Fellow Stories

2011 Orr Fellow: Alec Synnestvedt

Thursday, July 14, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Alec Synnestvedt

Alma Mater: DePauw University
Major: English Writing
Host Company: T2 Systems
Hometown: Detroit, MI

Bio:
For me, productivity and creativity go together like carrots and ranch dressing. Accordingly, I try to bring only the best, freshest carrots and ranch to solve the problems I encounter daily. I love literature, music, and a well-crafted grilled cheese sandwich.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
The empirical They always say, “Get the right people on your team and good things will happen.” I pursued the Orr Fellowship because I believe that the quality and ambition of this group makes it a team I’m more than happy to be a part of. Experience, exposure, expertise, and excellence are all expectations—what more could I want? And those are only a few of the “E” words!

What are your long-term career ambitions?
Since I can’t see more than a few years into the future, I am uncertain exactly where my career will take me. What I do know is that I want to explore the blurry area where strategy, creativity, and revenue meet—whether that will be in marketing, advertising, writing, or something else is yet to be seen.

What will your first role be at your host company?
As a Marketing specialist at T2 Systems, I will help develop creative strategies and shape the messaging of T2’s marketing campaigns. Additionally, I will be responsible for writing white papers, generating web and blog content, and assisting with trade shows and user group meetings.

Just the facts:
Synnestvedt = Sin - Est - Vet; I like fun things, books, and a well executed vacation.

2011 Orr Fellow: Abigail Wilson

Monday, June 27, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Abigail Wilson

Alma Mater: DePauw University

Major: Communication and English Literature

Host Company: DyKnow

Hometown: Pendleton, IN

Bio:
In the true fashion of an obsessive compulsive insanely organized overachiever, I am over-scheduled and over-involved but I wouldn't have it any other way. My favorite classes at DePauw have been in the Communication, English and Art History departments, and I've enjoyed every second of my college experience. I've been very fortunate to have worked with a wide variety of internships and organizations and I've found my love and passion in sales and event planning. I love to travel with some of my favorite international trips being to Israel, Ghana and St. Kitt's. :-)

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I first learned of the Fellowship thanks to a campus-wide email from Kate at DePauw and I was thrilled. From the first email I knew it was going to be an incredible opportunity to be a part of as well as a great fit for my goals and personality. I wanted an opportunity that focused on relationships and networking, and I'm from Indiana so staying in Indianapolis was also a great option. Every Fellow I've had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know has nothing but incredible things to say about their experience with the Fellowship and I could not be more excited to start on this new adventure in my life!

What are your long-term career ambitions?
I am not exactly sure what the future holds for me. My goal is to be successful, happy, and to follow my passions.

Just the facts:
I love Spanish tapas, Greek food, Mediterranean food, Italian food, sushi, Cantonese food, Thai food, Japanese food, Brazilian food .... and a stiff gin and tonic with a slice of orange. I'm a bit of a daredevil and I love to try new things. I block out 9:00pm each Thursday to watch The Office and this summer I'll be attending my 7th John Mayer concert (fingers crossed he's coming back to Indy). Recent development: I'm getting married May 2012 :-) My fiance flies hot air balloons (crazy hobby) so if you're ever interested, let me know!

2011 Orr Fellow: Ali Schultz

Monday, June 27, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Ali Schultz

Alma Mater: Valparaiso University

Major: Marketing and Sports Management

Host Company: WebLink International

Hometown: Newark, IL

Bio:
Having grown up in a tiny town of about 300 people, opportunity never exactly knocked at my door. I realized from a young age that I would need to put myself out there in order to succeed and surpass any expectations anyone had of me. I decided to come to Valpo to play volleyball, though recurring injuries ended my career prematurely. I quickly became much more involved on campus and developed an addiction to progression, an addiction I've come to welcome and embrace -- landing me precisely where I am now. I am extremely relationship oriented and enjoy spending time with family and friends every chance I get. I'm currently training for my second half-marathon and enjoy both mental and physical challenges. I hope to re-enter the volleyball world as a coach in the fall, as well as getting involved with as many service activities as possible.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
After speaking with a current Orr Fellow and checking into the program, I was very intrigued by the dedication to growth and innovation displayed by the host companies as well as the fellows themselves. I attended the reception before the formal interview process began and realized that my goals were exactly in line with the goals of the Fellowship. I felt right at home when meeting current fellows and other potential fellows and loved the culture of excitement and motivation. As the interview process progressed and I met more individuals invested in the Fellowship, I knew the Fellowship was my ideal transition into the "real world."

