Meet: Ryan Schmudlach, ’08
The ECDO profiles alumni to give students an idea of career options with an economics major and provide more information on our alumni. Click here for all alumni profiles.
UW Degree and Year: B.S. Economics, 2008
Current Position: Owner
Company: Wisconsin Canoe Company
City, State: Spring Green, WI
Can you please give us a short description of what you do?
I run a company that provides kayak and canoe rental outfitting and shuttle services on the Lower Wisconsin River just west of Madison.
Why did you pursue this career?
My life revolves around being able to get outside and go backpacking, mountain biking, skiing, etc so I’ve always wanted to end up combining my degree in economics with the outdoor recreation industry, but I just didn’t know how to do it. I actually fell into this career almost by accident; it started when I led canoe trips with the UW Basecamp program, came back the next summer to work with the outfitter we had used, and then broke off the next year to start my own operation.
What is your favorite part of your job? Least favorite?
Favorite part? The people. Least favorite? The people. I get the opportunity to meet a lot of different people from all over the midwest that do a lot of different things (I once put an astronaut on the river), however, there’s always a number of people you run into that make you wonder how they function in society. Regardless, the fact that I get to have 15-30 minute conversations with thousands of people all summer, and the other 7 months of the year to recover, is hard to beat.
How are you using your economics major in your current position?
It comes in to play everyday, from understanding your customers and how they make their buying decisions to finding that perfect equilibrium between supply and demand. Economics has so profoundly reshaped my understanding of the world and how I operate in it that I couldn’t begin to tell you how useful it’s been in creating and managing a company. There was always kind of a joke that just having an undergrad degree in economics made you a jack of all trades, master of none, but it turns out that that’s exactly what I needed.
Did you have any internships/relevant work experience while in college?
My internships came in the form of starting a few small businesses. At one point I was an owner of a Liberty Tax Franchise, and I still run a property management firm.
Where have you worked previously? And in what positions?
I’ve previously worked for Google as a Small Business Specialist and in my off seasons, I occasionally work for Fed Ex as a seasonal delivery driver (laugh if you want, but driving around the countryside delivering Christmas presents is surprisingly entertaining).
What do you miss most about UW?
I miss the sheer number of people that shared similar interests and had similar schedules to my own. This made it easy to pack up and explore hidden pieces of the world with friends. A big shout out goes to the UW Hoofers for that one.
Do you have any advice for current students?
If I’ve learned anything, it’s follow your passion, not the money. As soon as you realize your heart isn’t in it, cross that option off your list – your mental health will thank you for it, plus it’ll leave the door open to different opportunities you may otherwise overlook.
Countdown to the Career Fair – Day 5
The Economics Career Development Office will be posting tips each day until (and after!) the Spring 2012 Career Fair, held Tuesday, January 31st from 4:40-8pm. You can use these tips for the career fair but also as you start your career search or prepare for any interviews.
WHAT TO WEAR
Your attire is an important part of any career search and shows an employer that you are serious about the process. Your appearance is often the first thing an employer will notice. According to a study by Frank Bernieri, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Oregon State University, within the first 10 seconds of meeting your interviewer–otherwise known as the meet-and-greet–that person has decided whether or not you’re right for the job. Those who come across as polished and pulled together are quite simply more likely to be hired than those who are seen as putting in less effort. Make sure you give a positive impression!
You should dress business professional for every career-related event you attend both on and off campus. This includes the career fair, employer information sessions, networking trips with your student organization and interviews. It is always better to be over dressed than under dressed.
If you do not have a suit, buy or borrow one prior to the career fair. Make sure it is a well fit suit. Have it tailored. Take your suit to the dry cleaners if it’s been sitting at the bottom of your closet! Check carefully for any wrinkles, stains, rips or threads hanging.
What about your shoes? They should be shining and scuff free! For any male student I’ve met with you know my rant on your socks! DO NOT wear some big, bulky, white athletic socks with your suit. Trust me on this. You’ll thank me someday.
IMPORTANT: If you would wear an outfit out to a party or a bar, it is not appropriate for the career fair or any other professional situation!! Ladies – be careful of shirts cut too low, skirts cut too high and your belly showing.
