"[Mr. Pirtle] allowed me to gain real-world experience and practice soft skills that benefited my college, military, and professional careers. [His] mentorship in professional speech, business conduct, practical analysis, and personal confidence was pivotal to my success in navigating the years following graduation from the program and continues to this day. Constructing and delivering professional presentations as part of the curriculum sharpened my professional speech, which became a cornerstone of running Oklahoma State University's largest business organization. Conducting in-depth research on an industry of interest forced me to think practically about my future at a young age—something no other academic experience forced me to do. Upon converting this analysis into an opportunity to receive mentorship in the field, I learned how to achieve a professional result from the ground up. The skills acquired from this process directly contributed to my success in growing a large book of business in the insurance industry. The confidence I gained from navigating a new, unknown professional world also helped me step out of my comfort zone and join the Army. I attribute my confidence in embracing new experiences to the success and guidance of Mr. Pirtle. I directly attribute these building blocks to my present-day success."

– Luke E