05 Dec 2024
NOLAN BALD – UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN 2018
Where did you go to school, and what did you study?
I got my business management degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and I also spent a semester abroad studying at Oxford. I graduated in the spring of 2018 and started working at Arrive a few months later.
Why did you choose the school and major that you did?
My thought process going into college was “I don’t know what the heck I want to do, so why not try business?” I did know that I liked working in a niche and thinking strategically, and UNL’s school of business really pushes both of those things.
I think UNL is unique in that it’s very entrepreneurial. It’s not all about tests and the on-paper stuff — All the classes are tailored opposite of that. The college also brings different businesses on campus practically every day so students can learn about new Nebraska startups and the opportunities within.
UNL is always pushing its students to embrace new ideas. The whole state kind of preaches that. Even without leaving Nebraska, so many people start their own businesses in the place they grew up. The University welcomes this and tries to support it through both the framework of classes and hosting different startup competitions.
How did you learn about Arrive?
One of Arrive’s recruiters actually found me on LinkedIn. I knew a little bit about the logistics industry already, and when I started researching Arrive, I could tell it was right up my alley.
I talked to my dad about it, because getting a job that has his approval is really important to me, and we agreed the job at Arrive was a good opportunity. I had my first interview with the recruiter in March 2018, and immediately after that, I knew I wanted to work here.
What is your favorite part about working at Arrive?
When I flew down to Arrive’s headquarters in Austin for my second interview, I honestly saw the office and just thought, “Wow. This is awesome.” People were playing music. There were managers sitting on the floor. I walked right up to one and shook his hand.
After my first week on the job, I remember thinking that the job just really fit my personality and was what I needed — not only just with the office culture but also the dynamics of the role.
I tell people all the time that when you get into this business, you’re almost like a licensed business owner. You’re not waiting on anyone else or focusing on how they’re doing things. It’s all on you. If you can think like a business analyst and want to make money, you can be successful here.
Have any advice for soon-to-be UNL grads?
So many people are born and raised in Nebraska just like me. And regardless of the person, it’s always hard to cut those ties and move so far away.
But I also think there are a lot of people who want to branch out in the same way I did. There’s that longing for more, and it’s not even just in Nebraska but with our generation as a whole. So for people who do want to move and have the courage to move, Arrive is an easy sell.
Describe Arrive in three hashtags:
#SendIt
#Community
#Grind
