Atrium
meaningful skills and opportunities for full-time employment? Where do I even
start? If you find yourself nodding in agreement, let me highlight one company
that you may want to take a look at – CUNA Mutual Group.

What is CUNA Mutual Group?

CUNA Mutual Group was founded in 1935 by pioneers of the credit union
movement. Credit unions evolved out of a desire to provide members (rather
than shareholders in a traditional bank) with lower loan costs and more
benefits. CUNA Mutual’s purpose is to provide products and services to credit
unions to ensure that they succeed. They provide Insurance and Protection,
Business Services, and Asset Management for credit unions worldwide.

As an employee, you have the opportunity to work around the globe or stay
right here in Madison without ever being a part of a different company. The
world headquarters are in Madison, Wisconsin, where the company houses over
2,000 employees. Other locations include Waverly, IA; Fort Worth, TX; as well as
several international locations in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, the
Caribbean region, and Puerto Rico.

Why CUNA Mutual Group?

Perhaps the most important reason to work at CUNA Mutual is that they provide
real work experience. Forget fetching coffee or making copies, interns are
involved in work that directly affects the company’s bottom line. Kori Keporos,
an intern in the Claims Department, described her work to me, “I work directly
with forgery claims and fraudulent deposits. I call credit unions, speak to them
about their claims, and decide how much CUNA Mutual will reimburse.” Sara
McKinley, an intern in the External Reporting Department said, “I am currently
helping to update financial reports for next year as well as helping with internal
control testing.”
Interns are not only given a lot of responsibility, but also are given a lot of
support. Melanie Patterson, a hiring manager at CUNA Mutual, commented
that “Most managers have weekly meetings with their intern(s) at a minimum.
Some managers meet with their intern(s) daily.” Furthermore, managers are
typically only responsible for one or two interns, so interns are able to develop
a very close relationship with their managers. Ms. Patterson encourages her
interns to come to see her whenever they need help.
An additional attraction for UW-Madison students is the proximity to campus.
“The best part about CUNA Mutual is that it is right in Madison. I was able to
stay in my apartment over the summer, work-out at the SERF, and was only a
bus-ride away from work,” said Mark Buchholtz, an Actuary Intern. This can
also pay big dividends during the school year. While some internships conclude
at the end of summer, CUNA Mutual often encourages its interns to stay on part-
time during the school year. So, while your friends’ experiences ended after 12
weeks, your experience can continue for an entire year or more. Yet another
benefit is that UW-Madison is one of a handful of schools at which CUNA
Mutual focuses its recruitment efforts. So, as a UW-Madison student, you are
a prime candidate for CUNA Mutual’s Summer Internship Program, Leadership
Development Programs, and entry-level positions.
“Completing an internship with CUNA Mutual gives you a significant leg up on
other prospective job candidates at CUNA Mutual,” according to Jaime Logsdon,
Director of Internal Audits and Liaison for the Summer Internship Program.
Real work experience and proximity to campus, what else would an intern
want? How about lunch breaks with company executives – even the CEO, an
exquisite cafeteria and coffee shop complete with Starbucks coffee, a workout
center right on site, and company picnics? Additionally, all of the buildings
are connected by a network of underground tunnels which allow employees
to move throughout the entire campus and the underground parking garage
without stepping outside. This can be very attractive, especially during the
harsh winter months in Madison. Furthermore, there are currently 37 interns at
CUNA Mutual, 14 of whom hail from UW-Madison, so you won’t be alone as you
get to know the company.