Suit up! The only good thing you can learn from Barney Stinson is how to dress in a Legen…wait for it…Dary way.
If you have questions about any of the information provided you can contact Bethany Nelson, Career & Outreach Coordinator, at banelson2@wisc.edu, or stop in to 7329 Social Science!
Peer Advisor for Cross-College Advising Service
Looking for an exciting student job? Do you like to work with people? Are you excited about being a student on the UW-Madison campus?
Be a Peer Advisor for Cross-College Advising Service (CCAS)!
Description:
Cross-College Advising Service (CCAS) is the academic advising office for undecided/exploring undergraduate students. Peer Advisors work in teams with CCAS professional advisors to help undecided/exploring students explore a range of academic options, and select and register for courses. Peer Advisors explain how to use enrollment tools, provide other campus information, and model successful student behavior.
We seek Peer Advisors who represent our student population in age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, city/state/ country of origin, and major. ALL are encouraged to apply.
We are hiring for two different jobs: SOAR Peer Advisor (Summer 2012) and Residence Hall Peer Advisor (Fall 2012)
For more information go to: http://www.ccas.wisc.edu/workwithus.html
Application deadline is Monday, February 13, 2012, 11:59pm
Questions? Email: peerapp@ccas.wisc.edu
Countdown to the Career Fair – Day 4
The Economics Career Development Office will be posting tips each day until (and after!) the Spring 2012 Career Fair, held Tuesday, January 31st from 4:40-8pm. You can use these tips for the career fair but also as you start your career search or prepare for any interviews.
ATTEND THE PUBLIC SERVICE FAIR
Find opportunities that match your interests, major, and career goals. If you are about to graduate or looking to build your resume, this is a great place to start. Agencies are seeking students to work on issues such as education, poverty, hunger, homelessness, environment, youth, health and many more! This event is free and open to all UW-Madison students.
Thursday, January 26
Memorial Union, Great Hall
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
**There is also a Resume Workshop at 1pm in 7324 Social Science.
If you have questions about any of the information provided you can contact Bethany Nelson, Career & Outreach Coordinator, at banelson2@wisc.edu, or stop in to 7329 Social Science!
Be a Badger Volunteer!
The semester-long Badger Volunteers program offers UW-Madison students the training and support they need in order to provide meaningful public service to the Madison community. Teams of students, organized by a student leader, serve community partners on a weekly basis for the entire semester. The program gives students the opportunity to work with a population they might not otherwise have the chance to connect with, while providing over 50 local nonprofit organizations with dedicated student volunteers.
Registration takes place online at the Morgridge Center for Public Service’s website.
The deadline to register is Friday, February 3.
Assistant Canvass Directors for Grassroots Campaigns
Grassroots Campaigns is currently hiring Assistant Canvass Directors to run field campaigns on behalf of issue based organizations like Oxfam America, ACLU and The Nature Conservancy.
Grassroots Campaigns is looking to interview top students to join our teams as Assistant Canvass Directors! There is no better time get involved and shape the next generation of activists that will take this country in a more progressive direction and see change on issues that matter now.
Students who are interested should apply directly to: Read more…
Countdown to the Career Fair – Day 3
The Economics Career Development Office will be posting tips each day until (and after!) the Spring 2012 Career Fair, held Tuesday, January 31st from 4:40-8pm. You can use these tips for the career fair but also as you start your career search or prepare for any interviews.
IMPROVE YOUR JOB SEARCH & NETWORKING SKILLS
Attend a Job Search 101 workshop
Not sure how to start your job search? Want to know what career paths economics graduates pursue? Are you a current or potential economics major who needs to get registered on BuckyNet?
During this workshop the Economics Career Development Coordinator will discuss career options for students majoring in economics, ways to gain work experience while in college and cover the various ways to find out about job and internship opportunities, including BuckyNet, LinkedIn, and the Wisconsin Alumni Association directory.
Wednesday, January 25 (TODAY!)
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
7324 Social Science
Additional sessions of Job Search 101 can be found here. Can’t make it to a session? Contact Bethany to schedule an appointment.
If you have questions about any of the information provided you can contact Bethany Nelson, Career & Outreach Coordinator, at banelson2@wisc.edu, or stop in to 7329 Social Science!
