University of Washington Foster Undergraduate Programs

FOSTER UNDERGRAD UPDATES: 6/3

All application/registration links are in the FosterUPO Instagram bio!

Good luck with finals!

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!!!

Our graduating seniors will be walking across the stage at the Alaska Airlines Arena at the Foster Undergraduate Graduation Celebration today. The ceremony will start at 1:00 pm.

Not able to make it to the ceremony in person? Watch it live on Youtube at 1:00 pm PT (link in bio)!

2 days until our graduating seniors will be walking across the stage at the Alaska Airlines Arena at the Foster Undergraduate Graduation Celebration! We can’t wait!

Not able to make it to the ceremony in person this Sunday? Watch it live on Youtube (link in bio) at 1:00 pm PT!

Calling all 2024 Foster Grads: we want to celebrate you! During this graduation season, use the hashtag or mention so we can celebrate with you. Happy grad season!

Foster Features: this week’s feature is Anna Butler!

We are highlighting one student from our amazing Foster community every Wednesday on Foster Undergraduate Programs Office social media.

Anna is a Senior studying Marketing, Human Resources and is in the Sales Certificate Program. We asked Anna the following questions to learn a bit more:

Tell us a little about you.
-I am originally from Sammamish Washington, and grew up with an interest in the “people side of business”, which is why I pursued a degree in marketing, HR and sales at Foster. I plan to pursue a career in sales after graduating this upcoming June.

Outside of class, what career prep or Foster activities have you participated in?
-Throughout my time at Foster, I have been a member of the Professional Sales Program, UBC, AMA, UWiB, BIG, and study abroad through the ALBA Barcelona partner program. I was an active participant in UW case competitions, and traveled to St. Louis to represent Foster in an international business case competition where we took home first place. For work experience, I have had marketing/sales internships with CBIZ, AlphaSights, and Affirma, and worked as a MKTG 305 class TA and Foster UPO social media Content Creation Assistant to run this social media account!

What is your favorite memory through Foster?
-I absolutely loved studying abroad in Barcelona and traveling around Europe while learning about international business!

What is your best piece of advice for new Foster students?
-Take this time to try new things and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. You never know what might stick!

What is a fun fact about you?
-My first job (and what got me interested in business) was working at a candy shop!

Thank you for sharing your wisdom Anna, we appreciate you!

FOSTER UNDERGRAD UPDATES: 5/28

All application/registration links are in the FosterUPO Instagram bio!

Congratulations to the winners of the Spring MGMT 430 Business Strategy Case Competition!

Sixty-six teams of students participated in the preliminary rounds, with fourteen teams going on to compete in three final rooms. Our three first place teams were:

Team E1: David Broadhead, Ella Chuang, Zac Nicholas, Charlie Olsen, Ryan Jacob Patterson

Team G2: Phil Bedford, Daria Oviatt, Devin Tykodi, Zach Zener

Team L2: Eunice Chang, Britney Hu, Quang Nguyen, Kenneth Phan, Sam Pupipathirunkun

MGMT 430 is the required capstone course for all Foster undergraduate students. It is the culmination of the multidisciplinary business fields that students learn during their time at Foster. Foster's case competition is one of the largest in the country and is unique in that we work with a local company to create a new case every quarter.

This was our largest MGMT 430 event so far, with over 470 attendees -- seniors, student volunteers, staff volunteers, and nearly 70 guest judges from Seattle's business community. Thank you to Starbucks for partnering with us on this quarter's case! And a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who helped to make this day a success!