LIFE Site

12
What the Interns are Saying
A common theme among many of the interns that I spoke to was that CUNA
Mutual was a great company to work for. Here are just a few highlights of what
the interns are saying about the company.
“I’m really happy with my internship. I came in with very little experience and
CUNA Mutual has taught me everything I need to know.” -- Sara McKinley,
External Reporting Department Intern
“Everyone here is really accessible. The interns have a chance to talk to top
financial executives during coffee breaks and most people have an open door
policy.” -- Mark Buchholtz, Actuary Department Intern
“I really like the LIFE Site. They have brand new equipment, I can workout
during my lunch hour, and they have free personal trainers who are helping
me train for the Chicago half-marathon.” -- Kori Keporos, Claims Department
Intern.
The Life Site is free for all employees and includes locker rooms, basketball
courts, a track, weight lifting equipment, as well as classes for yoga and
aerobics.
Your Career Grows Here
Whether starting new, or starting fresh, we have a career opportunity for you.
We’re looking for smart, self-motivated students and recent
graduates who are excited about applying their classroom
knowledge in a dynamic environment. Take your first step to an
exciting career with us!
Summer Internship Program
Hands on experience can set you apart in a competitive job market.
Our program exposes you to a wide variety of assignments and
challenges and helps you build social and professional networks.
Leadership Development Program
Our structured rotational programs help you develop the skills you
need for real-world success in Finance, Human Resources, and
Information Technology.
Entry-Level Opportunities
We offer positions capable of demanding, and bringing out, your very best.
Actuarial Information Technology
Communications Insurance
Finance/Accounting Marketing
Human Resource Sales
CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
Things to Consider
If CUNA Mutual sounds like a company for you, there are a few things that you
may want to consider. Prepare your resume and find CUNA Mutual at the Fall
Career Forum September 23rd. Make sure that you check out the company
website, www.cunamutual.com, and bring a lot of questions. There is also a
video put together by interns for students interested in CUNA Mutual. It depicts
a day in the life of a CUNA Mutual Intern and describes all of the benefits
of working for the company. The video should be available on YouTube and
Facebook soon and will also be distributed at the CUNA Mutual Career Forum
table on free USB keys.
Also, several interns mentioned that it would have been helpful to be more
proficient with Microsoft Excel and Access. Consider taking the free software
classes offered by DoIT to brush-up on your skills. Finally, a background in
insurance never hurts. Give some thought to taking Risk Management and
Insurance 300 at a minimum.
The bottom line is that CUNA Mutual provides an internship that will give you
meaningful skills and experience. You will be surrounded by other interns,
supportive staff, and an exciting environment. If you’re trying to find a great
internship that could lead to a full-time position after you graduate, make sure
that CUNA Mutual is on your list.
Check Us Out!
On Facebook
CUNA Mutual Group Page
Become a Fan!
Fall Career Forum
September 23, 2008
Kohl Center
www.cunamutual.jobs
13
 potlight
Staff S
“My biggest
motivation is to
benefit the students
in the long run”
Photo By Bob Rashid
Cotton mouth, clammy hands, and jitters – the all too familiar subtle signs of
nervousness. I was experiencing the tri-fecta as I waited to meet the Wisconsin
School of Business’s head man – Dean Michael Knetter. There is something
about a title that has secretly made me believe a fundamental change has
occurred between being a professor and being a “Dean.” I liken it back to when
my congressman came to my elementary school and shook everyone’s hand.
I remember making a pact with my friends never to wash that hand again
because we had, in some small way, just touched someone famous, a demi-god
if you will. While I have long since abandoned this silly, unhygienic practice,
I did still feel that same anticipation that comes from meeting someone who
really has the power to change things.
In stark contrast to my preconceived notions about the Dean, the characteristic
that struck me immediately and resonated throughout my interview was his
relaxed speaking style and humbleness about his past. Perhaps he derived
his demeanor from his humble beginnings in Rhinelander, WI. Dean Knetter’s
father dropped out of high school and entered the workforce as a result of the
pressures of the Great Depression. After high school, Dean Knetter experienced
an explosive rise through the ranks of prestigious institutions. He completed
his bachelors at UW-Eau Claire, Ph.D. at Stanford and then accepted a faculty
job at Dartmouth. At Dartmouth, Dean Knetter took a leave of absence to work
as a staff economist under President George H.W. Bush and later President Bill
Clinton. The reality of this situation sunk in quickly for me. If I shook the hand
of Dean Knetter, and he has shaken the hands of two presidents, then by the
transitive property I would have… hmmm… perhaps it is time to bring back my
elementary school tradition.
After working for two presidents, I wondered what Dean Knetter considered
14 his greatest achievement. Interestingly, the event that he named did not occur
dean michael knetter by: Jake Martin
during his time under either president. It is actually something that occurred
here at the Wisconsin School of Business in October 2007.
“The $85 Million Naming Gift is the greatest thing that I’ve worked on,” Dean
Knetter told me. This gift was really significant because a group of private
donors came together in an unprecedented move to not rename the Wisconsin
School of Business for 20 years. I began to envision Dean Knetter sitting around
a round table with a group of donors in a King Arthur-esque fashion – jointly
coming to an agreement about how best to protect the School of Business.
Contrary to my abstraction, the Naming Gift was a long process that occurred
over two years, rather than one momentous event. Its success rested on the
determination of Dean Knetter to pursue individual meetings with each donor.
“The $85 Million Naming Gift is the
greatest thing that I’ve worked on”
Now with his greatest success to date behind him, I wondered what was next
for Dean Knetter.
“My next big goal is to grow the tradition of giving. If our alumni would give at
the same rate that elite private school alumni donate, it would have as big an
impact, if not bigger impact in the long run, as the Naming Gift.”
The unfortunate truth about public universities is state funding is shrinking. In
order to serve a large number of students, as the UW has traditionally done, it
is becoming more and more necessary to pursue a private financing strategy.
The Wisconsin School of Business has not faced some of the same pain as other
schools on campus, largely thanks to big donors, but its future is by no means
secure. Dean Knetter hopes he can take his experiences at the top private
universities of Stanford and Dartmouth and transform the way alumni give back
to the UW.
“My next big goal is to grow
the tradition of giving”
By the end of the interview, my perception of the Dean had changed somewhat.
While he does not have special powers such as foreseeing the future like
some demi-gods might be able to, he does do everything in his power to
anticipate it. His efforts show he is taking the Wisconsin School of Business in
a positive direction, and he encourages students to help him pursue this goal by
e-mailing him directly with their ideas. Rest assured, I am still maintaining the
recommended hand washing practices, but not because my meeting with the
Dean was disappointing in any way. It was quite the contrary. I am confident
that with Dean Knetter at the helm, the Wisconsin School of Business has a
bright future and I genuinely believe him when he says: “My biggest motivation
is to benefit the students in the long run.”
 Queries
Theories ‘n’ by: Andrea Webb
A section designed for you! Instead of reading what your authors think is important, you have the opportunity to read what you want to hear.
Do you have a question about the Wisconsin School of Business, classes, involvement, campus life, the “real world”, etc? If so, please email
your “queries” to blinemagazine@gmail.com and our staff will apply their “theories” about your questions.
Q
How can I look at my DARS report?
Your DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) is a report that shows your prog-
ress toward graduation. It outlines the courses that you have completed, are
currently taking, and still need for graduation. You can use your DARS report
with your academic advisor to plan your future coursework.
You can print your own DARS report by going to MyUW. Enter in your Student
Center and find the link on the left hand side that says My Academics. There is
a list of resources on the left hand side; find DARS and click on View My Report.
Select your intended major and click Select Plan. At the bottom of the page click
Submit Audit and the page will reload. Then click View Audits. You can choose
to View/Print your audit, or email it to yourself.
Q
Are there new faculty in the business school this year?
Yes. The new professors you will be seeing around the business school are:
Xia Chen – Assistant Accounting Professor
Quiang Cheng – Associate Accounting Professor
Amber Epp – Assistant Marketing Professor
Bjorn Eraker – Associate Finance Professor
Robin Tanner – Assistant Marketing Professor
Mary Carmen Triana – Assistant MHR Professor
William Weld – Assistant Finance Professor
Youchang Wu – Assistant Finance Professor
Q
What are the application requirements for students entering the
Wisconsin School of Business?
The Wisconsin School of Business has now changed the application require-
ments. The new requirements apply only to those students entering college in
Summer 2008 or later. Students who enrolled before Summer 2008 will still be
required to meet all of the previous application requirements.
The new requirements for applying to the business school are:
1. You must complete the following courses.
Communications Part A
Economics 101 or 111
Psychology 202 or 281
Math 211, 217 or 221
2. You must have taken at least 24 credits at UW-Madison before applying to the
business school.
Previously, most students entered the business school as juniors, but this new
system allows for sophomores to enter the Wisconsin School of Business. The
course requirements that all current Wisconsin School of Business students had
to complete before applying are now required before graduation.
CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
Q
What has changed in the Wisconsin School of Business this year?
With the new addition now open, many offices within the business school have
been moved or changed. Here is list of the locations and some of the changes
made to various offices.
Undergraduate Academic Services – This office is now found in 3150 Grainger.
The advising office used to be located in room 2020 near the library. The ser-
vices that UAS provides are the same and this is where you can meet with your
business advisor.
Business Learning Center – The BLC is still located in room 2240 Grainger.
Check out this office if you would like help with your studies. This office offers
supplemental classes to quantitatively-based business classes such as ac-
counting, finance, statistics, economics, and finite math.
Accenture Leadership Center – The ALC is now located in 2020 Grainger (the old
UAS office). The ALC moved from its previous location in room 2261. This office
will now serve many purposes as Accenture Leadership Center, the Economic
Career Services Office, the Office of Admissions, and the UBLC (Undergraduate
Business Leadership Council) Office. New faces will also roam this domain.
Albert Muniz is taking on the new position as Director of Undergraduate Re-
cruitment and Admissions.
Business Career Center – The BCC is still located on the 3rd floor in room 3290
Grainger. This office is now expanded and has new break-out rooms to be used
for meetings and interviews. Career advisor, Kelly Cuene, is also new to the
Wisconsin School of Business staff. Kelly will be advising students interested in
careers in accounting, information systems, real estate, and risk management
and insurance. Check out the BCC for career advising, interviewing tips, resume
advice, etc. - the BCC is the place to go for all of your employment needs.
Study Abroad Office – The study abroad office has moved to 3150 Grainger. This
office can help both business and non-business majors find an international
destination.
Copy Center – The business copy center is located in 1220 Grainger. Here you
can find course packets and other useful resources for your business classes.
Mail Room – The mail room has now moved into its permanent location in room
1263 Grainger. This is the place where you can send a fax, or look for lost &
found items.
Q
How many students were admitted for Fall 2008?
For fall 2008 the Wisconsin School of Business had 738 students apply - one of
the highest applicant pools within the past few years. Of those 738 students, there
were 436 students accepted into the school.
15
 I R B UZ Z
FA
C AR EE R
by: Kimm VanDen Heuvel
As a new school year gets underway, career fairs teeming with recruiters will be all the buzz for the next
few months. Career fairs are an optimal way for companies to reach out to UW students to find the perfect
candidate to join their team. Therefore, students must prepare themselves for upcoming recruiting events to
get their foot in the door and leave a lasting impression of not only themselves, but also UW-Madison.
The PB & J of Pursuing your Future
Cover letters and résumés are like peanut butter and jelly: you cannot have one
without the other, and because they are a staple, you always should have them
on hand. Cover letters and résumés must be flawless and concise. They should
highlight your potential and aspirations.
Résumés
A résumé is worth its weight in gold. If you are traveling to a career fair, you
must prepare a general résumé that can be distributed to a variety of recruiters.
Below are some key guidelines for composing your general résumé:
One page in length. Résumés range from one to two pages in length.
As a college student or recent graduate, one page will do because
workforce experience is minimal.
White space. White space is a good thing and allows the recruiter to
concentrate on the contents of your résumé.
The 30-second test. Companies receive résumés in a variety of
ways from many eager candidates. Many companies have online
databases that allow job seekers worldwide to upload their résumé
with the mere click of a mouse. Therefore, make sure a recruiter
can easily read over your résumé from top to bottom in 30 seconds
or less. At career fairs, recruiters are bombarded with résumés,
making it critical you create a concise document that allows you to
convey your brilliance in a 30-second eye scan.
Tailored for the situation. As a rule, always tailor your résumé to the
company you are applying to. However, for the sake of distributing
to a plethora of career-fair recruiters, keep it general. If after the
career fair companies express interest in what you have presented
to them, create a résumé more specified to the company’s job needs.
Photo By Lois Flad
16
Familiarize yourself with the position’s KSAOs (Knowledge, Skills,
Abilities, and Other). Position descriptions highlight specific KSAOs
the company is looking for in their next hire. By incorporating these
skills into your résumé, recruiters can easily envision you fulfilling
the company’s needs. When elaborating on previous job experience,
select points that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
Purpose Statements. In most cases, modify these for each job
applied for. For your career fair résumé, however, create a purpose
statement that can apply to a broad range of recruiting companies.
How to convert a Microsoft Word document to pdf:
1. Visit www.dopdf.com in order to download your
free pdf converter.
2. Once installed you can convert your document by
selecting the ‘Print’ command in Word. Select the
printer: dopdf, and VOILA!
3. Save the pdf version.
Note: Mac computers already come with a pdf
converter, so no need to download one.
Fresh eyes. Have at least two people proofread your résumé,
including professors, friends or family members. Grammatical
errors may be the deal breaker, and proofreaders will be sensitive to
the errors you do not spot.
Your best foot forward. If you do not have a great GPA, do not
include it in your résumé. Also, if you previously had a job for a
couple months and quit, it may not be relevant to the résumé you
are creating. Employers will inquire about this information if they
need it.
Action verbs. Use them. Action verbs include words such as:
initiated, oversaw, approved, launched, arranged, trained, etc. The
list is endless, but these verbs demonstrate an applicant’s take-
charge nature and tangible accomplishments.
A pdf for good measure. Résumés can be submitted in person, via
email or via snail mail. The amount of résumés submitted online
has increased due to Web sites such as monster.com. In fact, many
organizations prefer candidates upload electronic versions of their
résumés onto career or company Web sites. Therefore, once you
have finalized a résumé for submission, convert it to a pdf file. This
way, varying computers or programs will not change the layout or
font of your résumé.
Cover Letters
Always write a cover letter when applying for a job. A cover letter is another
chance for you to sell yourself as the next hire, based on your accomplishments
and qualities. Cover letters should not be brought to the career fair, however, as
you will be meeting with a wide variety of employers. If offered an interview for
an internship or position, then a cover letter should be drafted and submitted. Career Fair
Checklist
Cover letters should possess the qualities below.
Once you
have creat
fair, refer ed a flaw
Tailored. Just like your résumé, tailor your cover letter to the job to the c less resu
hecklist me for th
applied for. below. e career
 Bus
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students he BCC al
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within the company. This is typically the person in charge of cards pe dents to iness
r semeste print 50
they port r. These ar business
recruitment or the person you have been conversing with in regards ray profe e great fo
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as
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esearch
attendanc the com
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your com some bas
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conversat und into incorpora
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ultimately be the medium connecting you and a resume-worthy ur recen eat intere
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t succes r company
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 Dre
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and does Choose
not induc an outfit
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at holds rize yours
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Finally, here are some crucial points that apply to both your résumé  You business
r little bl cards.
ack caree
and cover letter. books ar r fair refe
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have com lusive to Little blac
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throw aw not use ave
MYTH: The spell check tool is error free. Reread your ay old ch the collec
when and ewing gu ted busin
where yo m . ess
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characte e recruit write
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letter. a recruit or for yo card. In
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can cite tential jo ed to co
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When printing, use high-quality paper. You can purchase that may unities, yo
Even if th joggle th u
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paper specifically formulated for résumés and cover
impressed er canno er’s mem
t recall w o ry.
by your ho you ar
letters. If you do not have access to a high-quality take char e, they w
ge nature ill be
printer, find the nearest Kinkos. and sharp
memory.