What are your long-term career ambitions?
I hope to hold a management position in marketing or organizational behavior depending on my focus in graduate school.

Just the facts:
Huge Chicago fan. Extremely social and outgoing. Never see any reason to stop improving. Love to travel.

2011 Orr Fellow: Ann Govert

Monday, June 27, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Ann Govert

Alma Mater: Butler University

Major: Telecommunications and Marketing

Host Company: BidPal

Hometown: Hobart, IN

Bio:
I have loved my four years at Butler University! I started as a telecommunications major, and added a marketing major at the end of my sophomore year. Adding another major late in the game made my academic time very busy, but well worth while as I love my Marketing major and am excited to start with the Orr Fellowship at BidPal. I am very involved in my sorority, Alpha Phi, and held the positions of Panhellenic Delegate and Vice President of Chapter Operations. I have also been very involved in the Butler Catholic Community, holding the positions of Vice President and President of the leadership team. I enjoy volunteering and doing service projects through my sorority and the Butler Volunteer Center. Overall, college has been a great time for me to grow, learn, and create lifelong friendships. I am really looking forward to graduation, starting with the Fellowship, and opening a new chapter of my life!

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I didn't know about the Fellowship until one of my former professors, and a wonderful mentor of mine notified me about the Orr Fellowship Information Night at my college. After hearing about the program I became very interested and applied. Throughout every step of the process, I learned more and more about the Fellowship and came to love the idea of being a Fellow. I am so excited for my job at BidPal, the networking and business opportunities through the Fellowship, and making great friendships with the fellows.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
I am not exactly sure what the future holds for me. My goal is to be successful, happy, and to follow my passions.

Just the facts:
I love my family and friends! I am the youngest of seven children. I have five brothers, 1 sister, and eight nieces and nephews. I am organized and like planning, meaning that I usually keep my schedule pretty busy. In my free time I like being around other people and hanging out with friends. I love to dance, and have a good time. I'm outgoing, love to meet new people, and love enjoying life!

2011 Orr Fellow: Anthony Wang

Sunday, June 26, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Anthony Wang

Alma Mater: Indiana University

Major: Finance and Marketing

Host Company: Bluelock

Hometown: Plano, TX

Bio:
Originally from Boston, my family moved to Texas when I was twelve and I lived there until I decided to attend Indiana University and experience the Midwest! In my free time, I like reading about what’s going on in the world, catching up with TV shows on Hulu or Netflix, and taking long walks on the beach(just kidding), among other things. I like playing all kinds of sports and cheering on my favorite teams (IU Hoosiers, Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots). At times, I like dabbling with art/graphic design and reading history. I also enjoy meeting new people and hanging out with friends and family.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
The Orr Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to build relationships and learn from the talented individuals in the fellowship and business professionals. The program itself offers a great network, community involvement, professional/personal growth, and the ability to make an impact. These aspects along with my desire to work for a start-up/smaller company were the main reasons why I decided to participate in the Orr Fellowship.

What are your long-term career ambitions?

A couple years down the road, I’d love to be working for a growing technology company and maybe going back to school for an MBA. Time changes a lot of things, so I just hope to be happy in whatever I end up doing.

Just the facts:
I could probably eat clementines, Vietnamese noodles, and steak in that order for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I also like Chinese food, barbecue, and a lot of other kinds of food. I’ve spent the last three Spring Breaks doing community service in Mississippi, California, and Georgia and loved each experience. I like trying new things and traveling. Lastly, I can’t wait to start the Orr Fellowship, working for BlueLock, and the warmer weather this summer!

2011 Orr Fellow: Ashton Chaffee

Sunday, June 26, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Ashton Chaffee

Alma Mater: Butler University

Major: Chemistry

Host Company: Slane Capital

Hometown: Noblesville, IN

Bio:
I’m a very goal-oriented, self-motivated person…I enjoy looking to expand my horizons and learn something new through different inputs that come my way (books, podcasts, articles, opportunities for a new experience…). I like to spend as much time with my family as possible, working out and watching sports makes me happy, and I always try to find the positives in every situation!

