Christine Noel Straight is an alumna, a program administrator at the School of Business Eastside Leadership Center and a 2017 UW Bothell staff appreciation award winner. Straight answered three questions in this segment from the school's fall newsletter.
1. Why did you choose to work at UW Bothell School of Business?
I am a two-time alumna of UW Bothell and worked as an diversity admission intern during my graduate studies. This outreach experience resulted in a strong passion to work with prospective students and current students in hope of bringing them to a campus where they would receive the support and be provided with research, leadership and mentorship opportunities that they may not have had on a larger campus while earning a University of Washington degree.
When I applied to the UW Bothell School of Business, I was thrilled with the idea of working with the Eastside Leadership Center, a pioneering adventure that has been an honor to be part of along the way. I have learned a great deal from this experience and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
In addition, my experience with the five-step interview process gave me a chance to meet and present to the ELC business students. I knew after that interview that I wanted to be part of this cohort-model and help this program grow.
Lastly, the staff team I interviewed with and met, Bronica Sam, Vicki Tolbert, Nick Siclari and Stephanie Thomas, were people I wanted to be around in my workspace.
2. What can you say about the students at UW Bothell School of Business?
The students I remember most really take stock of their time at UW Bothell and get involved in the business community on campus and beyond. These business students are more interested in learning leadership skills and working toward a common goal then competing with one another. Our students do well in the workplace because they know what it really means to be part of a team.
The Bothell and ELC students truly represent the culture of the UW Bothell campus and I am proud to know them.
3. What’s the best advice for students entering UW Bothell School of Business?
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from professors and staff who are professionally and personally invested in your growth and success past graduation. This unique business program can lead to relationships that will lead you to roads you might not have imagined for yourself. That being said, the key to really seeing the benefit of this opportunity is to show up and follow their lead. Work hard in your classes, network, get involved on campus in business clubs and organizations.
Lastly, what you learn from completing your classroom assignments, studying and homework is priceless. The motivation to complete these tasks will carry over in the workplace and show that you have the determination to try, show up and succeed.
