There couldn’t be a more qualified person to work in Admissions than Southeast graduate student Jeff Kohlberg. Jeff, a St. Louis native, is a graduate assistant in the Office of Admissions. Before starting the Master of Business Administration program, Jeff attended Southeast as an undergraduate student. He graduated in May 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and immediately began the MBA program in summer 2004.
Jeff says Southeast provided him ample opportunity to meet unique individuals and form lasting friendships. As an undergraduate, Jeff was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, helping with community service projects, fund raising and working as a supervisor for intramural sports. He was also a member of the Student Alumni Association and helped coordinate Homecoming events.
“Since arriving in August of 2000, I have met some of the most interesting and wonderful people on campus,” he said. “They have helped me create some of the best memories I will ever have at Southeast.”
Southeast continues to foster success for Jeff both in and out of the classroom. Jeff says his overall college experience, along with his graduate program, has taught him a lot about life. Jeff is focusing on general management in the MBA program, and is currently conducting his graduate research project on bribery within international businesses.
He says the classroom has prepared him with necessary skills such as time management, organization, punctuality and learning to meet specific deadlines for work. But Jeff says he also learned how to interact with people in any type of professional and social setting.
“The social side of school has taught me how to interact with people who share my way of life, and who completely contradict it,” he explained.
“Coming to this school has exposed me to a variety of ideas and viewpoints about life and the world we inhabit.”
Spending time with friends is one of Jeff’s favorite things to do. He also likes to play golf, volleyball, soccer and softball. On other occasions, Jeff enjoys relaxing in front of the television or dining on local cuisine around town. As a graduate student, Jeff has also devoted his spare time to help with Show Me Day.
This past summer, Jeff traveled to Europe. He loved visiting Venice, Italy where he says he experienced the traditions and beautiful architecture the city has to offer. Jeff plans to return to Europe and take a grand tour of Italy. He wants to spend more time in Venice and travel to cities such as Florence, Naples and Rome.
After completing his MBA, Jeff plans to return to St. Louis and work. But his time spent on campus he says will always remain an important part of his life.
Jeff urges students at Southeast to enjoy every minute of their college experience because the memories made can be the most impressionable experiences in life. He also suggests trying new things and meeting new people because you learn about yourself and what is important in life.