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I think the Fellowship provides many experiences that so many other after-college options don’t – the extended network of Fellows and host companies, the ability to have a mentor that holds a powerful position within the company, and a higher-sloping growth curve (hopefully). It serves as a great way to get introduced to the business community in Indy and helps to basically breed potential future leaders. It’s clearly a well-run program, and its participants seem to have experienced great success – not only during the program, but after “graduation.”

What are your long-term career ambitions?
Right now, I’m all about gaining as much quality experience as possible. Hopefully that will prepare me to hold a position of significant influence within a company in the future – and that doesn’t have to mean “CEO” (although I’m not objecting to that idea…), but instead, a leadership position that will enable me to relate to the people I work with on a different level, inspire them to create different/better/more advanced ideas for the company, and make them excited to come to work every day! And after all that wild success, I’ll take an early retirement and travel the world while I write books. No, seriously…

Just the facts:
I love reading, and writing is one of my favorite pastimes. Hopefully I’ll be published and on the shelves of your local Barnes and Noble in the next 10ish years! I really enjoy volunteering/being involved in my community…I’m definitely a cat person, although dogs can be cute at times (as long as they don’t lick me). My time at Butler was absolutely amazing - from being involved in waaay too many campus activities to meeting some pretty awesome people - but after 3 years (yes, I'm graduating a year early), I'm definitely ready to move on to the next chapter of my life. Finally, I’m living at home next year because Slane is only 7 minutes away from my house!

2011 Orr Fellow: Barry Helfrich

Sunday, June 26, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Barry Helfrich

Alma Mater: Purdue University

Major: PR & Advertising, Health & Fitness

Host Company: RICS Software

Hometown: Haubstadt, IN

Bio:

My wife and I welcomed our first baby, a delightful boy named Evan James, into our lives on November 5th;I know everyone thinks their kids are the cutest, but he is just the most handsome little devil. Monica (Purdue '08) is the Center Director at KinderCare in Geist and is lucky enough to take the little guy with her to work. Me, I'm just a lucky guy for whom life has been full of great opportunities. Traveling the country and abroad singing with the Purdue Varsity Glee Club and enjoying my Purdue experience as a Lambda Chi helped me garner lifelong memories and valued friendships."

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
The Fellowship is exactly what I was looking for right out of college. I didn't have any directed ambitions in my fields of study, both were compelling enough, but I didn't have that ONE idea of a perfect career. Aside from the interdisciplinary appeal of the Fellowship, I also love being a part of something with goals for the greater good. By finding a group of extraordinary young people, the Fellowship is looking to fortify our education and harvest the future leaders of our great state.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
As I mentioned at left, I don't have that ONE specific goal for my career. I've had stimulating experiences in Public and Government Affairs (with Toyota Motor Mfg, IN, during the auto crises), in Education (as a Mentor Trainer with The Kick-Off Program) and in Event Management, Production and Performance (at Purdue Musical Organizations). These have all taught me one important lesson: I love to do whatever allows me to work my (insert synonym for "rear") off to accomplish goals while motivating and inspiring others.

Just the facts:

I love swimming, biking, and running (and subsequently triathlon), group fitness instruction (spinning and BodyPUMP), dirt track racing, NASCAR, anything Purdue, the NY Yankees, performing, and blowing farts onto Evan's tummy until he laughs out loud

My wife and I are accomplished wedding singers (mostly ceremony and cocktail hour, not-so-much Adam Sandler). We sang and performed together at Purdue and started singing at weddings in the fall of 2008.

2011 Orr Fellow: Breana Buchler

Sunday, June 26, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Breana Buchler

Alma Mater: DePauw University

Major: Economics and Communication

Host Company: Angie's List

Hometown: Dyer, IN

Bio:
Like many of you, I also enjoy being busy - I always seem to overschedule myself at DePauw but I love every minute of it! I absolutely love meeting new people and I am really excited to get to know you guys. At DePauw, I really enjoyed planning all of the philanthropy events for my sorority. I am very organized (sometimes a bit high strung), and I like planning events as well as volunteering. I love running (but have absolutely no athletic abilities). I am very close with my family, my brother and sister both went to DePauw as well, and I enjoy spending as much time with them as possible.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?

I saw the Orr Fellowship as an incredible networking opportunity. I feel that I will be surrounded by intelligent, motivated individuals in this program. I also interned at Angie's List and had a wonderful experience there.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
Quite honestly, I really don't know what my long-term goal is at this point in time. Right now I want to learn as much as possible, and gain varied experiences and hope to solidify my long-term goals over the next few years.

