The Open Book Test Podcast with Alison Levey: Recent Episodes
Alison Levey
A former academic advisor reconnects with graduates of the Mendoza College of Business to discuss why they made the decisions they did as to major, career path etc. and together they reflect on how that all worked out. Life is the ultimate open book test, so you want to bring the best resources to the table. Let us help!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. At some point or another in our collective histories, I have had at least one conversation with each of my podcast guests about their mental health. Life is hard on our mental health and college, because it's full of so many firsts happening so far away from the support structures we've built to date, can be very hard on our mental health. Today I pull excerpts from my conversations with Genie Deez, Jake Bebar, and Dillon Bailey where they opened up about their challenges in college. This is certainly not a male only phenomenon but they are the three guests that were most specific on this topic when we recorded. They talk about experiencing anxiety, stress, overwhelm, low self-worth, and depression. They also reference the people and actions that helped. And, I put my advisor and mom hats on with a few thoughts on this very important subject.
Recommendations:
The Life Coaching School Podcast w/Brooke Castille
Atomic Habits by James Clear
It helps everyone's mental health to receive a sweet handwritten note from a favorite friend. And retail therapy? It's not a permanent fix but the boost is real. So please check out the pod's sponsors, Fire Stationery and Velvet & Vine, for all the smart stationery and cute clothing you need to create one bright spot in your day.
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This is episode 26, which is the halfway point of Year One for this podcast, and I have some thoughts. How many of us have sat in a meeting or watched a terrible movie and thought, "there's two hours I'll never get back?" I'm going to guess all of us in one fashion or another. So I'm taking ten minutes this week to share how my view of the content has changed a bit, why the episodes have gotten a bit longer and, most importantly, why I think this podcast is such a valuable investment of your time.
Please check out the pod's sponsors, Fire Stationery and Velvet & Vine, for all your graduation stationery and summer clothing needs.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey and please send any compliments, criticisms, suggestions or observations to me at openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com. If you've got good things to say, it'd be even better if you wrote those in an Apple review. 😉
Thank you!!
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Sofia likes the road less travelled. She's not one for the predetermined path no matter how attractive it might seem to others. That little bit of the rebel within led her to choose a major in Marketing which she felt gave her wide ranging options and didn't pin her down too early. But one chance meeting of the Marketing Club led to an enthusiastic pursuit of employment with Nielsen where she's learned a great deal about consumer behavior, measurement analytics, problem solving, and herself. Despite being a fan of the Myers Briggs and StrengthFinders assessments (mentioned on the pod before), it's possible Sofia didn't see her own strengths that were so obvious to everyone else. She talks about how she explored a variety of options, had some meaningful conversations, and debunked some misconceptions before she found a role she loves and where she can really shine.
Sofia's recommendations:
The Defining Decade by Meg Jay- a definite must read for all 20-somethings
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling - the subtitle says it all.
Find more on Sofia's background on her LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Velvet & Vine and follow them on Instagram to order unique and affordable finds for summer fun. You're cute, and your clothes should be, too.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Juan José Daboub wanted nothing more as a sophomore at ND than to major in finance and become a successful investment banker. By the time he was a senior, that wish list had altered slightly but he spent two exciting years at Goldman Sachs before transitioning to BCG as a strategy consultant. A true extrovert, Juan José built relationships everywhere he went and credits active participation in a variety of corporate sponsored case competitions with giving him connections. insights, and new skills -- not to mention a little bit of extra pocket cash, which every college student appreciates. There was no shortage of advice around what he MUST do in order to get the "right" job and Juan José says pay attention to that, BUT he also reminds you to pay attention to what's most important to you and make sure that the MUSTs of the job search don't get in the way of the MUSTs you've identified for your college experience. In the end, it's all about balance and having a solid strategy.
Juan José's recommendation:
How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton M. Christensen - a great resource to help you figure out what matters most to you and find perspective when it comes to the balance between your work and personal lives.
