This week on the Be Epic podcast, Brent sits down with Olivia Meyer, a senior real estate finance student at the Walton College to discuss her internship that she secured from the career fair and how she turned that internship into a full-time role after graduation. During the episode Olivia highlights her campus involvement, goal setting and ability to constantly seek out feedback as factors that have helped her to achieve her goals. She also credits supportive mentors with empowering her growth mindset and pushing her out of comfort zones.
Podcast Episode
Episode Transcript
Olivia Meyer 0:00
Getting more involved quicker just to set yourself up to meet new people. I mean,
it's an incredible way to get different friend groups and different personalities
and different opinions to surround yourself with.
Brent Williams 0:14
Welcome to the be epic podcast, brought to you by the Sam M. Walton College of Business
at the University of Arkansas. I'm your host, Brent Williams. Together, we'll explore
the dynamic landscape of business, and uncover the strategies, insights and stories
that drive business today. Today I have with me, Olivia Meyer, and Olivia is a current
student in the Walton College of Business. Olivia, thank you for joining me today.
Olivia Meyer 0:43
Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be here.
Brent Williams 0:45
Yeah. And you know, you're you're involved beyond just in the classroom and internships,
you're pretty busy. As I've gotten to know you. What are some of the things you do
outside the classroom?
Olivia Meyer 0:56
I'm very involved in my sorority, I'm a Zeta here. Obviously, I went through recruitment
as a sophomore. So I was kind of nervous at first to see how well I would get involved
and how well I'd fit in with everybody. But it was very smooth transition. And I got
to be on the philanthropy side of leadership by being the assistance to some of the
exec members and then work my way up as being one of the exec members, as secretary
and I really enjoy just being a part of all of the girls there who just supported
me and are amazing leaders throughout the chapter. And also just some of the on campus
involvement is women in finance and future business women leaders. A couple of my
friends have started up those and so it's been really cool to watch them from sophomore
year to now and how well they're going to exceed in the future too.
Brent Williams 1:43
Yeah, what made you choose finance as a major?
Olivia Meyer 1:46
I really was excited for the real estate portion of it, honestly. I've always wanted
to go into real estate since I was in high school, which I don't know where that really
stemmed from, I don't have any family members involved in it. I just was really knew,
it was a personable job. And I knew that the finance background would really help
on a resume and just learning that kind of background information going into it instead
of just the real estate portion. Which really reflected I think in my internship too,
just having that kind of background knowledge too
Brent Williams 2:16
Yeah,
Olivia Meyer 2:17
even though it's mainly my focus on my major. But yeah,
Brent Williams 2:22
Yeah, you know, it's interesting, like you came in kind of thinking that was probably
right for you turned out sounds like it was sounds like it is something you've enjoyed,
you've enjoyed the classes. Something you told me a little bit earlier that was really
interesting. And this kind of segues into our conversation about the internship. I
think you said when you were touring the campus thinking about coming here, one of
the ambassadors leading the tour mentioned internships, is that right?
Olivia Meyer 2:52
Yes, I remember we were right in front of Walton College, and it was towards the end
of the tour. And it was kind of a chilly day. But I was really excited to hear more
about the business school. And she mentioned how many intern internships that students
normally get, that are in Walton, or that are at Walmart and Sam's Club as well. And
I knew I really wanted to be at a big company as successful as they are. So ever since
then, that kind of was in the back of my head of that opportunity that was presented
itself. And I didn't know how I was going to get there. But I knew I was gonna get
there somehow. And especially with the help of Walton, and my professors. So that
was always a fire that kind of ignited underneath me. And I really was able to look
back now and kind of, you know, reminisce on that memory.
Yeah. Well, that seed was planted early, which I don't know who the ambassador was, but a shout out to her because that's exactly we love that. You know, one thing that's coming up soon is our Career Fair, which is really an event of course, where students and employers can really start to match and meet one another. Did you utilize career fairs when you as you've gone through this process?