Just the facts:

I am typically a very happy, optimistic person. I get along with most people and I love meeting new people and trying new things. I am addicted to coffee and shoes. I love running and working out. I am a diehard Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks fan. I love everything about DePauw. I can't wait to start our Fellowship experience!

2011 Orr Fellow: Charlie Kelly

Saturday, June 25, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Charlie Kelly

Alma Mater: Wabash College

Major: Political Science

Host Company: Bluefish Wireless Management

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Bio:
I live by the philosophy 'work hard/ play hard'. While I'm very dedicated to my work during the week, I enjoy cutting back and hanging out with friends on the weekends. In addition, I love to spend time outdoors. Whether running, fly-fishing, or sailing, I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
After speaking with current Fellows, I became attracted to the Orr Fellowship's ability bring 25 young professionals together. I felt as though no other fellowship opportunity would allow me to network and learn from others' experiences like the Orr. I look forward to meeting each of you.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
Find happiness and success

2011 Orr Fellow: Claire Petersen

Saturday, June 25, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Claire Petersen

Alma Mater: Butler University

Major: Public Relations and Electronic Journalism

Host Company: ExactTarget

Hometown: Bluffton, IN

Bio:
I am a driven, organized, go-getter, and am constantly pursuing new knowledge. My passions include: photography, traveling (abroad and even short road trips), trying new things - especially restaurants. I try to live a balanced life - I am very active and thrive on being busy. I love spending time with my family and friends.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?

Initially, I was drawn to the mission of The Fellowship and knew it would provide a great opportunity to be a part of a community with other high-achieving, young professionals. I joined the Orr Fellowship because I saw how it provided a valuable peer and professional network to learn from entrepreneurs about high growth businesses. I envision being part of this fellowship as the next step in my journey in becoming a future business leader in Indiana. I hope to learn about how businesses are created, managed, and developed in addition to growing in knowledge and experiences.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
Personally, I would love to see my photography business grow while developing my skills, services, and products. At the same time, I long to work my way up in a company that I am passionate about, and I hope that each lesson and interaction prepares me for the future. My experiences have shown me that there are so many different career interests that I have including marketing, communications, public relations, sales, design, and community relations. One day, I would love to start another business, work for an NFL team, and work in higher education as an adjunct professor. I hope that wherever I am working that I am whole-heartedly serving the mission of my company and serving my community.

Just the facts:

I enjoy being outdoors and participating in group fitness classes like kickboxing and boot camp. I love: the Colts and the Bulldogs; baking; catch phrase; and spending time at the lake (and it’s a goal of mine to own a lake house in the near future). Not a day goes by that I don’t make a “to-do list.”

2011 Orr Fellow: Conner Burt

Saturday, June 25, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Conner Burt

Alma Mater: Butler University

Major: Economics

Host Company: iGoDigital

Hometown: Elkhart, IN

Bio:
I'm the type of person that loves challenges--be it climbing a mountain or playing a soccer match. I think pushing myself beyond the limits of mental constraints drives me to carry on day to day with humility and excellence. I've had a tremendous experience playing soccer for Butler University the past four years and am ready to dive into new experiences, making it a point to enjoy every moment and build lasting relationships along the way.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?

I was impressed by the character and ambition of all those involved with the Fellowship. It's a group of big-thinkers, high achievers, and accomplished young professionals ready to tackle challenges in their host companies and beyond.

What are your long-term career ambitions?

Love entrepreneurial ventures of all kinds. I can see myself eventually growing a business from the ground up with a team of A-players that share similar ambitions and passions. Needless to say, I'm ready and excited to allow all of the experiences between now and then shape my path.

Just the facts:
For me, there's nothing like the sound of a blue-ribbon trout stream and a four-count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise (to steal a line from A River Runs Through It). I love to fly-fish. Take me outdoors--and I'm happy--be it backpacking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing. I pick up a new hobby every week; in my repertoire of useful skills right now are brewing beer, roasting coffee and climbing.