Find more on Juan José's background on his LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Fire Stationery and follow them on Instagram @firestationery. Mother's Day is right around the corner and Fire Stationery has lovely notecard sets to gift your mom and/or they will handwrite your personal message in a card and mail it to her for you. ❤️
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Business Analytics (BAN) was a brand new option when Lauren transferred into Mendoza at the start of her sophomore year. There were no upperclassmen to ask about the coursework or job prospects so it was a bit of a leap of faith. Still, Lauren liked the BAN pitch, and felt it would give her a breadth of knowledge and skills that included bits of all the majors and played to her strengths. And, having spent her first year in the College of Arts & Letters, it was a no-brainer to combine her new business curriculum with more of the Psychology classes she'd fallen in love with. That combination makes her a natural as a consultant with West Monroe but certainly wasn't where she thought she was headed when she made that major decision. Experiential classes, an on campus consulting job, and a disciplined approach to school, gave Lauren exactly what she needed to find her niche.
Lauren's recommendations:
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb, and a second vote for:
Guy Raz: How I Built This Podcast - just a wealth of stories about companies you love and founders who floundered and make it all seem a little more possible for the rest of us.
Recommended by Prof. Carl Ackermann for whom Lauren was a TA: Personal Finance for Dummies by Eric Tyson.
Find more on Lauren's background on her LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Velvet & Vine and follow them on Instagram to order unique and affordable finds for your 2021 wardrobe. You're cute, and your clothes should be, too.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Where to begin? When I met Eugene Staples, I knew immediately that he was a high energy, highly entertaining young man with many talents, ideas and dreams. I did not imagine that he'd pursue degrees in Marketing, Film, and Religion and create his own brand, Genie Deez, that is both a person and a multi-media company. And all before his 30th birthday. We talk about early struggles and why he's drawn to constant learning in both structured and organic ways every day. He explains the crazy work ethic that he credits to four years on the drumline with the ND Marching Band and how it's not magic, but people sometimes see it that way. Genie is a modern Renaissance man working hard to live a good life, make scholarship accessible, and contribute to important conversations in ways that engage, inspire, and surprise. This is one of those conversations - don't miss it.
Genie's recommendations:
YouTube - learn anything and everything. Start with Genie's own channel.
The Internet Movie Script Database - IMSDb - read the scripts of your favorite movies.
Find more on Genie's background and current projects on his website and then connect with him through his various social media accounts linked there.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Fire Stationery and follow them on Instagram @firestationery.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
It was her roommate's positive engineering internship and an invite to a great tailgate that put GE Healthcare on Madison's radar. But it was her curiosity and enthusiasm that got her in front of the right person to be considered for the Financial Management Program (FMP) and gave her two years rotating through a wide variety of options in the world of corporate finance at the start of her career. As a strong student who was still a bit unsure what exactly she wanted to do in the vast expanse of "finance," Madison sought out rotational programs that would show her many different facets in a relatively short period of time. Managing the men's swim team at ND didn't leave her a lot of time for other extra-curriculars, but she's very clear that the experience gave as much to her as she put into it and allowed her to stay close to a sport that she loved. The Saturday of our conversation she'd gotten up at 5 am to go swim -- an activity she views as exercise, stress relief, and a habit that grounds her. That kind of dedication shows up at work too, and opens lots of doors.
Madison's recommendations:
The Morning Brew - Madison subscribed after guest Heather Eaton recommended it and now she's hooked.
The Old Man and the Three podcast - JJ Reddick & Tommy Alter talk basketball, current events and interview some big names in the NBA, entertainment and political worlds.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive documentary on Netflix - Racing is big business and there's lots to learn from this deep dive into the unique world of Formula 1.
Find more on Madison's background on her LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Velvet & Vine and follow them on Instagram to order unique and affordable finds for your 2021 wardrobe. You're cute, and your clothes should be too.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Today we are talking about the benefit of the deep dive...but maybe not in the way you think.
Please check out the pod's sponsors, Fire Stationery and Velvet & Vine, for all your smart stationery and cute clothing needs.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey and please send any compliments, criticisms, suggestions or observations to me at openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com. If you've got good things to say, it'd be even better if you wrote those in an Apple review. 😉
Thank you!!
