Favorite Companies Of 2020’s Top Business Majors

Stephanie Avalos, University of Minnesota (Carlson)

“One of the companies I admire the most is Nike. From creating groundbreaking advertising campaigns to advocating for sustainable footwear and apparel, Nike is constantly innovating itself in order to stay top of mind for the consumer. Nike has grown to be one of the biggest fashion brands of the world due to its successful partnerships with admired athletes, its creativity, and its high-quality products.”
Stephanie Avalos, University of Minnesota (Carlson)

“The company that I admire the most is Nike. Anyone who knows me, knows that I refuse to wear anything but Nike unless I am required to. It is not only the fact that they make the best products compared to their competitors, but their motto of “Just do it” is something I think of when times get hard or I have little motivation. The background on my phone used to be a Nike billboard that said “Yesterday You Said Tomorrow” and that was something that resonated with me. They are constantly thinking of new ways to innovate and are not afraid to voice their opinion as a company, even if it may be controversial.”
Davonté Higginbottom, University of Massachusetts-Amherst (Isenberg)

“I admire Amazon the most because of its impact in the retail world in conjunction with its focus data analytics and technology development. Amazon helped pioneer changes in consumerism and has become one of the world leaders in products and deliveries. In addition, Amazon has a large focus on data analytics, as it utilizes all the consumer data it collects in order to continuously develop itself. Last, Amazon works to develop its technology, including warehouse packaging and drone delivery services, so that it remains a world leader.”
Joseph Esposito, University of Miami

“I most admire Sara Blakely’s company Spanx.  When I first learned about Sara, I was quite impressed by her grit. She created a product that she needed in her life, which turned out to be something that others wanted as well.  She then spent her own money and time taking her idea to investors and getting it patented. Even though she was turned away by company after company, she didn’t give up on her idea.  She stuck with it and ended up created an empire and became the world’s youngest self-made billionaire at the time.

I also admire how philanthropy is rooted in the threads of their culture. Spanx and the founder, Sara, both take significant strides to assist female entrepreneurs. I think their commitment to supporting women is l summed up nicely in this quote: “I pledge to invest in women because I believe it offers one of the greatest returns on investment. While many of the world’s natural resources are being depleted, one is waiting to be unleashed—women.”
Sarah Braza, University of Pittsburgh

“As a proponent of education equality, I have always believed that knowledge isn’t an exclusive good and should instead be shared. One company that resonates with me on this topic is Tesla, which posted its patents and technology information on its website. Elon Musk argued that laying “intellectual property landmines” against competitors to stifle the acceleration of sustainable transport would be bad for humankind, so Tesla wouldn’t take part. In future years, the Earth will need business leaders to adopt attitudes similar to Musk’s to tackle intensifying global issues, including climate change, pollution and hunger. Businesses will have to shift from strictly profit-seeking entities to focusing on advancing the overall human condition.”
TJ Tucker, University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)

University of Wisconsin’s Jenna Scheffert

“I’ve admired Ellevest ever since I’ve first heard about it. Their mission is to close the gender investing gap and they are helping women achieve their financial goals, while also empowering companies that support and advance women in the workplace. The company was founded with an ‘a-ha!’ moment of realizing the investing industry had notoriously been running “by men, for men”. Unlike other traditional investing services, Ellevest created an online advising platform that integrates pertinent information may companies fail to incorporate such as gender differences in pay, career breaks, and lifespan. Ellevest prescribes financial advice to help unleash women’s financial power and help them invest in their biggest goals. I believe Ellevest is an anomaly in today’s financial services world and they send a fundamental message to others in the industry.”
Jenna Scheffert, University of Wisconsin

“As a company, I really admire everything Netflix has done in their rise to power. Not only have they disrupted a multi-billion dollar industry, but they are one of the most value-aligned companies I know. Netflix says they “give adequate performers a generous severance package.” I think that is so unique, as it sets the expectation that anything less than your best won’t cut it. While some people may view that as a toxic or cutthroat culture, I think they mean it in the least harmful way possible. It’s not that you’re a bad person or professional; it’s just that you’re not a fit for them. It’s that kind of passion and drive that I really appreciate, and I think would be a dream to be a part of.”
Cameron Herbert, University of Minnesota (Carlson)

“The company I admire is one that is lesser known and is more of a service. Safaricom is a telecommunications company in sub-Saharan Africa. Its service, M-Pesa, is a mobile banking app that has revolutionized how Africa does business, particularly in East African countries. That level of social, economic, and nominal success is something I hope to achieve one day. Many Africans in Kenya and Tanzania do not have bank accounts. By using their mobile phones as cash checking accounts, M-Pesa has enabled easy commerce, credit solutions, and entrepreneurship in the region.
Alfred Mugho, University of Washington (Foster)

