Chippewa Valley Times

Nickolette, a business finance major from Burlington, discusses her academic journey at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Throughout her studies, she has seen a growing connection between her coursework and real-world financial issues, such as asset allocation and portfolio diversification, which she learned through classes and campus organizations.

Reflecting on how her understanding has evolved, Nickolette states, "I feel like it’s all coming full circle with how integrated everything is in my life." She recalls her early days at the Financial Management Association (FMA) meetings, where she initially struggled with financial terminologies. "My freshman year, I didn’t fully understand what was going on," she says, adding how now she confidently participates in discussions.

Dr. Pedro Sottile, a professor of accounting and finance, praises Nickolette's dedication and balance between academics and extracurricular activities. He highlights her leadership on the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge team, noting her effective presentation skills and aptitude in turning complex data into clear communications.

Additionally, Nickolette has been actively involved with FMA and served annually as treasurer. Her role as a Campus Ambassador also helped improve her public speaking skills. Her summer job on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line, where she worked up to being a mailboat jumper, is another experience that boosted her confidence in speaking publicly.

Nickolette appreciates the supportive environment at UW-Eau Claire, particularly the relationships with faculty. "I love when I walk into Schneider Hall and my professors stop and talk to me," she remarks, emphasizing the unique student-professor connections at the university.

As she prepares to graduate with a perfect GPA, Nickolette reflects on how these experiences will aid her in her future career, possibly as a financial analyst. She expresses gratitude for the professors who have invested in her learning journey and considers the connection formed with them as a memorable part of her university life.