Spotlight Dinner 2024: We had a fantastic time last Wednesday celebrating all of the incredible Foster RSOs, Foster Faculty, and their efforts this 2023-2024 school year! Here are the winners:

Faculty of the Year: Tod Bergstrom
Staff of the Year: Laura Edwards
Best Office Hours: Misha Alexeeff
Best 8:30AM Professor: Mana Heshmati
Most Engaging Zoom Professor: Jennifer Graves
Most Likely to Answer an Email After 11PM: Manoj Parmasewaran
Most Collaborative Event: Diversity in Marketing Mixer (ABSA, AMA, UWiB, ALPFA, Black @ Foster, UWBA)
Best Professional Development Event: Sustainability Career Fair (ReThink and Net Impact)
Best Run Event: Regional Marketing Conference (AMA)
Most Philanthropic RSO: Undergraduate Women in Business
Best Social Media Engagement: Asian Business Student Association (ABSA)
Partner of the Year: Operations and Supply Chain Management
Most Outstanding Student Leader: Lisa Hu
Foster Five: TJ Oliver, Beatriz Monserad Cortez, Bryan Bunyatipanon, Iris La, Michaela Isaacs

We are excited to announce the first ever Foster Zen Zone for finals week (May 28-June 4)! Stop by to destress, speak with a counselor and/or take a study break.

5/28 3-5PM: Craft and Cookies
5/29 4:30-6PM: Therapy Dog Visits
5/30 4-6PM: Boba Bar
6/3 5-7PM: 10 Minute Mini-Massage
6/4 12:30-2:30PM: Lego of Stress

The Foster Undergraduate Graduation Celebration is just about two weeks away! We can’t wait to celebrate with you all on June 2nd! We have some exciting news to share: This year’s student speaker is Citlalli Cruz! Here is her bio:

"As a first-generation Latina from Eastern Washington, the path to higher education was never an easy one, but a path I knew I would follow with the support of my family, friends, and community. My time within Foster has been heavily centered around building and expanding my network and communities.

I have been involved with the Young Executives of Color Program since my senior year of high school and I am currently in my second year as a mentor, helping strengthen the pipeline from underrepresented communities to higher education institutions. I have been an active member across other areas in the Undergraduate Diversity Services, having previously served as President and current Senior Advisor for the Association of Latino Professionals for America where I helped raise funds for a student award and increased our reach across campus. As a Girls Who Invest Alumni, I took on the role as the UW Campus Ambassador to help other women gain access to the learning and job opportunities the program has to offer through informational sessions and workshops. I have helped recruit and welcome Foster students throughout the years within RSO involvements and in my time as an Orientation Leader, helping prepare incoming freshman direct students for success.

Throughout my time at the University of Washington, I have made it a goal to develop myself as a student, community member, and role model through my dedication to my studies, leadership roles and extracurriculars, and various ways of giving back to the communities that have aided in my success - the resources at UW and Foster have served as a catalyst in allowing me to become an empowered leader looking to uplift those around me. I look forward to the journeys that lie ahead and feel confident in my capabilities thanks to the experiences I have garnered at Foster and the continued support from those around me."

The Foster Undergraduate Graduation Celebration is just about two weeks away! We can’t wait to celebrate with you all on June 2nd! We have some exciting news to share: This year’s keynote speaker is Jenna Johnson, President of !

Jenna Johnson is the head of Patagonia’s apparel and equipment business, overseeing the division as the company works to align its business more strongly with its mission and sport communities while continuing to uphold a legendary reputation of quality and excellence.

Jenna has cultivated an intuitive understanding of her global customers through a lifetime of dirtbag travel, rock climbing, trail sports and 20 years of experience managing several respected outdoor brands. She has also worked to advance Patagonia’s mission to save our home planet, bringing environmental stewardship to the company’s technical innovation. Never willing to sacrifice performance, Jenna is resolved that even the most technical gear can be made with sensitivity to the environment and the people, animals and plants that inhabit it.

Jenna has an Executive MBA from the University of Washington, and her roles as a wife and a mother of two keep her grounded, living simply and optimistic for a more environmentally just future.

Foster Features: this week’s feature is Bryan Bunyatipanon!

We are highlighting one student from our amazing Foster community every Wednesday on Foster Undergraduate Programs Office social media.

