Switch to KU Business major helps junior find career clarity
Business analytics major Jasneet Kaur discovers how to incorporate data and technology into business innovation
Jasneet Kaur, a junior from Olathe, Kansas, and a 2024 University Scholar studying business analytics, has used KU and School of Business resources to gain invaluable experiences and clarify her career goals.
Kaur says choosing KU was a simple decision for her because of the proximity to home, but her journey has not been linear. She entered as a computer science major but quickly discovered she was looking for a more people-focused career, leading her to the School of Business one year ago.
“Although I have only spent one full year in this program, I couldn’t be happier with my decision,” Kaur said. “Now, my vision is to find myself at the intersection of data and technology, where I can leverage insights to help businesses craft innovative and equitable solutions for all. I believe that data is more than just numbers; it tells a story about people’s needs, preferences and behaviors.”
Beyond taking classes, she is making the most of her four years at KU by getting involved in a variety of clubs and student organizations.
She is a member of the Women in Computing (WIC) Club in the School of Engineering, where she has maintained her membership as a business student. Through WIC, Kaur has had unique opportunities in the computer science world and says it has been a formative experience in her time at KU.
“Meeting like-minded women and contributing to my community through Girl Code, our community outreach initiative where we teach middle school-aged girls about computer science, has sparked my passion for community involvement and education,” Kaur said. “Additionally, through WIC, I have had the opportunity to attend numerous Grace Hopper Conventions.”
Kaur is also an active member of the Mentored Scholars Program in Business (MSP-B) at KU. Along with attending meetings and events throughout the school year, she attended NCORE in Honolulu, Hawaii, with the school this past summer. This experience helped her learn about the ongoing journey toward better access and belonging in the workplace and education system.
Furthermore, she is involved in the EY Business Professional Development Program, where she serves as an ambassador, helps manage the program’s social media accounts and coordinates events like career fairs and resume tabling. She also serves as a resident assistant at Downs Hall on campus, working to build a welcoming environment for all residents.
“Balancing work, school and extracurricular activities can be challenging; however, prioritizing deadlines and maintaining effective communication has made it easier to manage,” Kaur said.
Kaur completed two internships and one externship in the past three years. She says the School of Business, specifically the EY Business Professional Development Program, has provided her with a competitive advantage when applying for these.
“Working for the Business Professional Development Program allowed me to collaborate closely with career advisors, helping me tailor my resume and identify opportunities that aligned with my interests,” Kaur said. “The alumni network from the KU School of Business is invaluable in securing internships. Tapping into this network has helped me narrow down the companies I aspire to work for.”
Her first internship was with Stepp & Rothwell, a financial planning firm in Overland Park, Kansas, where she served as a data analysis intern during her freshman year. Next, she had an eight-week externship at Hewlett Packard as a venture capital and business analyst extern in spring 2024. This past summer, she interned as a business analyst with Ad Astra Information Systems in Overland Park.
Externships allow students to explore various career paths with less commitment than an internship, especially while they balance work, school and extracurricular activities. Kaur learned about externships and their benefits through a blog post on LinkedIn and found the virtual eight-week opportunity with Hewlett Packard through a platform called Extern (formally known as Paragon One).
“During my time with Hewlett Packard, I got to work with the executives of HP Tech Ventures, the venture capital arm of HP, helping to identify potential AI-based startups that HP might want to invest in,” Kaur said. “I highly recommend any student complete an externship since the commitment is relatively low, usually between 10–15 hours a week. It has also been a huge talking point in all my internship-recruiting interviews, as the skills I gained are highly transferable to the roles I’ve pursued.”
Kaur recently was recognized for her dedication to academic and professional achievement: She was named one of the 19 University Scholars at KU. This prestigious program that has been in operation since 1982 focuses on recognizing sophomores who demonstrate intellectual achievement and curiosity.
Through the program, Kaur has received a scholarship, a faculty mentor to support her educational endeavors and participation in an interdisciplinary course of her interest.
These experiences have clarified Kaur’s career goals and have created a unique skillset that set her apart in her applications for future roles. This upcoming summer, she will be interning at KPMG in its Chicago office as a strategy analytics intern.
“I look forward to the challenges that both living in a new city and the role will present,” Kaur said. “Ultimately, I hope to leave the summer with a deeper understanding of business strategy and innovation.”
When she isn’t down the hill at Capitol Federal Hall or Downs Hall, Kaur says one of her favorite things about the university has to be the feeling of walking down Jayhawk Boulevard on a cold day when it feels like fall.
Kaur also can often be found playing tennis with friends and family or watching movies and reading in her free time.
Overall, she says the School of Business has helped prepare her for graduation, and although she has time to figure out her exact plans, she is confident that being a Jayhawk gives her the tools to tackle whatever comes her way.
“Knowing what corporate life can be like is super important, and I think the school helps students ease into that transition,” Kaur said. “With KU’s global network, I have hundreds of professionals willing to talk to me, which has helped me better understand what I hope to do post graduation.”
By Lauryn Zebrowski
