Text Box: Jimmy Cruse
jimmycruse@gmail.com



Focus:          

To obtain an internship for the Summer of 2009 in marketing strategy that emphasizes entrepreneurship
Enrolling in a J.D. program for the Fall of 2009 with a focus in environmental law and intellectual property
Able to re-invent skill sets as necessary; avidly enjoys learning
Motivated, passionate, challenge-seeking individual looking for a company with an appreciation for creativity 

Education:	

2007 – 2009

Purdue University, Krannert School of Management, West Lafayette, IN
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Concentrations in Marketing, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship 

2003 – 2007

Truman State University, Kirksville, MO
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Cum Laude) 				
Concentration in Marketing, Minor in Economics, Core in Liberal Arts
Selected as Truman State University Index’s “Fantastic 14” Outstanding Seniors for 2007  (out of  ~1300 seniors)
	
Experience:

2008	

Puzzles and Games Marketing Intern, MEGA Brands, Lafayette, IN
MEGA Brands is a global organization based in North America with a sales and distribution network that reaches over 100 countries.  We provide innovative, affordable and high quality toy products such as MEGA BLOKS®, ROSE ART®, and MAGNETIX®.
Analyzed market research and point of sales data to determine consumer product trends and viability
Developed competitive external and internal analyses to supplement our long range strategic plan
Provided feedback to the creative team to help improve packaging and product shelf presence
Studied consumer reply data and formulated recommendations regarding product pricing promotions
Communicated across functions to bring together product presentations in a timely fashion

2006 – 2007

Community Coordinator, Residence Life, Kirksville, MO			                       
Residence Life fosters the development of respect, responsibility, and accountability within college students.  Our department was directly responsible for the operations of 6 residence halls and approximately 3,500 residents.    
Established a self-realizing environment for a residence hall of 700 students.  This entailed promoting an open, encouraging environment in which students felt secure to ask, do and pursue their interests.   It was also important that one’s actions did not affect the quality of life for those around them.
Assisted in the hiring, training and supervising processes for over 80 individuals.  This included Hall Desk Employees who handled mail distribution and scheduling appointments to meet with Academic Advisors.  Night Monitors responsible for the security of the building.  Student Advisors responsible for educational programming and crisis management.
Mentored Student Advisors in creating and executing over 120 educational programs designed for college students.  Asked leading questions that challenged Student Advisors to reach solutions for themselves about how to improve their programs.
Assisted with development and implementation of an innovative annual campus-wide marketing plan that contributed to increased retention rate of 4.7%, resulting in additional revenues of ~$342,000.

2005

Market Research Analyst, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO	                 
Part of the curriculum at Truman requires marketing students to complete a marketing research project for a real world business.  Project teams are responsible for everything required to take a research initiative from beginning to the end.
Conducted research for Truman State’s Vice President for Academic Affairs Office regarding whether or not there was a need to further develop online course offerings for current students. 
Obtained IRB permission before implementing written surveys to select students via a stratified cluster sampling method.
Analyzed and presented our recommendation directly to the Vice President for Academic Affair.
Impacted Truman State University by changing how they approached advertising their online course options to students. 

2004 – 2006

Student Advisor, Residence Life, Kirksville, MO					
Worked with fellow students, participated in social and educational programming, and built valuable skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.  This position was directly responsible for approximately 65 residents. 
Worked on a multi-dimensional team of 20 that was responsible for educational programming and crisis management.
Organized events to benefit charitable organizations; raised over $7,500. 
Created educational programs on racism, politics, and academic success.
Supported residents through personal identity issues, date rape and other crises.

Summers 2004 – 2006

Bank Teller, Bank Star of the LeadBelt, Park Hills, MO			          
BankStar of the LeadBelt provides commercial banking and financial services to Southwestern Missouri communities.
Ensured customer satisfaction by meeting their banking needs.
Trusted to protect the security and confidentiality of customers.
Balanced and handled $5,000 - $40,000 worth of cash daily.

Leadership Activities:

Net Impact Purdue, Co-President
Krannert Graduate Marketing Association, Vice President of Logistics	
Krannert Mentor Program, Mentor
Krannert Admissions Office, Ambassador								
YoungMBA.net, Writer 												
Purdue Roller Hockey Club, Club Advisor
Brant Lake Camp, Counselor, Hockey Coach  								
Truman Roller Hockey Club, Captain, President