Bryan is a Senior studying Marketing and Information Systems. We asked Bryan the following questions to learn a bit more:

Tell us a little about you.
-I am a first-generation student who grew up in Banh Pho, Chasheansao, Thailand, and moved to the United States in 2010.

Outside of class, what career prep or Foster activities have you participated in?
-This past summer, I interned at AT&T in their Sales Development Program. During this school year, I served as Co-President of the Husky Sales Club and as the Adidas Campus Ambassador for the University of Washington.

What is your favorite memory through Foster?
-Foster Pub-Crawl this year because it was awesome to celebrate with professors and your peers to a great last year of College Career.

What is your best piece of advice for new Foster students?
-Time flies, so make choices your future Senior-year self won't regret.

What is a fun fact about you?
-I was voted the best Spanish Speaker in 7th Grade in my class.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom Bryan, we appreciate you!

Foster Seniors!
Don't forget to RSVP for Graduation before the deadline on Friday, May 24th!

If you applied to graduate, an invitation with RSVP link was sent to your email.
For more details about the event, visit the Foster graduation website.

The Foster Undergraduate Graduation Celebration will be on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 1:00-3:00 pm in the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

We can’t wait to see you all there!

FOSTER UNDERGRAD UPDATES: 5/20/24

All application/registration links are in the FosterUPO Instagram bio!

Foster Features: this week’s feature is Citlalli Cruz!

We are highlighting one student from our amazing Foster community every Wednesday on Foster Undergraduate Programs Office social media.

Citlalli is a Senior studying Finance and Marketing with a minor in Spanish. We asked Citlalli the following questions to learn a bit more:

Tell us a little about you.
-I am a first-generation Latina student in my final quarter at UW. With my roots tracing back to Mexico, I am from Yakima, WA and still love to call that place home.

Outside of class, what career prep or Foster activities have you participated in?
-Outside of class I am heavily involved in the Undergraduate Diversity Services with the Association of Latino Professionals for America where I sit as the Senior Advisor and with the Young Executives of Color Program where I am in my second year as a Mentor. I am also a Girls Who Invest Alumni and previous Campus Ambassador for UW. I was also recently one of 5 Foster students to receive the Husky 100 2024 Recognition!

What is your favorite memory through Foster?
-My favorite memory through Foster has been participating in RSO's that make me feel welcomed as a student of color like ALPFA where I have been fortunate to find some of the best friendships and support systems.

What is your best piece of advice for new Foster students?
-I would tell new Foster students to step out of your comfort zone early and consistently challenge yourself to enter new spaces and roles that you wouldn't have otherwise.

What is a fun fact about you?
-A fun fact about me is I have been in 3 earthquakes in my life!

Thank you for sharing your wisdom Citlalli, we appreciate you!

FOSTER UNDERGRAD UPDATES

All application/registration links are in the FosterUPO Instagram bio!

The weather cleared up for some fun in the sun at the BizBQ this week!

Each year, the Foster Undergraduate Programs Office and Undergraduate Business Council team up to host Business Week, an action-packed week of community building and business-themed events. The BizBQ, our annual community barbecue, brings together Foster students, faculty, and staff for burgers grilled and served by the Foster UPO staff. We had an unprecedented number of attendees this year – over 500!!! – who came out to enjoy the sunshine, music, and good vibes with friends.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Here are 4 tips to taking care of your mental health as a Foster student:
1. Ask for help
2. Take breaks
3. Support system
4. Be honest

Foster Features: this week’s feature is Manan Vasdev!

We are highlighting one student from our amazing Foster community every Wednesday on Foster Undergraduate Programs Office social media.

Manan is a Junior studying Human Resources with a minor in Education, Learning & Society. We asked Manan the following questions to learn a bit more:

Tell us a little about you.
-I grew up in Lynnwood, Washington, my whole life. During my free time, I love to tap into my artistic side by drawing, making crafts, taking photos, or playing the cello.

