On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean and nearly 4,000 miles from home, Liza Snegireva ‘15 earned her BBA in International Business at Davenport University. “Learning a new language comes natural to me”, says Liza. Born in Russia, raised in the Netherlands, and now living in the United States, Liza believes “some things are just meant to happen”. She constantly challenges herself to give 100% of her efforts in everything she does and wants to encourage you to do the same. Read Liza’s full story below.
Tell us about yourself, Liza!
I was born in Russia, but the Netherlands is my home. I moved to the United States 5 years ago. I got my degree in International Business from Davenport and I am currently working full time at Bosch during the week and at the Alibi Bar and Grill in Ionia on the weekends.
Why did you pick DU? What was your experience like?
I heard that Davenport had a reputation as the best business school in the area. Also, the fact that classroom sizes are small and personable, was very important to me. I enrolled in the International Business program and got my degree in April of 2015. Majority of my courses were 15-week in-seat classes, which made it possible to engage with other students in the classroom and learn many new people. I love that Davenport’s professors don’t just teach you the book material, they have real life experiences and that is essential. My professors always motivated me to give a 100% because they wanted to see me succeed. Davenport had a positive impact on my life in many different ways.
What was your favorite memory of DU?
The study abroad trip to China was the best three weeks of my life! The professor involvement was what made this trip so amazing. The knowledge and enthusiasm demonstrated by professors Neil Shepard and Steven Bayus inspired the same excitement in our group of students. Study abroad was an awesome experience for me and I encourage students to take advantage of the opportunity.
Tell us about your current career. How did you start in this field?
In the spring of 2015, with graduation just around the corner, I went to the DU Career Fair. I stopped at Bosch’s booth and talked with Sandy, who works in Human Resources. I honestly felt like we were meant to meet each other. Everything felt natural and the conversation was flowing. I gave Sandy my resume and a few days later, I sent her a “thank you” letter. Two months later, I got a call from Bosch asking me to come in for an interview. I was offered an internship and have been working at Bosch for almost a year now. My role at Bosch is very diverse, which makes the job exciting. I am the “go to” girl. I handle company communications, am involved in the purchasing process, and assist my team in any way that I can. My favorite thing about Bosch is the people. I love the environment; it is a great place to work!
What makes you excited about the next 6 months?
I am currently in the process of transitioning from an intern position to an official full time employee and I am very excited for this new chapter. Since most of my family and friends are in the Netherlands, I don’t get to see them all too often. In May I will be traveling to Europe to visit everyone and I am definitely looking forward to spend some quality time with my loved ones.
What motivates you?
It is important to give 100% of your efforts in everything you do. I am motivated to be the best version of myself. I am also motivated to keep working hard because I love to travel. Hard work and dedication to my job allows me to earn the funds I need to pursue my dreams of traveling and seeing the world. Someday, I want to have a job that I love so much it feels like a hobby.
Do you have any advice for recent grads?
Go to the Career Fair! I know it might be intimidating at first, but you will do great. Career Services is here to help you succeed – take advantage of that.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I can speak three languages: Russian, Dutch, and English.
What do you do when you’re not working?
You can frequently find me in the yoga studio. It is a relatively new hobby, but I totally love it. When I am able to get time off work I love to travel and explore new places, but spending time with my friends, family, and my dog is also important to me.
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