Oh, yes, of course. I started off going sophomore year. Not really, with any kind of goal in mind of getting an internship just because I knew that they were mainly meant for geared to juniors and seniors. And as nervous as I was, as a little sophomore, I knew that that kind of experience of at least just introducing yourself, you thought a handshake never hurt anyone. And that's kind of where I got to step into that light of the professional and corporate world a little bit more. And it was, you know, really quick, I just made myself at least talk to five different people and just to see where it would take me and just get that feeling for next year to prepare a little bit more. But yeah,
Brent Williams 4:48
Well, I'm pretty impressed with that. You know that you pushed yourself right, and
you set a goal for that event. I think that's great advice for our students. So you
did find an internship and you found a really good internship after your junior year
at Sam's Club. So maybe tell us a little bit about that process of finding the internship.
And then tell us, you know, more about the internship itself,
Olivia Meyer 5:16
Of course, um, well backtrack a little bit to whenever I was first figuring out an
internship, I really was looking for Walmart's AFDP program. And I was super interested
in I went to all their networking events and really got my face out there. And met
them. They were one of the companies I met, as well as Sam's at the career fair. And
I ended up going through the full interview process, made it to the final interview,
and I didn't land that AFDP internship. And it stung a little bit. But I didn't let
it turn me away. And before my Sam's Club interview, I reached out to the girl who
are one of the women who's on the panel, who interviewed me for the AFDP internship,
just kind of asking ways that I can improve my interview skills. And if she could
take the time to give me a quick call of where I can improve, where I could excel
at, or where I could excel more at and where I was doing amazing, and you know, can
keep going with that kind of skills in my interview. And I feel like that is what
really helped me with my Sam's Club interview, just getting that feedback from her
and kind of going in with the vulnerable aspect of I understand I didn't get this,
but I would love to see where I could get some help. And she's one of the few people
who have helped me throughout my internship to just being a quick mentor to go to
just because she was over at Walmart. So it was a very tedious process. And of course,
very stressful. But I think, taking myself outside of the perspective of being too
scared to ask the questions, because in reality, the worst thing anyone could say
is no. So I think really just utilizing those resources, and you don't even know that
they're right in front of you was something that I was really excited for this Sam's
Club, interview, and then after it was during finals week, whenever my interview was,
and of course, it's a stressful period for any kind of college student, and I had
two at the time for a different company. So I'd come out of an accounting two final
and it was very stressed out whenever I was walking into this huge interview that
I was really excited for and really wanted to land on. And ultimately, I felt like
I didn't put my best foot forward. So whenever I was submitting my thank you emails
to everyone who's on that panel, I kind of worded the Sam's Club one just a little
bit more of a explanation of why I felt like I didn't put my best foot forward. And
of course, thank you for their time. But just kind of like making that note of where
I wish I could improve better on that interview. And one of the women reached back
out to me, and she was basically saying how I did incredible not, don't need to worry.
But she understands where I'm coming from and knows that I put a lot of pressure on
myself she could see. So she got on a zoom call with me in a very informal kind of
chat, and basically gave me the opportunity to submit a write up to her of my two,
five and 10 year goals for my career. And I was able to take a day or two to kind
of figure that out and really perfect what I wanted to say to her, and she then presented
it to the board before they made their decision on an intern. So to this day, I still
feel like I owe her everything. She was just that extra push that I needed. And I
find her in the office. And I always thank her and I love to give her updates on my
career goals that I'm surpassing and things like that. So it's definitely been a learning
curve. But I think my biggest advice is just utilizing those kinds of experiences
and people so yeah.
Brent Williams 9:02
Well, if there is a there is a lesson for our students, because one thing that is
very, very impressive to me is that you are always seeking feedback. You know, and
if and that, that takes courage to send that email and say, hey, here's what happened.
I didn't do as well as I thought I could tell me how I can get better. That that is
a special, a special power, if you will, that you can do that. And then take that
feedback and try to get better with it.
Olivia Meyer 9:36
Thank you.
Brent Williams 9:37
And then, you know, professionals at both Walmart and Sam's Club clearly responded
to that right because they they both stepped up and gave you that feedback and helped
you and maybe even the key to getting the Sam's Club internship.
Olivia Meyer 9:54
Oh, yes. And it made me respect the company so much because after experiencing that
kind of feedback from them. She always told me that busy was just a relative term.
So never be afraid to ask anyone for their time. It really showed me the values of
the company just even before I had started. And then I continued to see that all throughout
my time as at my internship, which was incredible to witness and it didn't feel like
it was this huge corporation that you were just getting lost in the sea. It felt like
very family oriented and a sense of belonging was there for sure.