Outside of class, what career prep or Foster activities have you participated in?
-Foster activities I've participated in are SHRM, Hovind Global Leaders, Early Fall Start India, and being a Building Networks Mentor.

What is your favorite memory through Foster?
-My favorite Foster memory would have to be when I studied abroad in Italy and India, where I got the chance to visit amazing organizations and traveled with some of the best people I've ever met.

What is your best piece of advice for new Foster students?
-Never lose sight of your values and interests, and let them be the driving force that helps guide your unique path.

What is a fun fact about you?
-I was classically trained in the cello for about 6 years!

Thank you for sharing your wisdom Manan, we appreciate you!

Do you want a behind-the-scenes preview of your future capstone final exam?

VOLUNTEER FOR THE MGMT 430 CASE COMPETITION!

Volunteer signup deadline: Friday, May 10 at Noon
Case Competition date: Friday, May 24, 2024

Volunteer spots are limited and go FAST, so sign up ASAP!
Sign up here: tinyurl.com/M430S24V

Volunteer Perks:
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at the competition, watch senior presentations, and prepare yourself to win your future MGMT 430 case competition!
• Network with judges and business professionals.
• Represent the Foster School and give back to Foster’s community!
• Free lunch and Foster swag!

About MGMT 430:
Strategic Business Management (MGMT 430) is a required capstone course for all Foster undergrads. The course culminates with the Undergraduate Strategy Development Case Competition, in which hundreds of seniors compete in teams to make formal presentations to executives from a company in Seattle's business community.

Volunteer Signup Deadline: Friday, May 10 at Noon

Sign up here: tinyurl.com/M430S24V

HAPPENING TODAY: Foster's annual BizBQ will be happening on the PACCAR Patio & Lawn! Stop by anytime from 11:30AM -1:30PM to get food, play yard games, and socialize. This annual community BBQ benefits Foster RSOs, and is a great way to hang out with Foster faculty and staff, and learn more about Foster Centers and resources. Buy $3 tickets at the BizBQ event!

Business Week is here!!!

-- MONDAY, MAY 6

Business Week Kickoff
• 12:30-1:30 pm @ PCAR Hearth
• Get BizBQ tickets & Pub Crawl wristbands! FREE throwback Foster t-shirts (supplies limited)!

-- TUESDAY, MAY 7

Team Tuesday Meetup with the Buerk Center
• 12:00-1:30 pm @ Deloitte Commons (PCAR 299)
• Calling all student innovators & changemakers! Grab lunch with the Buerk Center!
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/buerktues

UBC Ice Cream Social
• 12:00-2:00 pm @ PCAR Hearth
• Popsicles from Foster’s Undergraduate Business Council! Get BizBQ tickets & Pub Crawl wristbands.

*New Foster Spring 2024 Admits Exclusive* Banh Mi with Foster Career Services!
• 12:30-2:00 pm @ FNDR 230
• Celebrate getting into Foster with free banh mi from Foster Career Services.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/fcsbanhmi (not required)

Career Exploration Alumni Panel
• 5:30-6:30 pm @ DEM 102
• Meet Foster alumni from various industries!
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/fcsmay24

-- WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

BizBQ
• 11:30 am-1:30 pm @ PACCAR Patio & Lawn
• Our annual BBQ to benefit Foster RSOs! Buy tickets at UBC Foster Frenzy’s, Business Week Kickoff, UBC Ice Cream Social, & BizBQ.

Sweet Treats with CBDC
• 1:30-2:30 pm @ Hogan Terrace (PCAR 4th floor)
• Grab sweet bites and learn about the Consulting and Business Development Center.

