Debra Jensen, a freshman double majoring in Interactive Media Studies (with an emphasis on Technology) and Computer Science at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, is the winner of the second Build U. scholarship from Buildium LLC, a property management software company based in Boston.
She won because her essay clearly showed how a company’s core values can be a helpful guide in the hiring process.
“Winning the Build U. scholarship means a great deal to me,” Jensen said. “In the future, I would like to work in either software or multimedia design, and Buildium is the kind of company that I could see myself excited to work for. Just being recognized by their committee is extremely encouraging and means a lot to me in terms of my professional and educational goals.”
“My inspiration for this essay came from a Group Processes class that I had just completed,” Jensen added. “We focused on the elements that make up a good team or business dynamic, such as cohesion, social relationships, and shared mission statements and values. We discussed what makes someone a truly great team member—which prompted me to consider the kinds of judgments we should make when we say someone is truly qualified for a certain position.”
She plans to put the prize money to good use too. “The scholarship will also be a huge aid in financing my education. It’ll be going towards my tuition cost and will help me to complete my degree and maybe even study abroad one day! “
The Build U. scholarship page has details on entering future essay competitions. The next essay deadline is October 1, 2014.