Student Spotlight: Jennifer Hilsdon
The Warrington College of Business is full of standout students. No matter their program or major, students are using their time on campus to prepare for impactful careers. This series will feature exceptional students from across Warrington.
As she pursues her bachelor’s degree in marketing, Jennifer Hilsdon is also working towards a Master of International Business degree as part of Warrington’s combination degree program. She also participated in study abroad programs through the Heavener School of Business with trips to Dublin and London.
Learn more about what makes Jennifer a standout student at the Warrington College of Business.
Q: What is your major and when will you graduate?
Hilsdon: “I am a third-year marketing major. I am also in the combination degree program pursuing a Master of International Business. I graduate this December 2020 with my bachelor’s, and the following May 2021 with my master’s.”
Q: Where are you from originally?
Hilsdon: “I was born in Jacksonville, Fla., but I am a military brat and moved every year or two my whole life. My family is mostly from Connecticut and the New England region. I spent the majority of high school in Panama City, Florida. By the time I graduate, I will have lived in Gainesville for the longest period of time. So, take your pick!”
Q: Are you in any student organizations? Do you hold any board positions?
Hilsdon: “Freshman year, I applied and was accepted to be a Warrington Welcome Peer Leader. I have now taught two semesters and love investing in freshman students. I am also a mentor in the Business Undergraduate Mentorship Program (BUMP) and have had three mentees over the course of my time with the organization, each amazing in their own way! Finally, I am a Career and Peer Mentor with Business Career Services and have the privilege to mentor students in their professional journeys. I will also be taking on the role of Data Project Manager for CAPs this fall.”
Q: When did you know you wanted to pursue a degree at Warrington, and why was it an interesting option for you?
Hilsdon: “I knew I wanted to pursue a degree at Warrington when I heard about the combination degree option. As a senior in high school, I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in international business. Warrington gave me the opportunity to build a strong foundation in business with my undergraduate degree and still pursue my passion through the graduate degree.”
Q: What’s the highlight of your time at Warrington?
Hilsdon: “The highlight of my time at Warrington has been the continual support I receive from organizations that have helped me grow as a student, professional and future leader. The community in Warrington is my favorite part of our college, and I believe this sets it apart from other institutions. As Warrington business students and emerging leaders, we are provided with the skills necessary to succeed and supplemented with real-world applications.”
Q: Do you know where you will be working after graduation?
Hilsdon: “I will be interning as a District Manager this summer with Aldi. I have not lined up anything after graduation yet, but I look forward to gaining new skills this summer that can be transferred to full-time employment.”
Q: What can we find you doing after class or on the weekend?
Hilsdon: “After class and on the weekends you may find me in my office hours for CAPs, attending a stadiums class through rec sports with friends, cheering on the Gators, or sipping coffee at Pascal’s – my favorite coffeehouse. Also, I am a Disney Annual Passholder and take trips to Disney with friends often – I got to go to the opening of Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios last fall which was so much fun!”
Q: What’s a fact about you that might surprise other people?
Hilsdon: “I attended 10 different schools by the 10th grade, and my eyes and hair are the same color.”
Q: If you had $1 million, what would you do with it?
Hilsdon: “If I had $1 million, I would first invest half of the money. I would then donate $350,000 to charities. I would put the remainder towards things like my future MBA degree and other expenses that might occur as I transition into a full-time profession. Finally, I would also spend some time traveling with friends and family. I have been blessed to be able to travel quite a bit during my studies abroad and that travel bug has not left me since.”