-- THURSDAY, MAY 9

At The Table with Mina Mistry, T-Mobile
• 12:30-1:30 pm @ Deloitte Commons (PCAR 299)
• Meet a female executive in an informal, small-group environment. Free lunch provided!
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/ATTmm24

*Transfer Exclusive* Pub Crawl Pregame
• 4:30-6:30 pm @ RSVP for location
• Pre-game the Pub Crawl! Free food provided. All ages welcome.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/transferpre24

Foster Pub Crawl
• Starts at 7:00 pm @ Follow .uw for locations
• First 2 bars all ages. Get a wristband at UBC Foster Frenzy’s, Business Week Kickoff, UBC Ice Cream Social, & BizBQ.

-- FRIDAY, MAY 10

Foster for Fitness
• 10:00 am-12:00 pm
• Denny Field
• Join Foster UBC & RSOs for field games. Support NAMI & OneGoal! Enjoy snacks, compete for Mariners tickets, & win Cotopaxi gear!
• RSVP: lu.ma/F4F

Get excited- next week on Wednesday 5/8, Foster's annual BizBQ will be happening on the PACCAR Patio & Lawn! Stop by anytime from 11:30AM -1:30PM to get food, play yard games, and socialize.

This annual community BBQ benefits Foster RSOs, and is a great way to hang out with Foster faculty and staff, and learn more about Foster Centers and resources.

Buy $3 tickets at the BizBQ event! Want to skip the ticket line? You can also purchase tickets in advance at UBC Foster Frenzy’s, Business Week Kickoff and UBC Ice Cream Social (check UBC's Instagram .uw for dates and times).

Foster Features: this week’s feature is Nishant Shah!

We are highlighting one student from our amazing Foster community every Wednesday on Foster Undergraduate Programs Office social media.

Nishant is a Junior studying Informations Systems and Supply Chain Management. We asked Nishant the following questions to learn a bit more:

Tell us a little about you.
-I was born and raised in Mumbai, India, and moved to Seattle two years ago to pursue my undergraduate education and build a future in the US. I'm a spontaneous traveler who has explored over 14 countries, always ready for the next adventure.

Outside of class, what career prep or Foster activities have you participated in?
-I’ve competed in seven case competitions, including one in Hong Kong, and completed eight consulting engagements through Foster classes and RSOs such as BIG Impact, MCG, and UWCA. I've also completed a Foster Exploration Seminar in Ireland and am currently studying abroad in Barcelona. I have led as President of Delta Sigma Pi and am a member of Phi Delta Theta, and this summer, I'll intern as a consultant at both the UW Consulting and Business Development Center in Seattle and EY Parthenon in Mumbai.

What is your favorite memory through Foster?
-Representing Foster and UW at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's International Case Competition where we reached the final round!

What is your best piece of advice for new Foster students?
-College is a brief and dynamic period, so rather than making permanent decisions, use this time to explore diverse interests and grow through experiences outside your career focus.

What is a fun fact about you?
-My dream is to go to space one day and I will make it happen!

Thank you for sharing your wisdom Nishant, we appreciate you!

MGMT 430 Capstone Case Competition - Volunteer signups now open!

Volunteer signup deadline: Friday, May 10 at Noon
Case Competition date: Friday, May 24, 2024

All Foster undergrads need to complete the MGMT 430 Case Competition before they graduate – Are you ready?
Get a behind-the-scenes look at your future capstone final exam by volunteering at the MGMT 430 Case Competition!

Volunteer spots are limited and go FAST, so sign up ASAP!
Multiple shifts are available throughout the day.

Volunteer Perks:
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at the competition, watch senior presentations, and prepare yourself to win your future MGMT 430 case competition!
• Network with judges and business professionals.
• Represent the Foster School and give back to Foster’s community!
• Free lunch and Foster swag!

About MGMT 430:
Strategic Business Management (MGMT 430) is a required capstone course for all Foster undergrads. The course culminates with the Undergraduate Strategy Development Case Competition, in which hundreds of seniors compete in teams to make formal presentations to executives from a company in Seattle's business community.