Bridgewater Associates: Their culture of, “radical transparency,” where complete honesty and constant feedback and criticism are expected, is admirable. As the largest hedge fund in the world, their unique culture where disagreement and growth is encouraged has been attributed to much of their success.”
Julie Snitzer, Villanova University

Maia Julianne Kennedy, Wake Forest University

“The company I most admire is a start-up founded by some of my graduated peers, Poize Workwear. Since its installation a couple of years ago, Poize has aimed to empower women in the corporate workforce by highlighting femininity, through fashion, as an attribute to leadership. Through various social media campaigns, Poize has featured several powerful women as relatable and down-to-earth figures. Through these features, Poize has served as an inspiration to me and several of my peers as they tactically portray how women of all backgrounds, ages, and experiences have the opportunity to change their industries and make an impact on the communities around them. Poize’s dedication to feminine business does not end there. Their headquarters in New York City allow them to actually cultivate a sense of community with the young professionals in the city through networking events and social gatherings, while continuing their presence at Wake Forest.

As a young woman entering the corporate world of business in a few short months, I find Poize’s mission unique and its founders inspiring. I feel empowered when I can relate to the women they feature and am proud of the progress founders, Zanny Dow and Grace Wheeler, have accomplished! I look forward to seeing them grow in their biggest product launch this March.”
Maia Julianne Kennedy, Wake Forest University

“Before I knew of Redstone Strategy Group, I was introduced to social sector consulting through a firm called Bridgespan. I heard the firm speak about the nexus of social impact and business strategy at Jumpstart’s annual Finance and Consulting Diversity Forum. At Bridgespan’s scale, the firm is able to help non-profits, endowments, and foundations optimize performance in their respective social causes. I fell in love with the concept and their focus on weaving racial equity frameworks into their problem-solving models. Redstone adopts a similar equity-based strategy which I’m really excited to engage with after graduation.”
Charlyn Moss, Washington University (Olin)

“It is Patagonia because of the company’s commitment to using responsible business as an agent for progress in social, economic and environmental movements. Patagonia’s mission aligns with my guiding life principle, which is to empower people and communities to achieve self-actualization by providing sustainable resources for success and cultivating partnerships across dynamic networks. After reading company founder and owner Yvon Chouinard’s book, Let My People Go Surfing, I declared my major in Managing for Sustainability, and I’ve used his teachings as measurements of success throughout my personal, academic, and professional life. Not to mention, as an outdoor enthusiast, their products are phenomenal and anyone who knows me can attest to my fanatical admiration for the company and the cause.”
Arianne Evans, Bucknell University (Freeman)

Jack Vaglia, Michigan State University (Broad)

Patagonia – As an avid skier, I have always appreciated the technology and durability of Patagonia products. Beyond the craftsmanship, Patagonia supports several initiatives in regards to conservation, sustainability, and positive environmental impact in comparison to most companies.”
Jack Vaglia, Michigan State (Broad)

“As an environmental studies minor and business administration major, I’m passionate about companies that promote sustainability and environmentally sound practices into their business strategy. For this reason, I admire Patagonia as it is often seen as the paragon for good corporate social governance, encouraging reduced consumption of unnecessary goods, reusing and recycling clothing and gear, and even donating their tax-cut profits to environmental causes. Being an outdoor gear company, they understand the importance of preserving the environment in which their customers use their products. Patagonia combines political and social action to protect the environment, their core business, and even drive profits.”
Claire Griffiths, University of Richmond (Robins)

“I greatly admire the outdoor clothing and gear company, Patagonia partially because of their authentic roots, as it was founded by Yvon Chouinard, a rock climber, originally specializing in the manufacturing of climbing hardware. Since the 1970s, the company has continued to stay true to its roots while adapting, for example, by creating less destructive hardware and by engaging in political activism. They have not only sued the US government for reducing national monument funding but are also committed to donating its tax cuts to groups combatting climate change. Patagonia is a company that has been able to constantly improve while abiding by its original mission.”
Katherine Ku, Wharton School

Patagonia is a company that I deeply admire. Not only am I an advocate for getting active outside and exploring nature, but also for ethical and sustainable business practices. Patagonia has created significant value in its business by producing high quality, ethically-made goods while supporting environmental activism, good labor conditions, and animal welfare. Patagonia stands as proof that companies who strive to increase their bottom line can absolutely do so while still operating under ethical and sustainable business practices.”
Sarah Tatley, Santa Clara University (Leavey)

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