15 Minutes with Allen Jenkins, 2013 AHS Grad
Interview by Bailey Bowers
What have you been up to since your graduation from Ada High School?
After high school, I chose to go to college at Bowling Green State University and pursue a business degree specializing in Accounting and Finance. Some people may be confused about the word specializing because most business schools don't have specializations. At BG, all business students earn a BS in Business Administration and then they chose to specialize in an area of business.
Why did you choose to attend Bowling Green State University?
I chose BGSU mostly because of its business program. Its national ranked and has international Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. I also choose to attend BG because during my tour there the people were extremely nice and everyone on campus is welcoming and respectful. I also choose BG because it’s the right distance away from home.
What do you find most interesting about studying business?
I find business interesting because you will find someone with a business degree in every industry from health care to education to the meat industry. Studying business allows you to experiment by being able to work in different industries and finding what fits you the best. It’s surprising how important business actually is for the world to run.
What is your ultimate career goal?
I really can't answer this because it changes every day. One day I want to become a top level executive for a company. Other days I want to go work for the government in the Department of Defense in their accounting department. I'm happy I don't know my ultimate career goal yet because not knowing lets me keep my mind open and take opportunities I wouldn't have taken if I had my mind set on a specific career.
Are you in any other organizations or clubs at BGSU? Are you considering study abroad?
This past semester I pledged and joined Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity. I am also a Peer Leader for the College of Business in which I have a group of 11 incoming freshmen who I keep in contact with over the summer and act as a mentor for their first year on campus. I am also planning on studying abroad my junior year in France where I will earn another degree in management.
Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?
“The best thing about life is that a single choice does not define us only a series of choices does. So don't be afraid to make bad choices because you get to choose to learn from them.” --Kelly Exeter
What has been your favorite college class so far? Why?
Business Administration 1500, which is an overview of business administration. It has been my favorite because the teacher I had was amazing. In college, your professor is sometimes more important than the class itself.
What has been the most difficult adjustment you’ve had to make to transition to life at college?
I would say the most difficult is living in a relatively tiny room with another person. In a college dorm you have no space where you can just get away from everyone. Or if you roommate doesn't clean up after themselves that becomes a whole other issue.
Are you a sports fan? What’s your favorite sport to watch or favorite teams to root for?
Not really. But I went to my first hockey match at BG and I would say I'm becoming a fan of hockey. Even though I still know nothing about hockey, it’s really entertaining and fast-paced.
Since you’re a business major, how would you pitch yourself in a few sentences?
This question is so important because it is the number one interview question. It isn't asked like this. Instead they ask "Tell me about yourself" and the interviewer doesn't want your life story. If I was interviewing for an internship I would say something along the lines of, “I may not have the most experience but I have the knowledge needed to complete the duties of this job. This job would also give me knowledge that I would never learn in the classroom. I would love to opportunity to learn while working for this company.”
Good answer! Thanks for talking with us, Allen.