Brent Williams 10:31
And personal connection?
Olivia Meyer 10:33
Oh, yes. Yes.
Brent Williams 10:34
All right. So you so you land the Sam's Club one and spend last summer at Sam's Club.
What was the internship and tell us a little bit about, you know, the group that you're
involved in,
Olivia Meyer 10:46
Of course, I had the honor of being on the new club team for Sam's Club real estate.
It was a new club, or it was a new team that started in October of that year. So Sam's
basically hasn't had a new club built in the past seven years. And Walmart used to
be that muscle that would work on the Walmart's and the Sam's clubs, real estate portion.
So it was really awesome to be a part of that first initial kind of way or group of
figuring out how to maneuver around, going about building Sam's Clubs and what the
executives wanted to see out of them, and what goals they needed to put up for themselves.
So basically, this Summer, my project was to do what basically do the full lifecycle
of one of the new clubs, that was going to be there. And I actually got to fly out
and see it with the COO, Lance Del Rossa and Diana Marshall, who is the Chief Growth
Officer at Walmart. And so being exposed that kind of leadership too I mean, really
taught me a lot of valuable lessons just because I hadn't ever had that kind of opportunity
to have one on one for especially a whole trip with people like that. But I got to
go fly out and see the property, see how we interact with brokers in that kind of
corporation, and then start my project. And it was just basically the full lifecycle
up until I left. And I actually got to present at the end of year CRC meeting, which
was in front of the entire executive council for Sam's Club. So my little intern self
was standing up there presenting this project, asking for due diligence funds and
seeing if they would even approve of the site in general. And it did get approved.
So that was a big win for our team. But without the new club team and my directors,
there's no way I could have accomplished that kind of goal. So it was a very hands
on internship, which I liked, and they treated you like a full time employee, I didn't
feel like I was just, you know, the intern that would get coffee or anything, there
was always things to do. And if even there wasn't, I would get more exposed to other
sides of the real estate sector, just going to the portfolio team asking what they
did. And even I got to go on another trip with a totally different non real estate
team and just see that aspect of it all of how the field execution works and things
like that. So it was a very awesome experience. I loved the travel, I loved how my
director just gave me so many opportunities to pursue. And I feel like I asked a lot
of questions too, that led me to those kinds of opportunities as well just because
my the very first day, my director told me that you can play that intern card as many
times as you want this summer. So I started on day one, trying to trying to get my
foot in the door. And I think the biggest thing was just leaving a big impression
on everybody you meet and because you never know if it's just going to be the first
one or you're going to encounter them a lot of times and by the end of the summer,
I was on a first name basis with the COO throughout the office. So that was a pretty
awesome feeling to walk through and be able to say hello to him and he remembered
my face. So just being very bold, being very bold, and even if you're nervous, you
just gotta fake it till you make it.
Brent Williams 14:12
That's one thing I actually hear with you. You're like, you know, maybe you're pushing
yourself in that way, right? Even if it doesn't feel natural, or you're ready to push
yourself forward. And that's really impressive. You know, as I as I think about what
I heard in your description of the internship, what was important to you and I feel
like I hear this from a lot of students is that the meaningful InSe internships are
a result of a great team, great people pouring into you, but also meaningful work.
So you felt like you were meaningfully contributing to the organization.
Olivia Meyer 14:54
Oh, yes. I I felt like I was making a difference just as an intern and that's because
my team made me feel that way too. But it'll be really awesome to go back to the club
and be able to see where my projects kind of skyrocketed from and where it is now.
And even where I can maybe put more work into whenever I return, just because whenever
they put a shovel on the ground, that's whenever it's all hands on deck. So I am very
excited to see where that took off.
Brent Williams 15:25
There's a lot of reasons why I think internships are really important for our students.
And one is, you know, this is a great mechanism to, to get a full time job, which
is what we're going to talk about next. But also, you know, there's some other pieces
to it, I feel like I feel like it, I think it probably makes you a better student,
you know, so let me, let me ask you this, because I think that being able to learn
and apply, either simultaneously, or, you know, you're in finishing up a spring semester,
you learn something, you probably applied it, you know, during the summer, and then
you bring that experience back to your senior year in this case. And I suspect it
made you a different type of student to tell me if you agree with that.
