Dehjia Thompkins on Leadership, Volunteering Through a Class, and Professional Development
Dehjia Thompkins, '18
Division
Stiller School of Business
Major
Business Administration
Minor
Marketing
Hometown
Philadelphia, PA
Pronouns
she/her
Studied Abroad
Montreal, Canada
Internship
Account Handler at Vermont Business Magazine in Burlington, VT
Post-Grad Job
Customer Account Specialist at Dish Network in Tempe, Arizona
“
I've enhanced the skills I've gained at Champlain since my first year to guide me through my professional career. I have learned to be well-rounded and adapt to any and every situation I am faced with.
”
What made you pick your major?
I chose Business Administration because growing up, I was always told that I had the gift of persuasion and strong communication skills. I decided I would have a future in the business world due to my strength, drive, dedication, and straightforwardness. The business program at Champlain College is amazing. I especially enjoy group projects because they give me the opportunity to broadcast my natural leadership abilities while working with different people with different personalities.
Have you had any meaningful experiences with the Core curriculum?
A specific project that I was able to work on that I found rewarding was for my Global Condition class. I worked with Feeding Chittenden, and was granted the opportunity to cook for low-income families that live in poverty around the Burlington area.
How has your time at Champlain affected your career?
I started my professional career as an Administrative Assistant at the Quality Inn in Colchester, Vermont. I was in charge of making reservations, solving guest issues, keeping track of paperwork, all while maintaining a strong work ethic. I've enhanced the skills I've gained at Champlain since my first year to guide me through my professional career so far, especially my communication skills. I have learned to be well-rounded and adapt to any and every situation I am faced with. Since this internship, I have become a Front Desk Manager at the Hampton Inn in Burlington.
Molly Kathleen Aldrich on Being Student Government President, Choosing a Minor, and what “Business for Good” Means to Her
Molly Kathleen Aldrich, '20
Division
Stiller School of Business
Major
Business Administration
Hometown
Ashburn, Virginia
Pronouns
she/her
Internships
Fundraising Intern at Rad Magpie in Burlington, VT
“
Give yourself the opportunity to experience different things and try out for leadership roles. Get yourself into those spaces, and try everything you can.
”
What has been your experience with the Student Government Association?
I am the President of the Student Government Association (SGA). We fund and regulate all the clubs. We have a grant process for student projects, and we work as a liaison between the students and the administration. I would say give yourself the opportunity to experience different things and try out for leadership roles. Get yourself into those spaces, and try everything you can.
Can you tell us about your Legal Studies minor?
A minor can work in a lot of different ways. Some people choose one because it's actually what they want to do, but they're not sure yet. That's what I did with Legal Studies. I wanted to go to law school, but what if I changed my mind? So I chose Business Administration as a general degree that can be applied in a lot of different ways, but can also be used as a specialization. It's a unique thing for different job opportunities.
What does “business for good” mean to you?
Business for good means taking not just working for the company that will pay you the most but working for a company whose mission you stand behind. Advocacy in business means being able to work for a business that is working for change, either for an outside cause or within the business itself.
Colin Kuhn on How Core Changed His Perspective, Champlain Professors, and Getting Four Internships Before Graduation
Colin Kuhn, '20
Division
Stiller School of Business
Major
Business Administration and Marketing
Minor
Mathematics
Hometown
South Hero, VT
Pronouns
he/him
Studied Abroad
Dublin, Ireland
Internships
Marketing & Event Intern at Sarah Ramsey Strong Fund in Burlington, VT
“
I was surprised to find out how many certifications I can get through my classes. I'll have a leg up on the competition when I graduate.
”
How has Core changed your perspective?
During one of my Core classes, I got the opportunity to research and learn about the importance of clean water and the impact of microplastics. I enjoy being outside and, having lived in Vermont my whole life, I have a deep connection with nature and Lake Champlain. In my Core class, I realized how big of a problem microplastics can be, and now I care a lot about that.
What made you choose Champlain?
I was drawn to the individual attention that I would get in the classroom. This gave me a chance to discuss topics one-on-one with my professors. They're approachable, and they always challenge me to think deeper.
How has Champlain prepared you for the professional world?
I was able to start getting internships the summer after my first year because the Upside-Down Curriculum gave me the experience I needed. I've had four internships during my time at Champlain, ranging from marketing to event planning to business development. My studies made me adaptable and confident at work, and I was able to take in new knowledge and skills. I was surprised to find out how many certifications I can get through my classes. I'll have a leg up on the competition when I graduate.