Page 2 - Fellowship Program

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.

2011 Orr Fellow: Kevin Dick

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Kevin Dick

Alma Mater: Purdue University

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Host Company: BioConvergence

Hometown: Peru, IN

Bio:
I have been blessed by a wonderful support group of family and friends. I grew up as the oldest-middle child in a family of 4 boys and came to Purdue for engineering. Have had an fantastic 4 years and been fortunate to meet incredible people all over campus but specifically through Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Purdue Engineering Student Council. Looking forward to the next step, and excited to find out His plan for my life.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
My interest in the Orr Fellowship began after being directed to the website by a current Fellow and reading about the program and its Fellows. The more I learned about the program the more I liked it. The emphasis on people struck a chord with me, and I was so impressed by the current Orr Fellows that I knew I had to pursue it.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
I hope to combine my passion for engineering and learning with a love of people and relationships and follow it wherever it takes me.

What will your first role be at your host company?
Working on a supply chain project as well as managing a few client accounts.

Just the facts:

Stereotypical engineer - enjoy taking gadgets apart and trying to fix things. Boilermakers, Georgia Bulldogs, and Colts fan. Enjoy listening to country music and roadtrips. Lifelong goal is to retire to a farm somewhere and serve on the local schoolboard. Love working out and any kind of competitive sports, except swimming (mostly because I can't do anything besides doggie paddle). Food lover and blame engineering for my coffee addiction.

2011 Orr Fellow: Kyle Rawn

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Kyle Rawn

Alma Mater: Rose-Hulman

Major: Chemical Engineering

Host Company: Fifth Gear

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Bio:
I was born and raised in Indianapolis. I am looking forward to graduating and heading to Southern Europe after graduation. My passion is lifting weights and cooking, both of which I am ready to begin doing every day. I love the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, backpacking, mountain biking and scuba diving are things I enjoy but I am always looking for the next challenge.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I was in an entrepreneurial class and the professor was always promoting the Orr Fellowship. When career fair came around I spoke with a Fellow and really felt that the experience was very unique, especially for engineers. I thought it would separate me from my peers and allow me to challenge myself as an individual. I understand engineering well, but do not understand how business, marketing, and finance play into finished product. I was also excited for the opportunity to be around others working similar goals as myself. Finally, I saw the opportunity to take on more than a beginning engineer role would offer me.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
I see myself going back to a large pharmaceutical company after my two years with the Fellowship. During that time I see myself beginning a nutrition company. I also see myself getting actively involved in politics and potentially serving at some level. When I am satisfied with what I have done in business and politics, I see myself starting a small quaint restaurant and retiring on a farm.

What will your first role be at your host company?
I believe I will begin by distribution mapping the 400,00 square foot warehouse in Missouri. During this time I also ook forward to bringing new clients on board and learning more about the technology.

Just the facts:

Playing guitar and listening to music is relaxing. Cooking and working out eliminates stressing. I can’t wait to graduate and travel.

2011 Orr Fellow: Maggie Voelker

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Maggie Voelker
Alma Mater: Miami University (Ohio)
Major: Kinesiology & Health, Business Management & Organizaitons
Host Company: One Click Internet Ventures
Hometown: Mishawaka, IN

Bio:
I don't half-ass (sorry, bad word) anything. Even when I say I don't care and I'm just "throwing things together," I'm not. As with all Fellows, I'm a passionate learner and a diligent worker. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories. I tend to strike up conversations (whether people want to talk to me or not) just about everywhere. I'm a health-nut and love to be active...and then relaxing with a movie afterwards. I love the beach, concerts, cooking, traveling, sporting events and spending time with family and friends.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
The Fellowship, and work at an entrepreneurial company, is all about collaboration, teamwork, and exceeding expectations. I share these characteristics and loved the idea of being a part of something greater than myself.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
Good question! I hope to combine my interests in science and business, with my passion for people and relationships. If anyone has suggestions...send them my way.

What will your first role be at your host company?
Working on the Organic Marketing Team for my first few months at One Click.

Just the facts:
Dogs>Cats
Chocolate>Vanilla
Blonde>Brown
Wine>Beer
Phone>Text
Coke>Pepsi
Harry Potter>Twilight
Cake>Pie
Facebook>Twitter
Miami of Ohio...no comparison.

