Mande (Dunne) Byrne
- Senior Manager, Data Reporting and Analytics
- SullivanCotter
School Information
School: University of Michigan
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2005 to 2006
Career Information
Working For: SullivanCotter
Title: Senior Manager, Data Reporting and Analytics
Industry: Human ResourcesWhat Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?
My proudest work related accomplishment post-College Works Painting has been my quick climb up the management ladder in an industry that is fast paced and full of very talented individuals. My proudest non-work related accomplishment post-College Works Painting was marrying my best friend that I met through College Works Painting.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting is great lessons learned, lifetime friends and meeting my husband.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
My first job out of college was with Edward Jones as a financial advisor. Because of networking with other College Works Painting alum, I made great connections that landed me with an interview.
What do you want to tell your clients about what it meant to work with them and how it has helped you get to where you are today?
I painted an older man’s home in the summer of 2005 and I ended up learning so much about him, his childhood and his life. He was never married and seemed overjoyed to have someone at his house for a week who would sit and spend time with him. As we wrapped up the project, I felt so great about the fact that I touched this man’s life in a positive way even if only for a week. We left him with a beautiful paint job but also a happiness from a new friend and good conversation.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
College Works Painting allowed me to take advantage of many, many different opportunities to learn and grow. I can’t honestly determine what my biggest lesson learned was, but College Works Painting taught me how to manage my time efficiently, gave me confidence to tackle obstacles I thought impossible and taught me the value of relationships.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
College Works Painting was a fantastic experience where I met my husband and lifelong friends. College Works Painting brought forward learning opportunities that you can’t find in the classroom or at many other internship programs.
Many college students struggle to choose between an internship specific to their target industry or doing CW. What advice would you give them on this subject if they wanted to enter your career field?
In the heat of the summer, the College Works Painting internship is tough. STICK IT OUT!! Always push forward and don’t give up and you’ll come out on top.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
I think one of my favorite memories is from Cancun after the 2005 summer. That entire trip had so many memories many of which we still joke about today! My all time favorite from that trip had to have been when I convinced Andrew Dickinson to rub himself on a palm tree because of his stench just before we left for the airport to head home.
Last words of wisdom?
College Works Painting is a great learning opportunity for those up for the challenge. College Works Painting is not an easy internship, but will pay off for those who can stick to it.