Chippewa Valley Times

Nickolette, a graduating finance major from Burlington, reflects on the practical relevance of her coursework at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her education in asset allocation and portfolio diversification became more meaningful as she connected her classes to real-world financial strategies. Her understanding of economic news has increasingly linked her academic experiences to national economic issues.

“I feel like it’s all coming full circle with how integrated everything is in my life,” she said. “It’s crazy to see how this all connects to what I have been learning.”

Her journey was not straightforward. Beginning with a 4.0 GPA, she struggled to comprehend the complex economic language used during Financial Management Association student meetings. “My freshman year, I didn’t fully understand what was going on,” Nickolette recalled. Over time, she became active, asking questions and engaging more fully, benefiting from her education and experiences on campus.

Dr. Pedro Sottile, professor of accounting and finance, described Nickolette as a dedicated student showing consistency in both academics and extracurricular activities. "Her proactive approach and ability to inspire her peers emphasize collaboration and a motivating environment," Sottile added.

She participated in UW-Eau Claire’s Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge, where her abilities in equity analysis and presentation shone. “She excelled in her analytical abilities and was particularly adept at mixing complex financial data into clear statements,” Sottile noted.

As a member of the FMA student organization, she'd served as treasurer and participated actively for two years. Her summer work experiences, including time at the Lake Geneva Cruise Line, contributed significantly to her growth in public speaking and professional readiness.

Nickolette expressed her appreciation for the support from the College of Business faculty and staff, highlighting the impactful relationships she built throughout her studies. She noted, “I love when I walk into Schneider Hall and my professors stop and talk to me. You don’t just feel like a number here. The professors know you.”

As Nickolette prepares for her professional journey, potentially as a financial analyst, these experiences are likely to influence her path in meaningful ways.