Student Testimonials

Oliver Bennett

Oliver Bennett arrived at Indiana University seeking a well-rounded education. An Economics and Mathematics double major, he credits IU’s Liberal Arts and Management Program (LAMP) as an empowering resource toward enterprising his own career momentum.

“LAMP poses a fabulous opportunity to become involved in the business side of the College of Arts and Sciences,” Bennett said. “I would say I am more able to reflect on qualitative aspects of opportunities, and not solely focus on the immediate impacts/payoffs.”

Oliver Bennett, Current LAMP Student

Bennett has made a lasting impression on campus. He founded the Quantitative Finance Society (bringing together College and Kelley students), is a College Ambassador, member of the Real Estate Club, LAMP Student Advisory Board, and an Economics Department Undergraduate Intern. He especially values coursework like Professor Michael Morrone’s LAMP Sophomore Seminar L 216: Black Markets: Supply and Demand.

“The class covered how numerous international black markets worked, culminating in students having the ability to ‘design’ a black market and understand how it might work,” Bennett said. “We learned there is always an intelligent way to approach a problem regarding economic/socio-economic analysis.”

Through outreach to IU alumni executives, he’s built a strong professional network, leading to internships with RN Thompson, Jr and Associates, SCOR, and DMA. He also owns ODJBenn Entertainment Services LLC, a wedding DJ company based in Indianapolis.

“I would encourage students to not rely on others to give you a position, go out there and network with alumni,” he said. “You will be much better off in the end.”

Taylor Gates

“Choosing the Management and Human Organization (MHO) major just made sense for me,” said recent graduate Taylor Gates. “I’ve always been interested in how people work together in organizations and how good communication and leadership can make a difference. The mix of business and social sciences really stood out to me because it’s practical but also lets me understand the ‘why’ behind what we do."

Gates has served as a board member and Special Events Coordinator for IU’s Student Recreational Sports Association, on the Vice President of Undergraduate Education Student Board, and in Delta Gamma Sorority. Her internship with Muskegon (MI) Country Club gave her hands-on experience in hospitality and event planning.

**Taylor Gates, MHO alumna Class of 2025**

“I loved the hands-on work and seeing how much goes into pulling off successful events,” she said. “Now, I’m in the job search stage, looking for something entry-level in the events or project management world.”

She also credits Professor Josh Hasler’s classes with helping her grow: “I feel like I’ve grown a ton from what I’ve learned in his classes,” she said. “Especially in how to present ideas and analyze situations more clearly.”

“My advice for any incoming MHO majors is to take advantage of internships and networking opportunities,” Gates stated. “They’re the best way to figure out what you enjoy (or don’t)... I’m so excited to see where my academic career can take me and for that I have MHO to thank!”

Lauren Fischer

As a freshman, Lauren Fischer knew IU’s Liberal Arts and Management Program (LAMP) would give her education a competitive edge—and it still benefits her in her current role as Social Media Manager for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

“I wanted to give my IU education an edge by taking business classes,” she said. “LAMP taught me how to challenge my own perspectives, both personally and professionally. At my fast-moving job... I have the capability to slow down and think through a campaign or a post from multiple perspectives.”

Lauren Fischer, LAMP alumna BA in Journalism, Class of 2022

“LAMP seminars helped give me that confidence.”

Beyond the classroom, LAMP offered Fischer valuable peer collaboration and professional insight. “It put me in the classroom with some of the top business students... I can go into a business meeting and not feel out of place, thanks to my LAMP education.”

She credits LAMP faculty with deepening her appreciation for liberal arts. “Dr. Rebecca Spang taught my sophomore seminar. Her perspective on what a college education could be helped me... use my creative skills when taking business classes at Kelley.”

Her senior seminar left a lasting mark. “It was one of those classes that changes the way you look at the world around you,” she said. “I am better off today, as a writer and person, because of this LAMP course.”

Alisha Januck

“Uncertainty was a deciding factor,” said Alisha Januck, who found her perfect academic fit with the Management + Human Organization (MHO) major during her first semester at IU. “It was almost immediate... it fit my mold. I then decided to go for it and never changed my major.”

With an MHO degree and a minor in apparel merchandising, Januck turned a New York City internship with Macy’s Inc. into a full-time role. By 2022, she was hired as an Assistant Buyer and soon promoted to Associate Buyer in Women’s Ready to Wear Special Sizes Career Collections.

Alisha Januck, MHO alumna Class of 2022

Her top advice for students? “Career Fairs & overall networking with your IU faculty! I always went in with an open mind... there is no such thing as having too many connections.”

Januck credits Professor Rebecca Spang, who once directed both LAMP and MHO, as a key influence. “She made sure to guide me and acknowledge my efforts.”

Now in her career, Januck continues to rely on lessons from MHO. “Be patient—you have the skill set... just let time be your friend.”