Olivia Meyer 16:15
I completely agree with that. And I could feel that on my first day of senior year,
I could feel myself taking more charge of my studies, I've always been a very diligent
student, and value that studying. But honestly, I feel like the biggest change was
in my presentation skills and how I approach adults and professors and leaders, I
feel like I was always hesitant in the back of my head in some instances. But I had
the competence now to really go in and take charge of a lot of different group projects
and presentations and just really be on top of things like that. And in my studies,
I feel like I learned so much this summer that everything was starting to click a
lot in my classes, especially in the real estate section, too. So that was just a
really cool feeling to know that I could participate in class discussions and share
my own knowledge. And by this point, a lot of seniors have had those internships before.
And so everyone really gets to now pour into what they have learned in those internships
and put them towards class discussions to where we can all learn from them as well.
So it's been a very awesome experience, being a senior and watching, you know, some
of your peers that you've grown up with over the past four years, really fall into
themselves with their careers and everything.
Brent Williams 17:38
It's a big change isn't it, it's a big change, when you start to see, you know, our
students, your peers, start to get different types of experiences. And you're so right.
The the discussions after that has occurred really start to change, right? Because
you may, you know, clearly you had Sam's Club experience, someone else may have another
type of experience that someone else another and you're getting to share those in
the classroom, which as as a professor, that is so much fun to see.
Olivia Meyer 18:10
Yes. Oh, yeah.
Brent Williams 18:12
So we said that we'll go back to we said that one of the things about internships
is that very often, not always, but very often they lead to jobs and job offers. And
that was the case for you. So you're going to start at Sam's Club, I presume sometime
in the summer after after you graduate. Tell us a little bit about you know, how that
went from internship to to getting the full time role in the real estate area at Sam's
Club?
Olivia Meyer 18:44
Of course, yes. I really think it started on day one, I knew I wanted a full time
offer at the very end of my internship. And so I wasn't gonna waste a day, not trying
to pursue that. And I really think that the biggest piece of one of the biggest pieces
of advice that I got from my team was to cast a wide net throughout the corporation,
meet as many people as you can do as many one on ones as you'd like, just to try and
get your name out there because you never know what door will open. And even if it's
not in real estate, what if something else sparks your interest, and you now know
someone that can, you know, get you into that kind of position. So from day one, I
really just tried to get my face out there as much as possible. And really tried to
show them like work ethic in the best way possible. Because they're looking for someone
who is extremely driven, passionate about what they do. And I feel like my personality
also I really got to shine through that. And even on days where people were really
struggling to you know, kind of keep going I feel like I just tried to bring the energy
as much as I could. So really just showing that I could fit that come in a culture
and it didn't feel like a job anymore, to me, that's never I knew that I could attain
that kind of full time offer. But just being very persistent and enthusiastic, that
energy will follow you back. And eventually it did pay off in my final annual meeting,
so I was absolutely thrilled coming out of that conversation with my manager. But
yeah, just
So they made you an offer, right at the end of the internship?
Yes, we had a final a midpoint review, and then a final review. And the midpoint review, he'd kind of hinted they'd been discussing where I could fit within the company, by the time I came back a year later, just because that is kind of tricky to plan out. And then by the full time offer, I or by the final point, it was very, very exciting to just watch all my hard work pay off and know that I was going to come back even stronger, just because I had such a great support system after that so yeah
Brent Williams 21:03
And you already know the team that you're gonna, it's a different team, but you're
gonna land in the real estate area on the existing club teams,
Olivia Meyer 21:10
I'll be yes, I will be on the portfolio team.
Brent Williams 21:12
Okay.
Olivia Meyer 21:13
So I'm very excited, it's gonna be great entry level position. And that's just where
I'll learn to negotiate and learn how to what to seed and read in a lease, just kind
of really get the basics down, in order to have that solid foundation and real estate
and then build up from there within the club. So yeah.
Brent Williams 21:31
That's gonna be exciting. And I assume it took a little bit of pressure off of the
senior year, if you already had that in hand, right?