2011 Orr Fellow: Margaret Musgrave

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Margaret Musgrave

Alma Mater: DePauw University

Major: Classical Studies

Host Company: Scale Computing

Hometown: Evansville, IN

Bio:
I am hyper organized and slightly obsessive about being on time--two things that I can't figure out are good or bad things! ;) I love DePauw and I am bittersweet about graduating, but that just means I get to be an Orr Fellow! At DePauw, I write a cooking column for our independent school newspaper The DePauw, and I am also a DJ on our radio station WGRE. I love to run and work out, but I have absolutely no upper body strength--but hopefully the archery classes I'm currently taking will help with that! I also love challenges and pushing myself to the limit in almost all aspects of life. And as a Classics major, I had the wonderful opportunity to work on an archaeological dig last summer in Kenchreai, Greece.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
I wanted to be an Orr Fellow because of the strong relationships, both professional and personal, that are developed over the two years, and the amount of hands-on business experience obtained. I loved that everyone in the Orr Fellowship challenged themselves to think and act to the best of their ability everyday, and that giving back to the community was a significant part of the Fellowship.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
I'm really not quite sure just yet, and I hope the experience that I gain by being an Orr Fellow will help me choose my path!

Just the facts:

I am really not an outdoors-y person--seriously, camping to me is probably something along the lines of getting a hotel room next to the state park ;) Other than that, I love reading and going to the movies!

2011 Orr Fellow: Mark Rees

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Mark Rees

Alma Mater: Indiana University

Major: Economic Consulting, Public Policy, and Entrepreneurship

Host Company: Slingshot SEO

Hometown: Fishers, IN

Bio:
I'm a classic achiever (note: this is different than an "over-achiever"). I do things just because they exist and I subscribe to a "go big or go home" philosophy. I'm the second child in a family of six and also want to have a big family someday. I'm currently engaged to the most beautiful woman in the world, Megan, who is also my high school sweetheart. I love learning and being challenged; if I'm not challenged enough I will devise my own hurdles just so I can jump over them.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
Every time I learned more about the Fellowship I felt a stronger fit in the organization. Everything anyone told me about their experiences excited me. I've been told countless times creating a network will be critical to my success; the Orr Fellowship was instant access to a huge network of people who shared my goals and interests.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
Eventually I want to start and run my own business. I don't have any details about what exactly I want to do because I don't know yet. I want to gain as much experience as I can and then when a good opportunity arises I will be able to use what I have learned to capitalize on it.

What will your first role be at your host company?
I will be working to develop and measure the marketing strategy at Slingshot SEO. I will implement Marketo, an extension of Salesforce.com and use tools to measure the effectiveness of marketing.

Just the facts:

I love cycling and running. This year I will be riding in the Little 500 at IU. In the summer months I run a landscaping business I started when I was 17. I occasionally race my 99 z28 (full suspension mods and headers), but recently I've placed a higher priority on bike races than car races.

2011 Orr Fellow: Mitch Causey

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Mitch Causey

Alma Mater: Indiana Wesleyan University

Major: Marketing & Business Administration + some Computer Graphics

Host Company: Slingshot SEO

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Bio:

I love, live and breath SEO - that's why I'm so glad to be placed at Slingshot SEO. I'm engaged to my high school sweetheart (getting married June 18th). I really don't have much of a life outside of my fiance, work and trying to make more money online... it's a vicious, but wonderful cycle.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
Choosing to be a part of the Fellowship was a pretty "DUH" decision. As soon as I heard about the incredible opportunities we would be given, the fact that it is Indy-based and the special access to executives shot the Fellowship to the top of my job hunt.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
My long-term goals for my career are to simply continue to grow and push myself to the next level. I love a good challenge and view the Fellowship as one. I would love to start / continue my own business and see where that leads. Multiple streams of income is pretty much a must for me ever since reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad" so I love to stay busy and have a multi-tracked mind.

What will your first role be at your host company?
I am currently an SEO Consultant for Slingshot SEO. That includes analyzing websites and forming strategies to make them perform better in search engines.

Just the facts:

Engaged, IWU grad, 22, SEO, 5'8", loving life as an Orr Fellow.

2011 Orr Fellow: Sally Reasoner

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 by Fellow Stories

Name: Sally Reasoner

Alma Mater: DePauw University

Major: Political Science

Host Company: FinishMaster

Hometown: Columbus, OH

Bio:
I am a dedicated individual who values personal relationships above all else. Although, like most of you noted I too can get consumed in my work, I try to always remember those most important to me. I like to be busy and find my friends and family to be the smartest people I know and try to learn from them whenever possible.

I am a political science major and have very little knowledge of/experience with business, so i look forward to learning a whole heck of a lot in the next two years!

Also, if you are in for a good ole' political debate, I am always ready.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Orr Fellowship?
In all honesty, I remember getting an email from Kate and thinking what the heck, I will keep my options open and submit a resume - what could it hurt? Well, a few months later here I am! The more I learned about the Fellowship the more my interest grew and I am thrilled to be embarking on such a wonderful opportunity.

What are your long-term career ambitions?
I hope to eventually enter into a career in state politics/policy, but who knows!

What will your first role be at your host company?
Not sure yet, but am thinking finance - and boy do I have a lot to learn!