You are ready. You have a crisp résumé, freshly printed business
cards and a keen sense of what recruiters are looking for in
their next hire. Now it is time to venture to the Kohl Center and
implement the WOW factor. Be confident and the rest will take
care of itself.

Photo By Lois Flad

17
CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
 The Best Excuse to G lf: Business
It is generally not recommended to mix business
with pleasure. If golf is the pleasure we’re talking
about however, throw that saying straight out
the window. Thousands of business deals are
conducted on the golf course ever year and even
business pioneers like Donald Trump and Bill Gates
are not immune to the addictive pull of the game.
But doing business on the course is a delicate art,
an art not to be taken for granted if businessmen
and women want to get more out of their rounds
than just a few double-bogeys and a T-shirt tan.
The first rule to doing business on the golf
course is to never talk about business while on
the golf course. Ken Rovak, GM of Good Karma
Broadcasting, and Todd Bramson, Senior Associate
at Northstar Financial Group, both agree it is always
better to just enjoy golfing with clients and save
the business talk for a separate meeting. “Golf is
a great icebreaker,” Rovak said. It is 3-4 hours of
hanging out where we can delve into topics like
family, work and sports.” Bramson also sees golf
as an invaluable opportunity to get to know his
clients better. “[Golf] gives you 4-5 hours with
people, [which is] very valuable in today’s busy
world,” Bramson said.  “How you conduct yourself
on the golf course is reflective as to how you
conduct yourself in life.  You can learn a lot from
someone by how they handle themselves on the
course.”
Because no actual business is discussed on the
course, there is added pressure for business people
to be likable and impress their clients in order to
facilitate future business deals. Some will often
go to extreme lengths to do this. Martin DeZell,
caddy at Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wisconsin,
has overheard business people offer clients golf
trips to Augusta National or lavish golf weekends
in Kohler, Wisconsin as business deals progress.
Rovak and Bramson prefer relaxed conversation to
this high-roller schmoozing approach, but it does
occur nonetheless.
18 One such example comes from Zach Fowler, also a
by: Jake Fowler
caddy at Erin Hills Golf Course. He was caddying golf course networking is and wants all women to
one day last summer for two businessmen, one have this option to do business. “By learning to
from Kentucky and one from St. Louis. The two had golf, professionals and business owners can open
obviously hit it off early in the round and by the themselves up to even more opportunities to meet
fifteenth hole were throwing money around like a new referral source,” Mahamed said. “Plus, golf
Lil’ Wayne at a night club, trying to impress each is a nice alternative to an office meeting during the
other. On the fifteenth tee, the two men offered beautiful summer months!”
Fowler a proposal. If he could carry both of their
golf bags on his shoulders without letting them Golf can be a great advocate of business, but it
touch the ground for the last four holes, the men is not a foolproof way to become a billionaire
would give him $300. Fowler agreed and the chaos overnight. Being patient, having fun and building
began immediately. The businessmen tested his comfortable relationships with clients may not yield
balance and agility by dropping their clubs on the business results instantly, but can lead to more
ground after every shot (making Fowler kick them meaningful long-term relationships that benefit
back up to himself) and bouncing their balls back business down the road. Rovak cautions not to
to him at lightning speeds after holing out on each bring up business at inopportune times or become
green. The hilarity continued on the final hole when too competitive. These are automatic deal breakers.
after hitting his tee shot, the man from Kentucky Rovak understands how to do business on the links
whipped his driver 20 yards into long, gnarly fescue and takes clients golfing once or twice a week
grass. The man from St. Louis then threw his club during the summer months, but admits not all these
into a Sahara-desert sized sand trap so Fowler outings are successful. “I fail all the time,” Rovak
had to painstakingly rake the bunker with the golf said. “But it’s better to not succeed and have fun
bags now feeling like two elephants on his aching playing golf.” Not a bad consolation prize.
shoulders. Not only was Fowler exhausted at
the end of this ordeal, he was also amazed at the
lengths these two men went to make a favorable
impression. “It was almost like a game of one-
upmanship all day long,” Fowler said. “It was as if
each guy wanted to show the other that price was
no issue for them.” Fowler doesn’t know how it
worked out for the businessmen, but it worked out
ok for him, the men paid him $350.
While some people impress clients with their
social skills and others with their money, the one
thing not necessary to impress clients is golfing
skill or experience. Rovak admits he is no Tiger
woods but still does just fine business wise. One
organization dedicated to introducing people to
golf in order to enhance career opportunities is
The Executive Women’s Golf Association. The
Madison chapter offers lessons for women to learn
the game and provides leadership and networking
opportunities as well. President of the Madison
chapter Anita Mahamed knows how beneficial
 A Word from o
ur Partner: Ge
on Interviews neral Mills
, the Career F
air, and Job S
uccess
“At General Mills, we know how
important is to have great leaders
to manage and uphold the legacy
of our brand portfolio for years to
come. The University of Wisconsin-
Madison attracts the best and
brightest leaders who are up for
this challenge.”
Jeff Rotsch, General Mills - EVP
Worldwide Sales and Channel
Development
Wisconsin Alumnus
Summer is gone, classes are here,
and soon you’ll be interviewing
again! It all goes so fast – you are
still trying to remember in which
room that new class is, and suddenly
you realize that companies are
coming to campus looking for great
talent. It’s time to get ready for the
job interviews!
General Mills is kicking-off another year of
recruiting at Wisconsin, and it seems appropriate
to use this space to continue to partner with the
University and the Wisconsin School of Business
by providing some tips for the upcoming recruiting
season.
Why does General Mills wants to help you ace your
interview? Because they want great talent! The
company behind great brands such as Cheerios,
Yoplait yogurt, Betty Crocker, Nature Valley granola
bars, Lucky Charms, Totino’s, Progresso soups,
among many others, knows first-hand that great
brands start with the people that make them great.
General Mills’ portfolio of over $13 billion includes
leading U.S. icon brands that are made better each
day by people that were in school not long ago –
people in all areas, from Finance to Sales, from IS
to Promotion Marketing. Each employee at General
Mills has a chance to leave a great legacy, to be the
person who created a successful story behind these
brands, and to build their careers with a history of
accomplishments.
The recipe for the success of these brands is that
General Mills seeks out the best minds and gives
them development, support, and the chance to
lead something big. If you’re ready to fulfill your
potential, consider sharing your talents with the
outstanding people of General Mills. You will work
with legendary brands nourish people around the
world, and start building your own legacy.
So, how do you show your talent to General Mills
or to any other company that you want to impress?
Here are some thoughts and suggestions:
First, be professional – look and
act like someone who is ready to
work at that company! That first
impression is vital. Pay attention
at the career fair, info sessions,
and interviews: pace yourself
and listen to what is being
asked. Make sure you answer
the question posed; not what
you wish they had asked. And do
not forget to have questions for
the person who is interviewing
you – remember that you’re
interviewing them too, trying to decide what job is
best for your talents!
What are the key skills that companies look
for in candidates? There are many traits
that recruiters look for, but they can be
summarized into five areas:
1. Leadership and personal initiative
2. Business Sense (an understanding of the
critical success factors for businesses –
increasing sales, improving profit margins,
delivering what the customer wants on time,
etc.)
3. Strategic/ Critical Thinking – from setting up
strategies to dealing with a challenge, to using
critical thinking to solve problems and make
quick decisions
4. Analytical Skills - in business you must
be proficient in numbers: can you read a
spreadsheet of information and extract the key
insights from all that data?
5. Innovation/ Creativity – from work to school
activities and hobbies, do you have examples
of thinking “outside the box” when needed?
Second, understand what the recruiters are
looking for: they are putting a lot of effort into
reading resumes and talking to a lot of students
at career fairs and company receptions to identify
CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
the candidates that have the best skills, the most
relevant experiences, and last but not least,
the most passion for the job being offered. It is
important to get to know the recruiter and other key
decision makers.
Top performers are more likely to exhibit these five
competencies more often and more completely (five
traits are listed in box to the left). Recruiters will try
to identify those skills by asking about your past
experiences because your past performance is the
single best predictor of your future performance.
Many companies use behavioral based interview
questions. Have examples ready from your résumé
that you can speak to during an interview.