2011 Orr Fellow: Derrick Yoder

Saturday, June 25, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Derrick Yoder

Alma Mater: Wabash College

Major: Economics

Host Company: Apparatus

Hometown: Goshen, IN

Bio:
Well, I'll be honest: I'm not one of those compulsive, hyper-organized, borderline-neurotic types. I prefer to be unconventional in my pursuit of overachieving; I embrace the chaos of daily information feeds because you never know when the next big idea is going to come your way. I love sports and music--both are therapeutic (to me) in their own ways. I love talking about possibilities and ideas but could care less about the weather. I love to travel (who doesn't), read, and play really intense pick-up basketball.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
The human capital. The fellowship is full of Indiana's most innovative minds, and I wanted to be a part of that.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
I would be insane to pretend to know that answer.

2011 Orr Fellow: Ejimofor Oruche

Friday, June 24, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Ejimofor "EJ" Oruche

Alma Mater: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Host Company: Scale Computing

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Bio:
Both of my parents are from Nigeria, which I feel gives me a pretty cool and unique heritage. Im pretty motivated and driven, and really like to reach my goals. I also like to learn new things when I can and be optimstic about the future. Im from Indianapolis so I am excited to come back to the city as a young adult and experience it, espcially considering the Super Bowl will be here next year!

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I had heard about it from people in my fraternity (Triangle) who had done it and it sparked an interested with me. The more I learned about it, the more I realized that it was a really unique opportunity that I couldn’t really pass up. The people I met during the intial selection process really helped me see this is most.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
The one thing I know I want to do for sure is make a postive impact on the world. I want to do something that just incorporates all the things I have learned to help the world out in some way.

Just the facts:

I love to make music. I am really into music production and have been doing it with my friend for the last 3-4 years I also like to hang out with people and have adventures and create memories. I like to workout and play sports. I am also a big Colts fan as well.

2011 Orr Fellow: Filip Lempa

Friday, June 24, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Filip Lempa

Alma Mater: Wabash College

Major: Political Science

Host Company: Brightpoint

Hometown: Bytom, Poland

Bio:
I love learning. I like to think that I have a fair amount of energy and an optimistic attitude. I'm very open to trying new things and absolutely love traveling. I also enjoy meeting new people and believe that I can learn something valuable from anyone. I'm interested in modern art, especially photography. I live by the motto "no challenge, no fun."

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
All the recent Wabash grads who are in the Fellowship seem to be very happy with their choice. This fact was very important in my decision to join the fellowship. I also believe that the rotational nature of our jobs provide an unparalleled learning experience. Having company's top officers as one's mentors also was very appealing (especially in a Fortune 500 company like Brighpoint.) Last but not least, the Fellowship is an excellent networking opportunity.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
Establishing a successful business.

What will your first role be at your host company?
During my two years at Brightpoint, I will rotate through sales, finance, operations, and IT. My first rotation, however, is not determined as of now.

Just the facts:

I love China and Mandarin Chinese. I jog everyday and also try to swim/lift weight whenever I can. I always try to change something for the better in my life. I did four internships throughout my Wabash education. I find cold weather very difficult to stand and definitelty need lots of sunshine in my life. I can hurdly survive a day without at least two espressos and a cup of green/jasmine tea. I did the world's highest bungy jump (764 feet) from the Macau Tower:-)

2011 Orr Fellow: Jamie Steiner

Friday, June 24, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Jamie Steiner

Alma Mater: Purdue University
Major: Quantitative Agricultural Economics
Host Company: Angie's List
Hometown: Berne, IN

Bio:
As most of you have noted about yourself, I am an overinvolved, organized, overachiever. I truly enjoy the rush of knowing I need to get so much done in so little time. Most of my time is taken up by the activities of serving as the Vice President for Purdue Student Government. My second biggest commitment right now is my undergraduate honors thesis on consolidation of schools in the State of Indiana. In my (almost non-existent) free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, sleeping, and reading.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I chose the Orr Fellowship because of the mentorship opportunities, networking opportunities, flexibility it will provide, and the chance to make 26 new best friends.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
Long-term I honestly don't care what type of job I'm doing. As long as I am in a job that I am passionate about doing, my career ambitions will be fulfilled.

What will your first role be at your host company?
For the first 3-4 months, I will be working in the call center. After that, I could be moving to marketing, IT, or whatever division needs an additional brain.

Just the facts:
Typically blunt and to the point. Interested in way too many things. Love medium to large sized dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers. Enjoy playing guitar and snowskiing. Grew up showing cattle, swimming, and playing soccer, basketball, and softball. Events that require business casual or business formal attire truly excite me.

