In his first business class, Introduction to Macroeconomics, Nathan Wittmaack learned that the study of economics focuses on weighing costs and benefits and making the decision that maximizes utility--especially on decisions that directly affect consumer choice. Even before Nathan became an Economics major, he was already thinking about satisfying consumers in the marketplace. As a double major in Economics and Management: Business Administration, Nathan prepared himself not only for a career in business management, but also to be an entrepreneur, building value for his customers and his company.
“My motivation as a college student was to give myself the tools to run my own business,” says Nathan. “An Economics major is a great way to learn how to make important business decisions, while a Management major provided me with leadership training.”
Outside of his major coursework, Nathan participated in other UNI College of Business Administration programs. In spring of 2006, he took part in “How to Start a Small Business” workshops. These workshops, offered through the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, have given Nathan additional training on how to build a new business from the ground up.
“The workshops provide me with a way to know how to start a business,” says Nathan. “The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center opens doors for entrepreneurs by providing materials, workshops, and professional advice from business consultants, accountants, and a lawyer.”
Nathan accumulated additional professional experiences as an Iowa Communications Network Room Assistant and as a Computer Technician for UNI Continuing Education courses. He continued to develop his computer skills as an Information Technology Assistant for the UNI Administration and Finance Division.
“I’m glad I received this experience because I think computer proficiency is an invaluable skill for business students to develop,” he says. “And, if I start my own business, I would be able to set up the computer system on my own.”
After graduation, Nathan plans on staying in the Cedar Valley with his wife, Jennifer, a UNI Education and Athletic Training major. Though he hasn’t ruled out graduate school, he hopes to be chosen for a management training program at a local business.
“Starting at the ground floor in a management training program will not only increase my leadership ability, but I’ll find new ways to extend the skills I’ve learned at UNI into my career,” Nathan says.
Updated 14-May-07