How should you answer those? Use the SAO Model.
S: Situation – what was the situation that lead to
an action?
A: Action – how did you address the situation?
O: Outcome – don’t forget to tell the outcome,
preferably in a measurable way—“…and from that
action, sales grew 20%”
Many companies begin an interview by saying
“walk me through your résumé.” The motive
behind this question is that recruiters want to
see your ability to communicate your personal
accomplishments without being prompted –
showcase what YOU did and how you accomplished
something beyond what was expected. Oh, and
don’t forget to be brief! As a rule of thumb, try
to highlight the top three things on your résumé
that really stand out. If the interviewer could only
remember three things about you, what would those
things be?
One last thought - what should you expect this
Fall when companies come to campus? Times are
tight and some companies are looking to fill fewer
jobs than they did in past years. This means that
students need to have their interview skills in top
shape to ensure that they stand out in the eyes of
the recruiters. Don’t forget to take advantage of
mock interviews at the BCC! We hope the tips above
will help you land a great job – with General Mills or
other great company, thus continuing the history of
success of Wisconsin alumni!
19
 Pre-Employment Exams:
The Next New Hurdle to JUMP in Today’s Business World
You have a great GPA, related work experience, can ace an interview and are
on the exec board of a student org. You can definitely find a decent job after
graduation right? WRONG!
Being a star college performer does not guarantee placement within your
company of choice. With the economy declining, sky-high health care costs
and the loss of knowledge within many companies due to “baby boomer”
retirement, businesses are becoming increasingly cost conscious and doing
everything they can to ensure they hire the best employees.
Think you are done with exams and quizzes once you graduate?  Think again.  requiring mathematics or logic solutions, to complex analogies, all of which
Your ability to take exams like in the good ol’ college days could become
pertinent to your present and upcoming successes. To compete in today’s
business world, employers have started giving pre-employment examinations
to potential job candidates to weed out the unqualified applicants; often times
even before starting the interview process.  But not to worry, like any exam in
college, you can study for these tests too, and with the proper knowledge you
can quickly sail through the process and get back to worrying about what to do
with your hands during an interview.
Pre-employment exams are like gardening,
as employers weed out candidates that are not
qualified for available positions.
Human Resources professionals realize many people have mastered the skill of
“acing” interviews by telling the interviewer exactly what he or she wants to
hear. Unstructured interviews are one of the least reliable and valid predictors
of job performance because they are full of human biases. As a way to fix this
problem, HR professionals have developed scientifically proven standardized
tests to accurately measure a candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities
pertinent to the job.
Now, open the books and get crackin’ because today, some of the most
important factors determining your success in the job market are scores on
various pre-employment exams.
FACT:
In as early as 2006, over half of all North American companies were using some
form of pre-employment exam. These exams are often given prior to the first
interview, and candidates must qualify for an interview by obtaining a certain
passing score (passing scores vary depending on occupation).
There are several different kinds of pre-employment exams a company might
spring on you, some of which can be quite challenging and confusing. Having
exposure to these exams before you face one, along with knowing how they
are scored, can make a huge difference in your test-taking strategy and
ultimately your final score. Below is a description of the two most popular
types of exams—cognitive ability exams and personality tests. Specific sample
questions and even tips on how you can prepare for the exams are also cited
below.
Cognitive Ability Exams
Cognitive ability exams are becoming increasingly popular because several
studies have shown they are one of the best predictors of job performance.
20
by: Denise Fesik
These exams measure a variety of mental abilities such as memory, reasoning,
reading comprehension and verbal and mathematical ability. Below is an
overview of the Wonderlic Personnel Test, perhaps the most widely used test of
general mental ability for selection decisions.
Wonderlic Personnel Test
There are 50 questions and you have up to 12 minutes to complete as many as
you can. Your score is then calculated by the number of correct answers given
at the end of the 12 minutes. Questions range in type from story problems,
must be done without using a calculator or any other type of problem-solving
device!
Sample Questions:
1. Which whole number in the following group of
numbers represents the smallest amount?
a. 7 .8 31 .33 2
2. How many of the five pairs of items below are
exact duplicates?
Nieman, K.M./ Neiman, K.M
Thomas, G.K/ Thomas C.K.
Hoff, J.P./ Hoff, J.P.
Pino, L.R./Pina, L.R.
Warner, T.S./ Wanner, T.S.
3. A train travels 20 feet in 1/5 second. At this same
speed, how many feet will it travel in three seconds?
4. Three individuals form a partnership and agree to
divide the profits equally. X invests $9,000, Y invests
$7,000, Z invests $4,000. If the profits are $4,800,
how much less does X receive than if the profits
were divided in proportion to the amount invested?
∗
5. A boy is 17 years old and his sister is twice as old.
When the boy is 23 years old, what will be the age of
his sister?
TIPS & ADVICE for Taking Cognitive Ability Exams
∗ Since the exam only scores the number of correct answers given, do
not get hung up on any one question. Skip the hard questions and
focus on getting as many correct answers as possible.
∗ Questions increase in difficulty, so try to get as many correct at the
beginning of the exam as possible.
∗ Definitely prepare for this exam! You have worked so hard to get to
this point, and you would hate to choke now! Start by reviewing that
simple math you learned a decade ago and never thought you would
 use again. Several Web sites provide Wonderlic practice exams and
flashcards that help you review those concepts you have not thought
about since the invention of the graphing calculator (http://www.
flashcardsecrets.com/wonderlic/).
Personality Tests
Personality tests measure specific traits that correlate to a candidate’s
successful performance on the job. They vary from cognitive ability exams in
that there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers per se—responses are deemed
positive or negative depending on the specific position applied for. Many
organizations are currently using these tests because studies show they
can unveil up to 75 percent of an individual’s personality. These exams are
often used to measure person-job fit, work style and decision making style—
essentially matching the position’s profile with the person’s profile.
The most common personality exams consist of a long list of words or
statements where respondents are directed to rate the applicability of each to
themselves or the extent to which they agree or disagree with the statement.
Some people assume personality tests are easy to fake by simply choosing
the answers they think sound the best; however, companies use a variety of
methods to outsmart fakers. They plant lie detecting questions in the tests,
apply standard deviations to eliminate extreme scorers, and test for consistency
across the whole exam.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the DISC Assessment and the Predictive
Index are three of the most popular exams of this nature. Personality tests
are often used for positions requiring person to person contact, valuing
conscientiousness.
Pictured: Matt Shapiro.
CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
Sample Personality Test Questions:
Test instructions say to rate the items on how strong-
ly you agree or disagree on a five point scale.
1. It does not make sense to work hard on something
if no one will notice.
2. I tend to let others do most of the talking in con-
versations.
3. I have remained calm in situations where others
have become upset.
4. There is always a better way.
5. It is important for me to do things as perfectly as
possible.
TIPS & ADVICE for Taking Personality Tests
∗ Become familiar with the types of questions that will be asked.
∗ Remember, in these tests there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers
– responding positively or agreeing with the statements will not
necessarily be beneficial to your score—it all depends on the job
and the qualities that the company is looking for.
∗ Often times many questions are similar to one another, just worded
slightly differently. Try to answer these questions consistently.
∗ BE HONEST! Most personality exams are assessing your work style
and how well you would fit within the job and the company as a
whole. If you prefer working in a team environment instead of
individually, let it be known. Make sure this is a position you would
be happy in as well!
Just like taking regular exams, it is important to remember to relax and take
your time preparing for these tests. Because these assessments analyze you as
a person, rather than how well you listened in class, being yourself is critical to
successful job matching. Take a quick hour, look over the practice questions,
fill out a few quizzes and take the whole process or a test-drive. In this
competitive employment
market, it is better to be 5. 40 Years Old
safe than sorry, and a 4. $560
little research can be the 3. 300 Feet
difference between Arby’s 2. 1
and Epic. 1. .33
Answers to Cognitive Ability Test:
21
 Jak
by: tin
Mar
e