2011 Orr Fellow: John Jospeh

Friday, June 24, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: John Joseph

Alma Mater: Butler University

Major: International Studies

Host Company: Compendium

Hometown: Naperville, IL

Bio:
I am full of energy, and enjoy new and foreign experiences. I have the best parents one could dream of, and my grandma is my best friend. I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee, reading books, and talking with strangers. At Butler, I have been part of a variety of organizations including a social fraternity, a business fraternity, various service trips, campus tour guide, and the ultimate frisbee club team. During my past three summers, I have worked at a wilderness tripping camp in Northern Wisconsin where I led weeklong canoeing and kayaking trips for junior high kids. Being outside gives me more joy than anything else. I spent a semester "studying" in New Zealand, and had the time of my life.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I spent a semester working at the State Department in Washington DC, and was greatly frustrated due to the bureaucracy and huge scope of the organization. I am eager to make a difference in a small, high growth company, and the Orr Fellowship offers just that. The social unit of the Orr fellowship is also very appealing, with an immediate built in friend group.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
International _________ will be great for me.

What will your first role be at your host company?

Sales Associate at Compendium

Just the facts:
I enjoy new experiences, new people, and new challenges. I enjoy bluegrass music, west coast hip hop, and Bob Dylan. My rain jacket and my apple computer are two of my favorite possessions, and a mug of coffee is the best way to start the day. I am an avid camper, and enjoy peaceful mornings beside any type of water. I am eager to get to know all the Orr fellows, and am excited to get going with this new part of my life.

2011 Orr Fellow: John McLaughlin

Thursday, June 23, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: John McLaughlin

Alma Mater: Rose-Hulman

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Host Company: Scale Computing

Hometown: Evansville, IN

Bio:

I would say one of my defining characteristics is definitely my work ethic. I have never been the smartest or best at any particular thing, but I've achieved success just working hard for it. I have enjoyed my engineering internships at Boston Scientific, but am definitely looking forward to getting away from sitting behind a desk all day doing data analysis (alright so it wasn't like that everyday but you get the idea). Even with the insane amounts of work, I have enjoyed my time at Rose and have certainly grown a lot. I am looking forward to growing more personally and professionally in the Orr Fellowship.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I see the Orr Fellowship as a unique opportunity for me to expand my experience and skills in areas outside the realm of engineering. I am also looking forward to being with a group of diverse, motivated individuals. It is much easier and enjoyable to grow and achieve success in this type of encouraging environment. It comes down to the people and possibilities with which the Orr Fellowship brings together that brought me here.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
It is hard to say at this point as a lot of it will depend on my experience during the Orr Fellowship. With that said, It would be nice to make my way back to the medical device industry, possibly even starting my own venture.

What will your first role be at your host company?

Will know closer to start date

Just the facts:

Outside of fun-filled weekends solving heat transfer problems and calculating the force of gravity, I enjoy having fun (who doesn't?). This usually involves a combination of hanging out with friends and outdoor activities. Some of my favorite activities include snow skiing, water skiing/wakeboarding, soccer, swimming, sand volley, frisbee, and lawn darts. Like many of you, I love traveling, especially to other countries, with one of my favorite trips being a three week tour of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England, and France. I love rolls (yes that's right…and bread in general for that matter). I like to try new things and I really want to go skydiving ASAP..anyone down?

2011 Orr Fellow: Julie Bowman

Thursday, June 23, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Julie Bowman

Alma Mater: Indiana University

Major: Finance and International Business

Host Company: Interactive Intelligence

Hometown: Newburgh, IN

Bio:
Like many of you, I’m proud to be organized, involved, and busy. I love love love all things IU, so graduation will certainly be bittersweet. On campus, I am co-president of a student-run non-profit organization called Camp Kesem, which puts on a free week-long summer camp for 95 kids who have/had a parent with cancer. Camp Kesem takes up a lot of my time, but I love it! At IU, I also am in a microfinance club (not as boring as it sounds, I promise! Microfinance is basically providing microloans to entrepreneurs in developing countries as a poverty alleviation tool.) I have volunteered over spring or winter break each year as part of an Alternative Break Program. I love ethnic food, traveling, and sightseeing. I aim to visit six of the seven continents (Antarctica may have to wait…) before I’m 30. My friends and family are my world, and I’m excited to expand that circle of friends in the next chapter of my life with the Orr Fellowship!

