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Carly Gorter, a senior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business, will start her career at Target after graduation, joining the company’s Financial Analyst Development Program. Through academic coursework, leadership programs and internships, Gorter built the skills and confidence to launch a successful career in finance.

A native of Shakopee, Minnesota, Gorter grew up balancing academics and athletics, competing in cross country, cross-country skiing and track. A high school business program first sparked her interest in the field, but it was at Nebraska that she found her path.

"I knew I wanted to do something in business, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do," Gorter said. "It is hard as an 18-year-old to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life because there are so many options you cannot even begin to conceptualize until college."

After starting at the College of Business as a business administration major, Gorter discovered her passion for finance through coursework.

"I truly believe that experience makes tough decisions easy," she said. "Immersing yourself in the material makes it very clear that it is either something you want to do for the rest of your life or something you do not see yourself doing at all."

Gorter made the most of opportunities to build her leadership, consulting and financial skills. She double-majored in finance and Clifton Builders management, an option that paired quantitative financial knowledge with leadership development in the college’s three-year Clifton Builders program. Builders take cohort classes together and aspire to change the world by building new businesses, teams or communities through leadership and involvement.

"The Clifton Builders Program was such an impactful program that I cannot imagine my college experience without it," she said. "We grew a lot in this class through hands-on experience with business partners in the community."

Through the program, Gorter worked on real-world consulting projects, including helping Echo Collective, a nonprofit supporting refugee and immigrant women as entrepreneurs, improve team culture and workplace efficiencies. Presenting her team’s findings to a large audience at Gallup’s headquarters challenged Gorter.

The consulting experience served as a foundation for two capstone consulting projects during her final semester for the Nebraska Business Honors Academy. The course, Business Policies and Strategies Corporate Partners Lab (MNGT 475L), allows students to apply strategic management concepts to solve business problems for one business and one nonprofit organization.

Students collaborate in small teams, receive guidance from business and nonprofit leaders, and present final recommendations at the end of the semester. Gorter’s teams worked with Cornhusker Bank and the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln.

"My management major has given me many professional skills such as presentation skills, confidence and the skills to be a good manager someday in my career," she said. "My finance major provided me with the technological competencies I need to do my job well, like Excel and other important platforms."

Tammy Beck, associate professor of management, led the capstone course and worked closely with Gorter throughout the semester.

“Carly is enthusiastic and engaged. She regularly contributes to class discussions in meaningful ways and is intellectually curious, often asking questions that go beyond simply understanding a concept to consider its application in real-world settings,” Beck said. “I’ve seen firsthand the ways Carly contributes to the success of her group. She encourages others, is open to feedback and embraces her own development goals. Her double major gives her the insight to incorporate both the quantitative and human sides of any issue. Carly is well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the communities and organizations she will choose to serve.”

Faculty mentors played a pivotal role in her college experience. Gorter credits professors like Beck, Kevin Wesley, associate professor of practice in management, and Stanislava (Stas) Nikolova, Alice M. Dittman Chair of Banking and Finance and professor of finance, for helping her grow academically and professionally.

"There is no doubt that the course I teach is a challenging one, but Carly’s performance throughout the semester stood out as consistently excellent," said Nikolova. "She invested the time and effort to master even the most difficult material. Her exceptional work ethic, together with her strong analytical skills and unwavering drive, impressed me repeatedly. These are the same qualities that will undoubtedly help Carly succeed after graduation as she begins her first job at Target. She’s got a bright future ahead – I am certain of it – and I cannot wait to hear about all the amazing ways in which her career unfolds."

Gorter recalled how Nikolova’s encouragement helped her realize her talent for finance at a critical moment.

"She told me I was good at what I was doing, which gave me reassurance that I was in the right place and doing the right things for my career," Gorter said. "When a professor tells you they think you can shoot for the stars, it makes you feel like your dreams are truly possible."

Timothy Hodges, Joan Heiser Endowed Presidential Chair, executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and assistant professor of practice in management, also made a lasting impression, encouraging Gorter to join a cross-cultural experience hosting CliftonStrengths workshops at four institutions in Malaysia to help students identify and apply their top talents.

"Forming relationships with students on the other side of the globe changed my life. Dr. Hodges saw me in the hallway and immediately convinced me I needed to be a part of this opportunity," she said. "He is always willing to sit down and have a conversation with me if I need to talk about something. Having a professor who sends a check-in or asks how you are doing is pretty special."

Looking ahead to her new role at Target, Gorter feels confident that her time at Nebraska Business prepared her well.

"The College of Business has so many opportunities for students and I strongly believe these opportunities and experiences provided me with the skills I needed to be successful in job interviews, internships and beyond," she said. "Finding your niche within the college is a great way to meet other inspiring students and build networks and friendships."

Video: Husker Internships: Carly's Finance Intern Experience

As part of the Husker Internships video series, Gorter talks with Assistant Dean Rachel Larson about her internship experiences at Farm Credit Services of America and Target, and how the College of Business at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln helped her get them.