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
When he graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in Management Consulting, Tony didn't envision a journey through real estate to healthcare and, ultimately, his own start-up. But his natural inclination to jump at opportunities has put him in some interesting spaces and places. And whether he's standing in a NY high rise or a church parking lot in full PPE administering Covid tests, Tony feels well prepared to tackle the challenges thanks to a solid grounding in business and a strong EQ. His start-up, InHealth, has been literally on the front lines of the fight against Covid, first in Chicago and now also in Tampa. Tony gives us a great explanation of both the complicated medical and business issues that confound the health care space during a pandemic. Despite confidently pivoting to something completely new more than once, Tony also shares that it took him a minute to find his "why" in college, but that can make all the difference. He must be doing something right as he was recently named to the Forbes Next 1000.
Tony's recommendations:
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates
Any bios of CEOs that pique your curiosity to learn what, how, and why they do what they do.
Find more on Tony's background on his LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Fire Stationery and follow them on Instagram @firestationery to play along with their own version of March Madness. Which city color will triumph? You can help decide the winner and see so many great stationery options while you play!
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Jamie's athletic side has always been a big part of her life whether she was playing, coaching or caring for athletes as a sports trainer. So maybe it shouldn't have surprised any of us when Jamie decided junior year to switch everything up so she could coach and teach back at her old high school. It was not an easy transition but training to be a teacher taught her at least as much about herself as it did about math and teaching methods. That created a second "AHA" moment and another shift to a career in banking that is dynamic and ever-changing in ways she finds exciting. There were easier paths certainly but Jamie wouldn't trade this one.
Jamie's recommendation:
Simon Sinek: Start with Why - Website & TedTalk (I forgot this was a repeat until we were done recording but it is so good that it definitely deserves a second mention)
Find more on Jamie's background on her LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Velvet & Vine and follow them on Instagram to order unique and affordable finds for your 2021 wardrobe. You're cute, and your clothes should be, too.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Prior to starting grad school, Demetrius Murphy looked like he'd followed a fairly traditional path from a Management Consulting major to Advisory Services at PwC. But at no point was his path conventional. Rather, the right word might be contextual. Demetrius always viewed his dreams and options through the context of his whole life, not just his school or work life. And, as is often the case, the threads for where he is now were woven throughout his story right from the beginning. As a sociology PhD student now, he's still very interested in business, but his interests lie primarily in issues and ideas that, frankly, weren't part of his business education. He's clear that his business degree prepared him well for corporate America, but he's looking to prepare corporate America for more. Don't miss this conversation. It will make you think AND feel.
Demetrius's recommendations:
The Death of Ivan Ilyich - a novella by Leo Tolstoy
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe- you may have read it in high school but it's worth a reread with a little more life experience under your belt.
In the interest of time, I had to cut out Demetrius's what to watch recommendations but put these on your list: Watchmen, Lovecraft Country, & Industry (on HBO and about IBanking).
Find more on Demetrius's background on his LinkedIn profile.
I've referenced these a couple times as a great resource but if you want to see what a plan of study looks like, check it out here. You can adapt it for any major or any school.
Check out the pod's sponsor Velvet & Vine and follow them on Instagram to order unique and affordable finds for your 2021 wardrobe. Now's the perfect opportunity, because Velvet & Vine is offering Open Book Test listeners 21% off their first order! Simply use code OPENBOOK21 at checkout. You're cute, and your clothes should be, too.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Annie is happily eating her words from college when she swore she'd never get an MBA, although she did add a quick caveat for HBS, which is where she happily landed in the fall of 2019. A 2015 Mendoza grad with a degree in Finance, Annie considered a variety of finance and consulting roles before landing at HBSC and then Golub Capital. She's back on the job market with another graduation this May, but she's focused on a variety of different factors as she carefully chooses her next step this time. Along the way she's learned that, while important, her job doesn't have to be the center of her life or the main source of happiness. Annie also shares her takes on the state of diversity in the world of finance, the importance of finding your support group, and numerous small, practical tips for making the most of your connections.
Annie's recommendations:
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - evergreen advice
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi- a slightly cringey but very worthwhile read
Other resources mentioned in our conversation:
Irish Compass - a great networking resource for Notre Dame students and alumni.
Poets & Quants for MBA programs and Poets & Quants for Undergrad business programs
Find more on Annie's background on her LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Fire Stationery and follow them on Instagram @firestationery to play along with their own version of March Madness. Which city color will triumph? You can help decide the winner and see so many great stationery options while you play!