TOP 10 WAYS... You Know You’re

FAILING

10 Your professor gives you a high

five for coming to class.
5 Your professor doesn’t know your
name, but it’s okay because you don’t
know his either.

9 You have group study sessions

with Jack, Jim, and Jose.
4 After your first midterm, the Wisconsin
School of Business offers you a full
refund.

8 You write more on Facebook

than in your notebook.
3 Your alarm is not even set before class
starts.

7 Your first day of class is also the

first day of finals. 2 You would have been better off just
always guessing “C.”

6 You returned the textbook in its

original wrapping.
1 It’s six hours before your test, you are
drunk, you have not studied, and you
planned it that way.

22
M
by: Jake Fowler
ADTOWN
UNCHIES
~a small business profile~

Madtown Munchies co-founder Jeremy Nehren knew little about business when the
company opened in the fall of 2006. He had a degree in history and planned to become
a teacher before fate and love stepped in to guide him down the path to small business
success. Nehren oversees Madtown Munchies with his girlfriend of nearly three years and
50/50 business partner, Sivan Levaton-Carignan. Levaton-Carignan just graduated from the
UW in May and is working with the business for the foreseeable future. Being committed to
each other in more than just a business sense is a unique challenge. “It [working together]
was definitely harder at first,” Nehren said. “But now it’s probably easier, because if it were
to be just my business right now then our relationship would suffer.”

“There would be no relationship,” Levaton-Carignan said.

What started out as selling ice cream and potato chips out of Nehren’s apartment is now a
successful business with hundreds of food and accessory options. Choices include every-
thing from mozzarella sticks to Ben and Jerry’s ice cream to party supplies, which can be
delivered to your door in any weather until four in the morning on weekends. Nehren came
up with the idea while on vacation in Washington, D.C. “There was a place out in D.C. when
I was visiting a friend that you ordered from and I thought it was a really cool idea,” Nehren
said. “We ordered ice cream one night. I thought this might be something that would be
popular in Madison.”

Nehren and Levaton-Carignan have made numerous sacrifices to help the business succeed. “In addition to working things out together,” Levaton-Carignan said.
“Realizing we had to be 100% committed to the business and sacrificing our social lives [was challenging]. Even right now we’re there seven nights a week so
we can’t really ever do anything.” Levaton-Carignan initially would stay in on the weekends to help Nehren out, but soon realized she was there every night. It
became exceedingly difficult to be working until four in the morning and then get up for class. This led to the couple going 50/50 on the business this past summer.

“Like a Booty Call for Food”

The company is always looking for ways to enhance its services and closed down for most of this past summer searching for opportunities to improve. New for this
school year is the Madtown Munchies PASS, which allows students to buy items in bulk, which saves them considerable amounts of money. Offering healthy food
choices and new items like school supplies and used DVD’s are also a priority for this upcoming year.

So what advice would two people who originally knew little about business give to young entrepreneurs? “You have to be 100 percent committed to it and under-
stand it’s going to be a lot of work,” Nehren said. But once you start to see some success it’s really gonna pay off and it’s really rewarding. It makes all the hard
work worthwhile.” Levaton-Carignan echoed similar sentiments about the sacrifices she and Nehren have made. “You have to be married to your business for
awhile. You can’t half-ass it. The business has to come first.”

For all the hard work, the journey has definitely been reward-
ing for the Madtown Munchies couple. Nehren and Levaton-
Carignan remember walking down State Street last summer and
glancing in the window of the Sconnie store staring in disbelief
at the Madtown Munchies T-shirt in the window. At the very
same time, two random people walked up next to them staring
at the same shirt, talking about how much they love Madtown
Munchies. Nehren and Levaton-Carignan looked at each other
dumbfounded wondering if they should say anything. “It’s
pretty cool to see people talking about it and knowing people
appreciate the service,” Nehren said. “A year and a half ago we
started this in my apartment. It’s turned into something a lot
bigger.”

23
CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
 ENTERTAINMENT
CRYPTATION
Crack the code by figuring out the following quote. Each letter represents a different letter of
the alphabet. Figure out the words by the placement or prevalence of letters and punctuation.
Each letter only corresponds to one other letter. If M stands for B, B does NOT necessarily
stand for M. For example: “HOLPPF LQ WTHNDMHH” would be “SCHOOL OF BUSINESS.”
Clue: T = R.

“ D K R W E T M I L D W A B D A B U D T Z W L F Z T B LW G T Z M H H W T Z , O Z M TA H W T Z ,

G W H W T Z M A G N Z I W H Z H W T Z , R W E M T Z M O Z M G Z T. ”

P W FA S E D A I R M G M H B

C
4 5

1 5 6

R
2
2 6

O
S
7

S
3 9

7
W
8 10 O
4 9 R
D
10

24
 Answers found on page 30

LOGIC PUZZLE
You are sitting at your desk with three boxes in front of you.
One box contains only pencils, one contains only pens, and
the other contains both pens and pencils. Each box is labeled.
One says “Pencils”, one says “Pens”, and the other says “Pens

S
and Pencils”. You know that ALL of the boxes are labeled
incorrectly. If you can open only one box and take out one
writing utensil, how can you label all of the boxes correctly?

U
D
O
K
U © Kevin Stone [www.brainbashers.com]

VERTICAL CLUES: HORIZONTAL CLUES:

1. A business owned and operated by one person.
2. Father of assembly lines.
3. This computer came out in 2008 and was marketed
by fitting into a manila envelope.
4. Corporate giving.
5. Combination of two companies.
6. ______ Cash: small amounts.
7. A Latin phrase meaning: “all other things equal.”
8. Balance sheet element.
9. What is left after deducting all expenses.
1. To join The EU, a country needs to meet the ______ criteria.
2. The man who developed the 5 forces framework for
industry analysis.
3. Repayment of loans by installments.
4. The city of the 2008 Olympic Games.
5. The currency of India.
6. Money paid to the owner of a copyright or patent.
7. A tag line.
8. Subsidiary of Google.
9. This country has applied for membership into MERCOSUR.

10. Available in spring 2009 the U.S. Mint will produce 10. Nike’s idea of using square spiked shoes came from this
a new silver dollar featuring this. kitchen appliance.

25
CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
 Finance by: Peter Olesen

ETFs - a useful diversification tool

The Beginning of Diversification

Ever since Harry Markowitz, Nobel Prize winning economist from the University of Chicago, published a dissertation called
“Portfolio Selection” in the Journal of Finance in 1952, the investment community has credited the importance of diversification and
risk management to the long-term success of investing. Now a time-tested strategy, diversification of your investment portfolio
mitigates risk while maximizing expected return and finding its place on the “Markowitz Efficient Frontier.” Diversification of
your portfolio can take many forms including various financial instruments, such as stocks and bonds, as well as across different
sectors of the economy. Globalization has helped investors diversify their portfolios across borders with investments tied to foreign
markets.

