Jillian Buenger, '25 BSB: Leading with Purpose

Meet the Carlson School community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business?

Your ability to make a difference and enact change is much bigger than you think. The ripple effect of your actions can be wide! Looking back now as a senior about to graduate, I can honestly say that I am truly in awe to see all of the moments and opportunities I had to make an impact or lasting difference for others around me. Yes, you are just one person, but you are capable of so much.

The content, perspectives, learned skills, and lived experiences during my time at the Carlson School of Management have provided me with a tremendous knowledge base that I am so grateful for. Moreover, I have been able to utilize so many opportunities to sit alongside staff and faculty in discussions on curriculum and initiatives; create tools for students in my leadership roles; echo student voices as the Student Body Vice President, and consult with companies in Greece to reconstruct their practice to better serve immigrants to Greece. It is truly humbling to see what you are truly capable of when you are passionate about what you do. I am so grateful for this lesson: it is a gift to have the opportunity and privilege to help others and have fun doing it!

What extracurricular activities did you participate in?

I have held diverse leadership roles at the Carlson School, spearheading initiatives and supporting student development. As the Carlson Undergraduate student body vice president, I led 35+ members, partnered with faculty on business board initiatives, organized and chaired key meetings, and directed our curriculum and career development team. Additionally, as a Carlson crew leader, I mentored first-year students through personalized meetings and feedback. In my roles as a Carlson Ambassador and Carlson crew coordinator, I led campus tours, hosted information sessions, assisted during donor visits, and trained over 50 teaching assistants to support the freshman experience. I also served as a teaching assistant for HRIR 3021 – Human Capital Management, assisting with grading and student inquiries. Beyond these roles, I contributed as a member of the University of Minnesota undergraduate advisory board, a student representative on the core council, and as the undergraduate faculty and advisory board student representative at the Carlson School of Management.

Who is your favorite business professor?

Eric White is my favorite business professor. I had him for several of my early finance classes and then more of my advanced finance classes more recently. The way he approaches teaching and student interaction is so unique and really important in my opinion. You can tell he truly cares about each one of his students and their reason for being in class and being at the Carlson School. I think he is one of the big reasons that I knew for sure I wanted a career in strategy and financial planning. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from him. If I can be half as caring and thoughtful in my actions as a business professional throughout my future career, I will feel very lucky.