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Raise your hand if a well-meaning adult has ever told you that the secret to success was simply to follow your passion. I talk in this episode about why that's my least favorite piece of advice. It's really not all that helpful since it's decidedly not specific and often, it only serves to create additional anxiety. And if you don't believe me, I love what Liz Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love and City of Girls) has to say on the subject. In this first clip, she explains that there are two kinds of people, jackhammers & hummingbirds, and the world needs both -- so embrace your natural state! Listen to the episode to find out which one I am. She goes on to explain why she stopped being a passion bully. She says exactly what I think many of us need to hear regularly to remember to breathe and keep moving forward. I also loved her book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.
Please check out the pod's sponsors, Fire Stationery and Velvet & Vine, for all your smart stationery and cute clothing needs.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey and please send any compliments, criticisms, suggestions or observations to me at openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com. If you've got good things to say, it'd be even better if you wrote those in an Apple review. 😉
Thank you!!
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Like so many of our guests, Jake Bebar didn't know what he wanted to major in when he started college. He actively tried a lot of different things, including jumping out of business at one point, before realizing that business can be a true force for good. He chose Management Consulting as a major and landed, almost by accident, in the healthcare industry, despite no healthcare background, specific knowledge, or, frankly, intrinsic interest. But he loves the shared sense of purpose and the matrix model of management and, at Epic, he's grown into the kind of manager he always hoped to be. Jake showed up well prepared having helped start and run JIFFI, a not-for-profit student run organization that offers an alternative to payday loans in South Bend. He's also a big proponent of the power of journaling and very intentionally choosing lifelong advisors.
Jake's recommendation:
The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life by Edith Eger - focus on you first
Another rec from Alison:
The 5 Book: Where Will You be Five Years from Today? by Dan Zadra - a great book if you need a little structure for your journaling and a wonderful grad gift for HS or college (highly recommended by Prof. Chris Stephens at ND).
Find more on Jake's background on his LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Fire Stationery and follow them on Instagram @firestationery to see and order their beautifully designed notecards and sign up for their new subscription packages.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
As he entered college, Steven was looking for a major that would both challenge him and set him on a path toward a fruitful career. He interned in corporate finance and as an equity research analyst before determining that consulting was the collaborative, team based environment in which he would thrive. He learned that succeeding isn’t the same as thriving, however, and was always taking stock of where he was and, more importantly, where else he might go. Inertia is often what keeps us in a perfectly good place instead of seeking out the next great thing. Ultimately, he jumped to direct to consumer retail, even changing jobs in the middle of a pandemic. Whether he’s selling cowboy boots or soft kitchen goods (and Covid masks), he makes sure to surround himself with good people and trusts that his education and training will continue to serve him well in any environment.
Steven's recommendations:
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - evergreen advice
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
And check out Hedley & Bennett for the best apron you'll ever buy.
Find more on Steven's background on his LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Velvet & Vine and follow them on Instagram to order unique and affordable finds for your 2021 wardrobe. Now's the perfect opportunity because Velvet & Vine is offering Open Book Test listeners 21% off their first order! Simply use code OPENBOOK21 at checkout. You're cute, and your clothes should be, too.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Velvet & Vine
A small clothing boutique full of unique items. Because you're cute & your clothes should be too.
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Colleen Spelder came to ND for all the reasons that matter most but with no firm idea where to put her considerable energy in terms of an actual major. She ultimately picked Information Technology Management (ITM) and took those hard skills, upon graduation in 2015, into a rotational development program at Abbott. The company slogan is Life. To the Fullest. and that could be Colleen's personal motto as well. Those first two years as a working professional gave her marvelously rich and diverse experiences and set the stage for everything that followed. Along the way she also dove deep into the worlds of social entrepreneurship and sustainability, which have shaped her both professionally and personally. There were also big opportunities and weighty mentors, but one of my favorite stories is how a little post-it note gave her the clarity she needed to make a really big decision.