For many years the passive investor, whether due to time constraints or confidence in their own abilities to create a successful
diversified portfolio on their own, have relied on the use of mutual funds as their primary financial instrument. Mutual funds allow
investors to focus on a certain sector or subset of the economy while handing off the day-to-day management duties to a portfolio
manager, for a fee. At the end of 2007, there was over $26 trillion invested in mutual funds worldwide, according to the Investment
Company Institute. Mutual funds typically use a common diversified index, such as the S&P 500, as a benchmark for comparison
of performance. For the past 20 years, the S&P 500 has seen a cumulative average growth rate (CAGR) of 8.97 percent. When an
investor does better than an index fund such as the S&P 500, he/she often refers to this feat as “beating the market.”

S&P 500 Index CAGR

1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10 Year 20 Year
3.81% 7.08% 4.11% 6.38% 8.97%
k k through December
*Data k k Bloomberg k
31, 2007,
k k k k k
k k k k k
With a long term performance history like that of the S&P 500, millions of investors are attracted to the concept of exactly mirroring
the index to achieve the same returns. However, the purchase and management of 500 securities for an individual investor would
be entirely uneconomical. Fortunately for many investors, a new type of investment tool – Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) – was
introduced to allow individual investors to invest in a basket of securities, but trade these rights like an individual stock.

Entrance of the ETF

The first exchange-traded fund (ETF) issued was Standard & Poor’s Depository Receipts (SPDRs) in 1993 by State Street Global
Advisors. These ETFs track either the S&P 500 index or any of the nine sectors of the S&P 500 (Energy, Financials, Industrials,
etc.) Each ETF seeks to replicate the returns, before fund expenses, of the underlying index. At the end of 2007, there were over
600 registered ETFs traded on national exchanges. ETFs, which started with a mere $464 million in total assets in 1993, have
grown to over $608 billion in assets, according to the Investment Company Institute. Since the start of 2008, 60 ETFs have been
launched. Until recently, the underlying indexes that were the primary targets of ETFs were broad-based indexes which reflect the
performance of broad market segments (i.e. S&P 500, FTSE 100, Dow Jones Industrial Average, etc.) During the past few years, new
ETFs have been launched which focus on narrow market segments or industries, such as commodities, gold, oil and solar power/
renewable energy, to name a few. This gives all investors the opportunity to invest in small market segments with a diversified,
passive exposure.

Another new development within the past year is the launch of leveraged ETFs, which use borrowed money to increase the return of
the underlying index. Until the launch of these ETFs, the ability for the common investor to increase their possible returns through
leveraging was almost impossible. Now, common investors can both leverage up long – betting the underlying securities will rise
in price –or short – betting the underlying securities will fall in price – to get better returns.

26
Why You Should Consider an ETF
Best ETF Performers - 1 Year Returns
Just like ETFs, mutual funds can bring a
similar diversified exposure to various market 3 Month 6 Month 1 Year
segments and replicate similar returns, but Fund Name Ticker Category Return Return Return
there are a few major advantages of ETFs that iPath S&P GSCI Natural
should not be overlooked. Crude Oil OIL Resources 39.27% 49.88% 115.91%

1. Mutual funds are a basket of securities Ultrashort

managed by a portfolio manager. The mutual Financials Bear Marker -
fund is not required to report the make-up of Proshares SKF Financials 33.28% 57.25% 114.89%
the underlying securities of the portfolio daily, Natural
only the calculation of the Net Asset Value United States Oil USO Resources 39.70% 50.03% 114.45%
(NAV), which represents the value of one share
iShares MSCI
of the portfolio. As this is only calculated
Brazil Index EWZ Latin America 16.74% 11.43% 48.66%
after markets close, new orders to buy or sell
shares of mutual funds can only be processed SPDR Gold Precious
after market hours. Shares GLD Metals 1.09% 10.84% 42.21%

Ultrashort S&P Bear Market -

ETFs are traded like an individual stock on
500 SDS S&P 500 3.64% 23.78% 29.68%
national securities exchanges worldwide. As
with stocks, the ETF share price fluctuates *Source: Yahoo! Finance - prices as of June 30, 2008
based on the supply and demand for the share.
This makes the investment more liquid, as it can be bought or sold immediately
during market hours. Also, the make-up of the underlying securities is reported Global Growth in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
throughout the day making arbitrage possibilities unlikely.
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management fees, operating cost fees, load fees (applied when you buy in or &!!"
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since. While a similar investment in Microsoft (MSFT) would have returned Source: Market Technologies,
%!!"
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investor which strives to provide a less volatile investment in both bull and bear 45156.7.1/"89:;<<;=1->" Data Provided by Morgan
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CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
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 A
How to Ace Your Interview by: Rachel Hartjes
There’s no worse feeling than walking out of an interview and waiting, waiting,
waiting for a phone call to tell you if you have got the job (or made it to round
two). Chances are, if you are waiting that long, you probably did not get it. Why?
Everything went fine, right? You looked good and talked smoothly, but for some
reason you just did not cut it. Read on! Maybe you can figure out where you
went wrong and see how to set yourself apart next time!
First things first…get the little stuff right.
Unless you have been living in a cave since getting into the Wisconsin School
of Business, you have probably heard over and over again the importance of a
strong handshake, appropriate attire and sending a thank you note (or email)
after your interview. These things are not only important, but expected at every
interview, so make sure you are aware of your actions.
Other easy things you can do:
• Don’t take a seat until it has been offered to you.
• Smile every once and a while (not too much though, you don’t want
to scare the interviewer!)
• Say thank you at the end.
Going from dud to stud…set yourself apart.
One of the biggest problems students have is not giving concrete examples. No
matter how many times you say you have good communication skills, no one
will remember you if you don’t give a good example to back it up.
For a typical behavioral interview (which also tend to be the most common), you
will be asked questions that start out like, “Tell me about a time when…” It is
extremely important that answers to these questions are given in enough detail
to give the interviewer an understanding of what happened, what you did and
what happened as a result in order to provide a concrete example.
The Business Career Center (BCC) suggests students use the “BAR Method” to
answer these questions. No, this does not mean you get to use examples of your
crazy nights at the bars. Rather, BAR is an acronym to help you remember what
to talk about when answering a behavioral based question.
Based on BCC Employer Feedback, employers are looking for:
• Motivation/innovation
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Strong work ethic
• Critical thinking skills
28
The BAR Method:
B – Background. What was the situation? Paint a picture of the surrounding
events.
A – Action. What did you specifically do?
R – Result. What happened because of your actions? What did you accomplish?
A good way to prepare for behavioral based questions is to think of strong
examples prior to your interview. Recall important events and do not be afraid
to talk about things you are proud of. It is also okay to pause briefly before a
question to think of a relevant example that answers the question appropriately.
According to Sarah Barber from the BCC, an interviewer will not remember
your short ten-second pause if you provide a good answer. Remain positive and
avoid negative wording in your response.
The Research Path:
Job Description  Company Website  Employer Information Sessions 
Vault Reports  The Wall Street Journal  (optional research) Previous
Interns and/or UW Alumni  Company Annual Report  SEC Information
…and of course, the BCC is always willing to help you!
And now, a word from our sponsors…what employers want to see
(and expect!)
Interviewing is easy, right? All you have to do is talk about yourself. WRONG!
“Employers tell [the BCC] over and over again students have a lack of
knowledge about the company, industry or the position they are interviewing
for,” Barber said. “They just aren’t prepared enough.”
The question now is what constitutes good preparation. Contrary to what some
of us believe, looking at a company’s Web site and knowing the title of the
position you are interviewing for is not good enough.
When researching a company, you should find out at least the basic information:
what the company does, the products/services it provides, the industry,
competitors and locations of their headquarters and branch offices. It is also
helpful to know the company culture because it can help you understand what
they are looking for in a candidate. Still confused? Consider attending the BCC
sponsored workshop on how to research a company.
Know the job you are interviewing for! If you are applying for a job through the
BCC, all positions and job descriptions are posted online. Many employers list
the qualities and skills they want right in the job posting. Too often, students do
not even know what they are interviewing for, which looks particularly bad in
the eyes of an employer.
So, umm, what’s your favorite color? Ask good questions, please!
BCC-Sponsored Events to help you ace your interview:
There is nothing more discouraging to an employer than an interviewee who
does not care about their company. At least that is what you have told them if
you come to an interview with no questions prepared!
Researching a Company
September 17, 2008
Questions are important. “Interviewing is a two-way street,” Barber said. “If you
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM, Grainger Hall
A
have questions about the position or the company, make sure you ask them.
Accepting a job, especially a full-time job, is a big commitment and you want to
make sure it is an appropriate fit for you.”
Ace the Case Interviews
For students interviewing for internships, you may want to ask questions about
Friday, September 19, 2008
the internship program, the history of the program, the available supervision
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM, Grainger Hall
and what types of projects you will be doing. Internships are becoming more
important and many of the companies that will hire you as an intern will also A
offer you a full-time position after you graduate if they liked you. Keep in mind
Business Etiquette & Dress for Success
you may be interviewing with your future employer!
Monday, September 22, 2008
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Grainger Hall
Dos and Don’ts for asking questions:

Do: How to Sell Yourself in an Interview

Wednesday, September 24, 2008
• For a 30-minute interview, prepare at least six questions, but plan on 12:20 PM - 1:20 PM, Grainger Hall
only being able to ask three. After asking two, ask if there is enough
time for another question.
Lunch & Learn: Successful Interviewing
• Ask specific questions. For example, I researched your company and Wednesday, October 1, 2008
was wondering more about _____. 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM, Grainger Hall

• Feel free to ask interviewers about their experiences with the

company. For example, What do you enjoy most about ________? Bite This: The Art of Interviewing Over Dinner
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Don’t: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Grainger Hall (registration required)

• Ask general/obvious questions that can easily be answered through

research. Do’s & Don’ts of Interviewing
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
• Ask questions about salaries or benefits. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Grainger Hall
• Ask the interviewer how long they have worked for the company.
Some may feel uncomfortable, as it can allude to their age.
Sealing the Deal: Mastering the Site Interview
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Everything else is already there… relax and be yourself.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Grainger Hall
Leave your nervous habits at home and bring confidence with you to your
interview! Everyone gets nervous and employers understand that, but in the
end an interview is their real chance to get to know you. So, it is important you
Mock Interviews with Employers
can get rid of the jitters quickly and get down to the business of…ACING YOUR
Monday, September 22 through Friday, October 3
INTERVIEW!

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CONTACT US AT blinemagazine@gmail.com
 Update
by: Jake Martin

L ast Spring, the Undergraduate Business Class of 2008 did something

unprecedented in the school’s history. They made a statement to their fel-
low students and alumni, summed up in the words of Campaign Committee
Co-Chair, Christie Cirilli, “Our class really cares about the Wisconsin School of
Business and we are willing to put our own money on the line to make sure
that it continues to be one of the country’s top schools.” This message was em-
bodied in the form of the Make a Statement Campaign. Eleven undergraduates
teamed up to spread the word to their classmates. By the end of the campaign
in May of 2008, 24% of the Undergraduate Business Class of 2008 made pledges
to the Wisconsin School of Business resulting in just over $11,300, according
to Kaylene Reilly, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Student Campaign
Advisor. Additionally, this sum will be matched by a group of alumni, bringing
the Class of 2008’s total contribution to the Wisconsin School of Business to
$22,600.
Even though participation was the emphasis of the campaign, rather than the
size of the pledge, it is impressive to see that a significant sum of money can be
raised when a large number of small donations are pooled together. The suc-
cess of the Make a Statement Campaign is also significant because business
students already pay an additional $1000 per year more than other students
at UW-Madison. The fact that business students are willing to make a pledge
to their school, despite higher tuition, sends the message that they really care
about the future of the Wisconsin School of Business.
Now, the focus turns to the Class of 2009. What kind of statement will they
make in response to the momentum begun by the class before them? Megan
Williams, a returning Make a Statement committee member, is excited to get
started on this year’s campaign. Megan wants to start educating her fellow
students right away in the fall.
“I’d like to have a big fall event in the atrium to get the word
out that the business school is a great place to be and that it’s
worth supporting.” -- Megan Williams
The Class of 2009 is poised to make waves where the Class of 2008 made the
first ripples. This year the goal is to expand the number of committee members
from 11 to as many as 30 undergraduate students. This year’s campaign will
also be a two semester effort rather than the one semester in 2008. The aim is
to build a stronger community at the undergraduate level and instill a sense of
giving back that is present at many other prestigious universities. Once again
the campaign will be shooting for a high level of participation, rather than
overall monetary value. The Class of 2008 set the bar at 24% participation and
according to Kaylene Reilly, “We will be reaching for an even higher goal this
year.”
If you would like to find out more information about the campaign or would like
to get involved, contact Kaylene Reilly at kreilly@bus.wisc.edu. Also watch for
e-mails and flyers about the committee early this fall.

10. Braille 10. Waffle Iron

9. Net 9. Venezuela
8. Liabilities 8. YouTube
7. Ceteris Paribus 7. Slogan
6. Petty 6. Royalty
5. Merger 5. Rupee
4. Philanthropy 4. Beijing
3. Air 3. Amortization
2. Ford 2. Porter
1. Proprietorship 1. Copenhagen
vertical... horizontal...
CROSSWORD:

“pencils” must be “pens and pencils.”

since ALL BOXES ARE LABELED INCORRECTLY! This means, the box labeled “pens” must be “pencils” and the box labeled
Take a writing utensil from the “pens and pencils” box. If it is a pen, then you know that box must be the “pens” box
LOGIC PUZZLE:

-- John Quincy Adams

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”
CRYPTATION:

ANSWERS TO PAGES 24 AND 25:

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