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I’m excited for the networking opportunities the Fellowship will provide. The Fellowship seems to provide the perfect transition into being a “real person,” and I am ready to experience that transition with 26 driven, intelligent, and outgoing college graduates!

What are your long-term career ambitions?
I see myself eventually working on the operations side of a nonprofit organization or for the foundation of a corporation.

What will your first role be at your host company?
I will spend a few months in the finance and accounting department, possibly rotating around the department. Eventually, I will be able to experience other departments as well.

Just the facts:

Obsessed with mixers/ice breakers/”camp games” and would lead those for a living if that were a real job! ;) Love the color pink. Rarely watch TV or movies, save Glee and DVDs of the show Friends. New favorite clothing item: my panda bear footed pajamas that I got in the children’s section at Target. Love the Kelley business school and IU. Generally optimistic and enthusiastic about everything I do. :)

2011 Orr Fellow: Kara Strass

Thursday, June 23, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Kara Strass

Alma Mater: University of Notre Dame

Major: Biology

Host Company: BioConvergence

Hometown: Huntington, IN

Bio:

I have loved my last four years at Notre Dame, and although I am super excited to start with the Orr Fellowship, I will be sad to leave the golden dome. I have become involved with a huge number of organizations on campus, and they have started to take over most of my time. I am the president of the Native American Student Association, and we have been working hard in the last few years to make Native issues known on our campus in addition to planning new events. I am also a Resident Assistant in my dorm, which is somewhat unique to ND as everyone lives in the same dorm for four years, so we have a great community of wonderful girls. I don't know that I can ever be not-involved in my community, so I am looking forward to the new opportunities that will come from moving to Bloomington.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I just happened upon the Orr Fellowship at our career fair, and the more that I learned about it, the more I realized that it was something that I could become passionate about. As a native hoosier, I am excited about trying to make Indiana a better place, and I think this program is definitely helping towards that goal. Meeting all the people who are involved in this fellowship really solidified my interest in the program, and I am excited to have such a great opportunity.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
Right now, it is still a possibility that I could end up in graduate school for an Ph.D. in biology. I am also really passionate about working with Native American people in the future, but I am not sure right now how that will play out.

What will your first role be at your host company?
Research and Development; Environmental Health and Safety

Just the facts:

In what little free time I have, I love dancing and hanging out with friends. I also love being in the outdoors, so I am super excited about living in southern Indiana. If anyone ever wants to go to a state park, go hiking, or canoeing I am your girl.

2011 Orr Fellow: Kelly Jones

Thursday, June 23, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Kelly Jones

Alma Mater: University of Notre Dame

Major: Marketing

Host Company: Aprimo

Hometown: St. Joseph, MI

Bio:
I have loved my experience at Notre Dame despite not really considering ND until fall of my senior year, when I visited on a whim and immediately fell for the beautiful campus). At school I am the President of Glass Club (where we get to play with glass by etching, lampworking, bead making, stained glass making, glass fusing, and slumping). Although academics and Glass Club take up a lot of my time, I always try to make time for other things I love, like cross country skiing, board games, soccer, and being outside. At home, my grandparents live down the driveway so I am able to spend a lot of time with them (it’s not unusual for us to play canasta for hours). I am the middle child between two brothers. We’re all extremely close, and spending time with my family and friends is important to me. I also love getting to know new people. I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Toledo, Spain. It was an amazing experience since travel and experiencing new cultures are two of my passions. I was able to experience the true Spanish culture thanks to my fantastic host family.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I am really excited to start my position at Aprimo and to be going to a city where I have a ready-made group of friends! I’m looking forward to learning a lot these next few years.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
I want to eventually start my own marketing or communications consulting company. I love branding, reputation management, and strategic marketing in general. I’ve also considered opening an ice-cream parlor when I retire.

What will your first role be at your host company?
This hasn’t fully been determined yet, but I know that I will be doing a rotation through different areas of the company while working in the marketing department.

Just the facts:

Having grown up on Lake Michigan, I can never get enough of the beach in any season (it is even gorgeous in the winter with all the ice formations on the sand and St. Joe’s pier). A few more of my favorite things are: word-based board games (Scrabble, Bananagrams, Scattergories, etc), Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, cozy blankets, hiking, sunsets, the Who, and spontaneous adventures like jumping in puddles for a midnight study break! But above all, I love to laugh.