Colleen's recommendations:
The Defining Decade by Meg Jay - best thing she read in her 20s
Thrive: The Third Metric for Redefining Success… by Arianna Huffington
Anything by Brene Brown
Find more on Colleen's background on her LinkedIn profile. Blog Links: Irish Impact blog - on social entrepreneurship at Notre Dame and A Summer at Stella Maris - all about working for a social enterprise in Mailisita, Tanzania.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Fire Stationery and follow them on Instagram @firestationery to see and order their beautifully designed notecards.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Notre Dame was Cam's first choice for college but, in a trend that would continue, the choice was somewhat made for him due to a lack of other options. So, although his path was often defined by NOT getting exactly what he thought he wanted, he ultimately found something that kept his attention and curiosity so much that he decide to pursue it all the way to a PhD in Business Information Technology. This is not something a lot of business students consider but can be a very attractive option for all the reasons Cam shares. We also talk a little bit about the Myers-Briggs test (free option here) and how a deeper understanding of your personality can help you be more comfortable with decisions that feel like they are coming a little bit out of left field but make perfect sense to those who know you well.
Cam's recommendations:
The Joe Rogan Experience - #podcastgoals
SmartLess - featuring Cam’s Idol Jason Bateman, Will Arnett & Sean Hayes -- this podcast is funny and informative
Designing Your Life - Cam got a taste of this at ND but it's based on a favorite class at the Stanford d school.
Also recommended by Alison:
The Beautiful No by Sheri Salata - Oprah's Executive Producer shares the sliding door moments that changed her life and led her to her dream job.
StrengthsFinder - focus your energy toward your biggest strengths to maximize growth
Find more on Cam's background on his LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor Velvet & Vine and follow them on Instagram to order unique and affordable finds for your 2021 wardrobe. Now's the perfect opportunity because Velvet & Vine is offering Open Book Test listeners 21% off their first order! Simply use code OPENBOOK21 at checkout. You're cute, and your clothes should be, too.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
A recurring theme from the January episodes is the idea of understanding your "why." This month's guests would agree that they didn't have a clear picture of their whole future, but they understood why they were making the choices they did at the time. So today, I share a little bit more of my background and how it led me to this place where I feel passionately about helping the next gen figure it out - at least better than I did. I'm a bit of a cautionary tale but I don't think my story is so different from those of many of the students I advised over the years.
Alison's recommended reading:
Five Whys Analysis
Please check out the pod's sponsors, Fire Stationery and Velvet & Vine, for all your smart stationery and cute clothing needs.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey
After two months of "figuring it out" myself, I'd love to have some feedback on how the content of these conversations is landing with my audience. Please send any compliments, criticisms, suggestions or observations to me at openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Brittany Sanok graduated from Notre Dame in 2016 with majors in English and Economics — so what is she doing on a business focused podcast? Turns out, students from all majors end up working in, wait for it, businesses. She just took one of the many and varied paths into a career, with Huron Consulting in her case. Brittany actually started as a business major, but made a shift sophomore year when the curriculum didn’t really speak to her. A bit of exposure gave her a few valuable skills and, most importantly, the confidence to suit up and attend the career fair and the many info sessions offered throughout the year. I particularly love her takes on teamwork and listening. True collaboration can be a real gamechanger as you move through college and into a career.
Brittany's recommendations:
When Breath Becomes Air by Dr. Paul Kalanithi - a moving memoir with so many great reflections on what it means to live a good life
Find more on Brittany's background on her LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's sponsor, Fire Stationery, and follow them on Instagram @firestationery to see and order their beautifully designed notecards.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Kristina chose the very popular Finance major but then surprised everyone with a career path that was anything but typical when she graduated in 2013 and went into sales at General Mills. A self-described people person who bubbles over with genuine curiosity, Kristina asked a lot of questions of everyone she met and really listened to the answers. Her on campus jobs with the Career Center and as a campus ambassador for General Mills gave her more than pocket money. She discovered opportunities that might not otherwise have hit her radar and found clarity around what was going to be a good fit for her. From General Mills to Kodiak Cakes, Kristina continues to be intrigued by the challenges and opportunities in the food industry. Turns out there are numbers and problems to be solved everywhere, so find the ones you most want to play with!
