Presentation by Jeff Fettig, CEO of Whirlpool

Throughout Kelley alumni Jeff Fettig’s presentation, he emphasized the importance of people in your career. While reflecting on his company and his career path, he shared inspirational advice that I will carry throughout the recruiting process.

Jeff Fettig, CEO, Whirlpool Corp.

The people at Whirlpool are incredibly philanthropic. The company gives back in many ways, most visibly through Habitat for Humanity. Not only have 1/3 of Whirlpool’s employees participated in a build, every Habitat home is fitted with Whirlpool appliances. As someone who has participated in five Habitat builds, Whirlpool’s relationship with Habitat for Humanity affirmed everything Mr. Fettig said about choosing a career for the people. Volunteering time and money on a regular basis says a lot about an employee’s character, and individual personalities define a company’s corporate culture. This advice for choosing a company offers a great foundation, and his advice for growing in a company rounded out his presentation.

Mr. Fettig’s advice for us as we prepare to enter our careers inspired and affirmed the need for positive mental attitude as well. Multiple times, Mr. Fettig admitted that every year for the first three years of his career he wanted to quit. However, his perseverance and motivation to go above and beyond his job’s description brought him great opportunities early on. Moreover, he prefers to work with individuals who act with a positive mental attitude. The defining line between two incredibly competent individuals comes down to interaction, and showing those around him that he works passionately led him to his current position as CEO.

Overall, the advice Mr. Fettig shared outlined important factors to consider as we enter the workforce. Women in Business would like to thank Delta Sigma Pi for the incredible opportunity of hearing Mr. Fettig speak.

Pumpkin Carving with Enterprise!

 In case you missed it, here are some great pictures from freshman Ellen Ernstberger. The event last Wednesday was an amazing success, thanks you, Enterprise, for coming!

Apple Orchard Social Event!

Back Row: Blair Carlisle, Becca Breier, Kelly Shah, Jennifer Closs, Daina Dangerfield, Caela Reis, Rachel Shapiro, Jamie Barrar, Kristen Reif
Front Row: Taylor Smith, Kristina Weber, Morgan Brown, Samantha Courbanou, Lexie Curtis, Lauren Hirsh, Betsy Dorn, Anna Smedsrud, Samantha Rhodes

This Sunday, Women in Business made the trip right outside of campus to Musgrave Orchard in Bloomington for apple picking. Arriving at Musgrave, the smell of the the warm apple cider was so inticing, so all of us ended up getting some freshly made apple cider and warm caramel apples.  Bloomington is absolutely beautiful the fall, so it was nice walking around the orchard with our delicious treats. Overall, it was a relaxing social event that allowed all of us to enjoy this great fall weather!

JB5K Color Me Run!

This past weekend, Women in Business members had the fun opportunity of forming a group to run/walk the IU Recreational Sports JB5K Color Me Run. The JB5k Color Me Run was created by IU Recreational Sports in memory of Jill Behrman, a former RS student and employee, and all proceeds benefitted the Jill Behrman Emerging Leader Scholarship, which funds assault awareness and self-defense workshops. 

In anticipation for the run the night before, there was a pasta and tutu0making party. We had a great time and had a great turn out making fun and quirky accessories to run in. 

The color run is unique because race participants wear all-white at the start of the race, then at two different stations throughout the 5K volunteers throw colored corn starch at the runners. By the end of the race, every participant was covered in colorful powder and all agreed that they had a blast at the post-race event. WIB freshman Aly Rumel says, "It was really great raising money, exercising, and having fun for a cause." With blasting music, a dance crew, and more colorful powder, the race was definitely a day to remember! 

Luncheon with Poling Chair Beth Acton!

The ladies of Women in Business had the opportunity to hear the inspiring words of Poling Chair Beth Acton on this beautiful, crisp, fall Friday in Bloomington.  At the beginning of the luncheon, Mrs. Acton took the time to let each and every WIB audience member share a brief background before providing an overview of her career.  Holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Minnesota and a Masters of Business Administration from Indiana University, Beth currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council at the better of her alma maters (Indiana University).  Throughout her career, Beth held many notable positions such as Executive Vice President, Finance and Treasurer of Ford Motor Company in addition to her ten year term as Chief Financial Officer of Comerica Incorporated and its subsidiary, Comerica Bank.  In addition to a business career highlighted by successes, Mrs. Acton has been happily married for over thirty years and is the proud mother of two boys.

In between the chocolate brownie bites, the young women learned many valuable lessons from Beth’s solid career examples.  Mrs. Acton touched on topics from all ranges – interviewing tips, seeking advice and mentoring, changing perspectives, challenging authority, productiveness, work ethic, and the importance of believing in one’s abilities.  Sophomore WIB member Lindsey Ellington claims, “I really appreciated the time Mrs. Acton spent with us and how candid she was sharing her stories. The experiences she shared were very applicable to both school and my future careers. Mrs. Acton has accomplished so much and we are so lucky as Kelley students to have the chance to chat with her and seek advice. I am already looking forward to her future visits.”

Women in Business extends much thanks for the wonderful afternoon conversing with Mrs. Beth Acton and looks forward to applying her business insights, especially during this busy recruiting season!