Olivia Meyer 21:38
Yes, a couple of friends and I, we've worked at Walmart, and Sam's and all left with
full time offers. And so we've been very much enjoying that time to just relax and
take in senior year, without the pressure of going to, you know, all the different
networking events, just because we had that goal in mind of before. I remember sitting
down with one of my best friends, junior year, first semester, and our goal was to
get an internship before that semester was over, just so we could, you know, really
enjoy the second part of junior year without trying to fight for one. And by the end
of it, we looked back so proud of ourselves because we both had landed, she got the
AFDP internship and I had gotten the Sam's Club one. So we landed exactly where we're
supposed to be, which I'm very proud of us for.
Brent Williams 22:27
It seems like you're really committed to setting goals, and doing your absolute best
to achieve those goals. You guys feel like I've heard that multiple times throughout
the podcast. All right. Well, how about let me ask you this, let me kind of wind this
up this way. If you were starting this journey all over again, as a, as a new freshman
coming into the Walton College next year, you've given lots of really good advice.
Is there anything else that that you would that you would say?
Olivia Meyer 23:02
I would say since I was a transfer, I think the only thing that I regret is not getting
involved quicker. I see a lot of opportunities for freshmen to get that first foot
in the door with different kinds of RSOs on campus, which then lead to leadership
positions in those RSOs and things like that. So I feel like really just getting more
involved quicker, just to set yourself up to meet new people. I mean, it's an incredible
way to get different friend groups and different personalities and different opinions
to surround yourself with. And I feel like that is something that I wish I would have
done quicker. But obviously, given the circumstances, it was kind of hard, just, you
know, coming out of COVID and transferring. But I do think that that is something
that I would change. If I could go back and do it all again.
Brent Williams 23:55
Well, that's really good advice. How about uh, how about if I'm going to ask a part
B to that? You had a great experience at Sam's Club. So if you were to advise employers,
you know, thinking to themselves as their as their recruiting on campus, and recruiting
interns and what can they do to create the best kinds of experiences possible that
set you up for success and then hopefully set them up to get great talent into their
organization?
Olivia Meyer 24:24
That's a great question. That's a really good question. I think recruiters going into
career fairs. Always having an open mind. I feel like the easiest recruiters to talk
to are the ones who were just so opening and welcoming and really wanted to share.
I feel like they need to be even more passionate about their company just because
they're the ones who are also trying to sell it as well.
Brent Williams 24:52
Yeah.
Olivia Meyer 24:53
Just because I always told myself that I'm trying to sell myself just as much as the
company is and then as from an employer, I feel like my director did a fantastic job.
Just really giving that great intern experience to make me want to come back essentially,
he did that by just opening a lot of doors that maybe an intern couldn't like herself
and everything, and just really pushing me to get out of that comfort zone, just because
I could see where some interns were, maybe not wanting to keep going at the middle
and just like getting relaxed, and he was always lighting a fire underneath me to
keep going, keep trying, just never stop learning. And he would show me ways to do
that as well. And just getting more out there, pushing me to really be a part of the
company and see myself as a full time associate was really important for me to get
out of my comfort zone, but in a healthy way. So just being my number one cheerleader,
I think that was what made me really, absolutely have an amazing experience with him.
So yeah,
Brent Williams 26:02
Well, after getting to know you a little bit, I'm pretty convinced you're gonna be
successful in whatever you choose to do. And as dean, I can't tell you how exciting
this is for me to meet to meet you. And to see that we know we say at the Walton College
that we want to be a catalyst for transforming lives, right. And, and I always think
about that catalyst piece, which is really about putting the ingredients together.
And you know, and so you brought hard work, goal setting, passion. And then employers
come alongside you and give you opportunities professors help teach you and professionally
develop you and just what a great outcome for you. So we're extremely excited. And
I look forward to seeing you again on the stage at graduation where I get to hand
you the diploma and that won't be very long from now.
Olivia Meyer 26:56
I know I don't remind me.
Brent Williams 26:59
Well, Olivia, thank you for spending time with me.
Olivia Meyer 27:01
Thank you so much. It's been wonderful. Thank you for having me.
Brent Williams 27:05
On behalf of the Walton College thank you for joining us for this captivating conversation.
To stay connected and never miss an episode. Simply search for be epic on your preferred
podcast service.
Brent D. Williams is the Dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.
With a deep commitment to fostering excellence in business education and thought leadership,
Dr. Williams brings a wealth of experience to his role, shaping the future of the
college and its impact on students and the business community.