Kristina's recommendations:
The Skimm - a daily news newsletter that’s a lot informative and a little irreverent
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett - Named a best book of 2020 by the NYT
Find more on Kristina's background on her LinkedIn profile. And listen to the Guy Raz interview with Joel Clark to hear the origin story of Kodiak Cakes.
Please check out the pod's new sponsor Velvet & Vine and follow them on Instagram to order unique and affordable finds for your 2021 wardrobe. Now's the perfect opportunity because Velvet & Vine is offering Open Book Test listeners 21% off their first order! Simply use code OPENBOOK21 at checkout. You're cute, and your clothes should be, too.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Matt majored in accounting in the classroom but got an education from Bookstore Basketball, and sports in general, from the sidelines. He spent five years at ND, graduating with a Masters of Science in Accountancy (MSA) in 2014, before joining Deloitte’s Audit team full-time in his hometown of St. Louis. So yes, he went from Mendoza to Deloitte, one of the Big 4 Accounting firms, which is a fairly common path for an Accounting major but, as he explains, the experience doesn’t have to be common - there’s lots of room for growth, variety, and new challenges. He says that accounting just always made sense to him and he was drawn to the flexibility, the stability and, ultimately, the people who have made it such a rewarding career.
Matt's recommendations:
Invest Like the Best Podcast - his other favorite podcast
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (founder of Nike) - A relatable book for business and life by another accountant who loves basketball!
Find more on Matt's background on his LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's new sponsor Fire Stationery and follow them on Instagram @firestationery to see and order their beautifully designed notecards.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Cate's love of story and storytelling led her to a major in Marketing at Notre Dame but has also been the thread that she's actively sought out through a variety of roles in her career. One big, bold, very public pitch (followed by one audacious answer) led to a seven year, multi-role stint with the NFL. From there, she moved to McKinsey & Co., proving that you don't have to be on a particular path from the very beginning and can make career shifts as long as you're willing to put in the work (and tempt fate by inviting your fiancé into the process). In her current role as the Chief of Staff to the CEO, Foxtel Group, Cate is literally right there as the important conversations are being had and the big decisions are being made. Listen in to hear why that doesn't phase her in the least.
Cate's recommendation:
The What A Day podcast - a fast, funny introduction to the day's news
Find more on Cate's background on her LinkedIn profile.
Please check out the pod's new sponsor Velvet & Vine and follow them on Instagram to order unique and affordable finds for your 2021 wardrobe. Now's the perfect opportunity because Velvet & Vine is offering Open Book Test listeners 21% off their first order! Simply use code OPENBOOK21 at checkout. You're cute, and your clothes should be, too.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
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Here's a new feature of the podcast. Each month we'll have a HIGHLIGHTER EDITION where I expand on a couple of the key themes that have come up in that month’s conversations. It's just a quick way for me to reinforce some really important concepts and advice while offering a few more resources and insights into the college experience as seen through the lens of an advisor who has met with thousands of students. But let me be clear, this is meant to be "in addition to" not "instead of" listening to the weekly conversations with my awesome guests. There is so much more than I can recapture in twenty minutes. It's just a little bonus from me to you!
Alison's recommended reading:
You Majored in What? by Katharine Brooks
Please check out the pod's new sponsor Fire Stationery and follow them on Instagram @firestationery to see and order their beautifully designed notecards.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
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Once upon a time, in a letter nominating Taylor for a significant leadership award (which she got btw), I wrote “if we could harness her energy, we could light a city.” And that hasn’t changed. Taylor’s enthusiasm is contagious and her students are incredibly lucky to have her leading, guiding, and growing right along side them. She’s a born teacher, but that career decision was a surprise pivot during her sophomore year as she was choosing a major in Management Consulting. And before you go thinking that a high school teacher can't teach you a lot about how best to navigate both a business degree and a business career, think again. I'm not sure she's even read it, but Taylor takes pages right out of one of my favorite books - Drive: The Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink. According to Dan, the three underlying keys to being truly motivated are Autonomy, Mastery & Purpose and those three things are at the heart of Taylor's journey.. Find out how to make them the center of your journey as well by listening to Taylor (and then reading Drive). You'll be glad you did.