Volunteer Signup Deadline: Friday, May 10 at Noon

Sign up here: tinyurl.com/M430S24V

Foster's annual Business Week is only 1 week away! Check out the schedule below:

-- MONDAY, MAY 6

Business Week Kickoff
• 12:30-1:30 pm @ PCAR Hearth
• Get BizBQ tickets & Pub Crawl wristbands! FREE throwback Foster t-shirts (supplies limited)!

-- TUESDAY, MAY 7

Team Tuesday Meetup with the Buerk Center
• 12:00-1:30 pm @ Deloitte Commons (PCAR 299)
• Calling all student innovators & changemakers! Grab lunch with the Buerk Center!
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/buerktues

UBC Ice Cream Social
• 12:00-2:00 pm @ PCAR Hearth
• Popsicles from Foster’s Undergraduate Business Council! Get BizBQ tickets & Pub Crawl wristbands.

*New Foster Spring 2024 Admits Exclusive* Banh Mi with Foster Career Services!
• 12:30-2:00 pm @ FNDR 230
• Celebrate getting into Foster with free banh mi from Foster Career Services.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/fcsbanhmi (not required)

Career Exploration Alumni Panel
• 5:30-6:30 pm @ DEM 102
• Meet Foster alumni from various industries!
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/fcsmay24

-- WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

BizBQ
• 11:30 am-1:30 pm @ PACCAR Patio & Lawn
• Our annual BBQ to benefit Foster RSOs! Buy tickets at UBC Foster Frenzy’s, Business Week Kickoff, UBC Ice Cream Social, & BizBQ.

Sweet Treats with CBDC
• 1:30-2:30 pm @ Hogan Terrace (PCAR 4th floor)
• Grab sweet bites and learn about the Consulting and Business Development Center.

-- THURSDAY, MAY 9

At The Table with Mina Mistry, T-Mobile
• 12:30-1:30 pm @ Deloitte Commons (PCAR 299)
• Meet a female executive in an informal, small-group environment. Free lunch provided!
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/ATTmm24

*Transfer Exclusive* Pub Crawl Pregame
• 4:30-6:30 pm @ RSVP for location
• Pre-game the Pub Crawl! Free food provided. All ages welcome.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/transferpre24

Foster Pub Crawl
• Starts at 7:00 pm @ Follow .uw for locations
• First 2 bars all ages. Get a wristband at UBC Foster Frenzy’s, Business Week Kickoff, UBC Ice Cream Social, & BizBQ.

-- FRIDAY, MAY 10

Foster for Fitness
• 10:00 am-12:00 pm
• Denny Field
• Join Foster UBC & RSOs for field games. Support NAMI and OneGoal! Enjoy snacks, compete for Mariners tickets, & win Cotopaxi gear!
• RSVP: lu.ma/F4F

With midterm season upon us, Foster Instructional Tutoring (FIT) is a great resource to utilize to succeed in your Foster classes! On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays from 5:30-8PM stop by DEM 104 for help with ACCTG 215/225/301, FIN 350, B ECON 300, MGMT 200, OPMGMT 301 and QMETH 201.

Foster Features: this week’s feature is Riley Brooks!

We are highlighting one student from our amazing Foster community every Wednesday on Foster Undergraduate Programs Office social media.

Riley is a Senior studying Accounting and Finance. We asked Riley the following questions to learn a bit more:

Tell us a little about you.
-I was born and raised in Washington! I love being outside on a sunny day and cheering on Seattle sports.

Outside of class, what career prep or Foster activities have you participated in?
-I'm the Director of Operations for Net Impact and participated in the ALBA study abroad program! Outside of Foster I've held various positions through UW first year programs and was the VP of Finance for my sorority.

What is your favorite memory through Foster?
-My favorite Foster Memory is doing the ALBA study abroad program or getting to work with the Net Impact Exec Team!

What is your best piece of advice for new Foster students?
-Get involved! It's so fulfilling being a part of something bigger within Foster.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom Riley, we appreciate you!