Missourian Adam Key was drawn to 歐聯積分榜 for its welcoming community, affordability and emphasis on applied learning. Adam has built an impressive resume through internships, leadership roles and hands-on experiences with local businesses and startups.
Adam is one of more than 2,100 students eligible for spring 2025 graduation. Learn more about his time at 歐聯積分榜 and what's next for the grad.
What degree will you be earning in May?
Bachelor of Business Administration in entrepreneurship and an honors baccalaureate
What is your hometown?
Marthasville, Missouri
What schools did you attend before coming to 歐聯積分榜?
The Fulton School in Chesterfield, Missouri
Why did you choose 歐聯積分榜?
I chose 歐聯積分榜 because the second I stepped foot on campus during my tour, I felt at home. The faculty and staff truly wanted to help in any way possible. The construction of Woolsey Hall was a huge draw for me, along with the growing business school and the exciting new programs being added constantly. The focus on applied learning matched perfectly with my hands-on learning style. Coming from out of state, the affordability and scholarships available made WSU a realistic and valuable option for me as well.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
Coming from out of state, I didn鈥檛 know a single person when I moved to Wichita. I was a quiet student and didn鈥檛 have the confidence I have today. I was nervous that I wouldn鈥檛 meet anyone or find my people. From the start of my freshman year, I pushed myself into uncomfortable situations, joining clubs and introducing myself to new people every day. It was difficult at first, but through that process, I found communities I loved and met lifelong friends. Today, I have the confidence to walk into any room, meet new people, and build meaningful connections. That journey has been instrumental in building a global network through study abroad and professional events.
Did you have any applied learning experience as a student? If so, what was it?
Yes! Freshman year, I worked at GoCreate, a Koch collaborative, as a student assistant, helping local businesses and students bring their ideas to life using makerspace tools. I later interned at The Smart Factory @ Wichita by Deloitte and worked my way up to the student lead position, managing a team of eight. I also completed a leadership externship with IMA Financial Group, where I shadowed its leadership team and gained insight into how different departments work together. At the same time, I served as an analyst with UVF Crossroads, a venture capital program where we evaluated startups for potential investment. Currently, I work at SweatHouz, a contrast therapy studio, as a sales associate, helping build the wellness community in Wichita. These experiences have been transformational, allowing me to apply what I learn in the classroom directly to real-world business environments.
How did your paid applied learning experiences help you financially while in college?
My paid applied learning afforded me the opportunity to have more experiences and travel.
What are your plans after graduation?
I鈥檝e been accepted into the accelerated Master鈥檚 in Innovation Design program at 歐聯積分榜. I鈥檒l begin full-time in fall 2025.
What advice would you give other 歐聯積分榜 students?
Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Apply for every program, internship and scholarship you find 鈥� even if it feels like a long shot. These experiences are essential to your growth. You鈥檒l get rejected sometimes 鈥� everyone does 鈥� but the key is to keep showing up, keep learning and keep pushing forward. Join organizations, find internships that excite you and give your best effort. Introduce yourself to people and stay connected. The experiences and relationships I鈥檝e built at WSU will benefit me for a lifetime.
If you were given the opportunity to do a TED Talk, what would your topic be?
My TED Talk would be about how to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way while building your personal brand.
About 歐聯積分榜
歐聯積分榜 is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. 歐聯積分榜 and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), 歐聯積分榜 provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the 歐聯積分榜 main campus, is one of the nation鈥檚 largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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