Taylor's recommendation:
Guy Raz: How I Built This Podcast
Find more on Taylor's background on her LinkedIn profile. As I mentioned in this episode, LinkedIn has been especially helpful for reconnecting with the alumni that I wanted to be guests on the show. Make connections early and broadly - you never know who will be helpful to you or might need your help in the future. Be ready to be there!
Please check out the pod's new sponsor Fire Stationery and follow them on Instagram @firestationery to see and order their beautifully designed notecards.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, The Highlighter Edition, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Luke Vandertie is a member of Mendoza's first graduating class with a major in Business Analytics (2019). Luke and I got to know each other, however, because he didn't start at ND in the College of Business so he had to fit a lot in to meet his 4-year graduation goal. At every juncture, Luke has been diligent in pursuit of his goals and has definitely done his homework. But he admits that sometimes there are blindspots and opportunities that just weren't on his radar so it's important to ask the right questions and continue to evaluate whether you're on the right path. There's no single right path, of course, but some are a better fit than others. Luke was also able to use what he was learning in the classroom in real time which consistently reinforced that he enjoyed this type of work, was good at it and the world needed it...three circles from the Ikigai diagram I described in my intro. After graduation he was able to add the fourth circle -- get paid to do it -- so he's on a roll!
Luke's recommendation:
Simon Sinek: Start with Why - Website & TedTalk
Find more on Luke's background on his LinkedIn profile.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
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This week's guest is Dillon Bailey. Dillon graduated in 2011 with a major in Information Technology Management (ITM) and is now Director and Founder of his own web design firm, Honest Fox. Dillon's college journey started out traditionally enough with deep family connections to and love for Notre Dame that made it a no-brainer to say yes when he was accepted. A long-standing curiosity around computers made ITM an easy choice and a good fit. But life is what happens when we are busy making other plans and sometimes you just have to follow your gut even when the path isn't as clearly defined. Dillon himself is an honest fox and shares that his decisions often went against his natural inclinations toward perfectionism and caused him no shortage of anxiety in the process. But also that he learned from every experience and would do it all again in pursuit of fulfilling work and a happy life.
Dillon's recommendation: Radical Candor
Find more on Dillon:
His LinkedIn profile
Honest Fox Web Design and Digital Agency
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
My first interview is with 2014 grad, Heather Eaton, whose current day job is Co-Founder & CEO at Frankly. Majoring in Management Consulting gave her the skills to land a great job with Deloitte Consulting fresh out of ND, but also served her well as she pivoted into grad school and then as she built and launched her first startup. Heather is naturally driven, but shares that the drivers have shifted a bit over time as she's learned from her own experience and honed in on what motivates and intrigues her. She's a keen observer and all about helping you manage expectations and get clarity sooner in your journey. She recommends paying attention to where you get your energy - and then doing more of THAT! And not just at work --Heather also gets extra credit on the OBT for something she definitely didn't learn in a business class -- she's a master at creating beautiful charcuterie trays that make her everyone’s favorite to host the next gathering. Because really, nothing builds a stronger bond than sharing a fancy cheese plate.
Heather's recommended resources:
The Morning Brew - a daily short dose of business news
The Daily Podcast - just 20 mins to be an aware global citizen
The 2-Hour Job Search - read & succeed at finding your dream job
Find more on Heather:
Her LinkedIn profile
Her new startup clothing company: Frankly
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey. If you have questions that you'd like me to answer on the monthly bonus episode, send them to openbooktestpodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
Alison takes ten minutes to introduce herself and explain her why behind launching this podcast. She also answers these burning questions: WHO should listen? WHAT will you hear? and WHY should you listen to EVERY episode regardless of your future plans? And as an added fun fact, she tells you all about her favorite Japanese concept of Ikigai. That's worth a couple minutes all on it's own.
Find more on Alison @ https://linktr.ee/alisonlevey.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)
So many great conversations happened in my office when I was an academic advisor at Notre Dame. Lots of aha moments, laughter and the occasional tear, if I'm honest. Now you can be a fly on the wall and learn from those who are just a few years ahead of you. It's just a conversation, and it's open book, so no pressure and no stress. Join us on December 1st and every week after that to learn about resources and ideas you didn't even know you didn't even know.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AlisonLevey)