Madison Jensen is a sophomore from Omaha, Nebraska, majoring in hospitality, restaurant and tourism management, and Clifton Builders Management. She also has a minor in leadership and communication.
Why did you choose your program in the College of Education and Human Sciences?
I have always been interested in business and knew I wanted a strong business background, but I also wanted to learn more about the people side of business and how to create meaningful experiences. While exploring majors, I stumbled upon hospitality and immediately saw how it combined both of those interests. When I toured UNL and learned more about the program, I instantly fell in love with it and could see myself building a career through it. The hands-on, people-focused approach made hospitality feel like more than just a business degree, and it ultimately became a major reason I chose UNL.
What activities and organizations are you involved in on campus?
Member of Chi Omega, Event Design Staff for Dance Marathon, Clifton Builders Program through the Clifton Strengths Institute
What is one thing that has stood out from your experience in CEHS so far?
One thing that has really stood out to me is how many opportunities CEHS provides students to learn beyond the classroom. The facilities within the Scarlet Hotel are exceptional and give us the chance to gain hands-on experience in a real hospitality environment. We also have incredible professors who genuinely want to see their students succeed. Beyond that, opportunities like guest speakers, worksite tours, internship support, and unique experiences like the Augusta National Masters program allow us to explore different areas of the industry and make connections that can shape our careers. All of these opportunities are what make UNL’s hospitality program stand out to me and set it apart from other programs.
What is one piece of advice you would share with new or prospective CEHS students?
My biggest piece of advice would be to take every opportunity that comes your way. College goes by so much faster than you expect, so it is important to savor the moments, get involved, and make the most of the experiences available to you. You have so many opportunities in college to try new things, meet people, and build connections that may not come as easily after graduation. Say yes to opportunities, step outside of your comfort zone, and take the time to build relationships with the people around you. You never know which experience or connection could shape your future.
What made you interested in the Clifton Builders Program and how will it benefit you moving forward?
I was drawn to the Clifton Builders Program because of how well it complements my hospitality major. I love learning about Clifton strengths and understanding how they can be used to become a better leader, and my experience running my own braiding business has also sparked my interest in entrepreneurship. The Builders Program gives me the opportunity to combine those interests while developing the business skills I will need in my career. Through experiences like the consulting project, Builders Marketplace, and Quick Pitch, I am able to apply what I learn in real-world settings while gaining experience in different areas of business. I have also been able to make so many valuable connections with other students, faculty, and professionals. As I pursue a career in event planning and eventually hope to own my own venue and business, the Builders Program is helping me develop the business and entrepreneurial side of events that complements what I am learning through hospitality.
What are your career goals?
My long-term goal is to open my own event planning venue where I can create memorable experiences for people while combining my passion for hospitality, business, and event planning. In the short term, I want to continue gaining experience in the industry by completing two more internships through my major and hopefully have the opportunity to participate in the Augusta National Masters internship program. I want to use these experiences to learn from different areas of the industry, build my professional network, and prepare myself for eventually running my own business.
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