Aaron Bollinger
Aaron Bollinger
Class Year
’20
Current home
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Political Science, French
Current Position
Materials Planning Analyst at Molson Coors Beverage Company
As the materials planning analyst at Molson Coors Beverage Company, Aaron Bollinger ’20 supports the development and execution of direct materials plans and provides materials plans to suppliers, procurement, and brewery personnel. Due to his experience in the supply chain industry and knowledge of the French language, he was able to travel to Canada to support the go-live of his company’s Quebec brewery.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I enjoy the responsibility of ensuring the execution of a multi-billion-dollar corporation whose products have significant cultural impact across the world. In addition, the work environment supports personal development and promotes personal well-being simultaneously.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“Carthage offered me the soft skills, cultural knowledge, and connections that helped the most with my career.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“Learning how to be an effective communicator is the most valuable lesson I have learned at Carthage. During my career, I cannot overstate how many times I have had to help colleagues or communicate on behalf of an organization with clear, concise, and effective communication. For example, the best class I ever took at Carthage was called Psychology of Love. Although it is no longer offered, it taught me so much about how to foster personal and professional relationships that have had lasting positive effects on my life and livelihood.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because of the opportunity I had to study French under Professor Pascal Rollet. Of course, the smaller class sizes, the study abroad opportunities, and the proximity to major cities/networking opportunities were also very appealing.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“I am originally from Missouri, and without Carthage, I would have likely been stuck in Missouri. However, with my education, I was able to gain employment and stay in the Southeast Wisconsin area with a lucrative career. I will also never forget the opportunities and experiences gained from studying abroad and even going on a J-Term trip.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“Again, I would like to give recognition to Prof. Rollet who gave me the opportunity to study at Carthage. Prof. Rollet wrote one of the most compelling letters of recommendation that I have ever read, and his belief in me gave me confidence in my ability to pursue a white-collar career. I would also like to give recognition to Professor Jennifer Clark as she helped me network into politics when I first started in 2020 and taught me the finer points of letters of motivation, resumes, etc.”
What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?
“I think these values are good general morals, but I think they are mostly applied through my relationships with others. I do not believe in a self-made person, and I think one is only as strong as the network they are surrounded by and connected to. ‘Together’ is how I embody these values.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“Some of my favorite Carthage memories are the sunrises on Lake Michigan, Cafsgiving before finals, grabbing Einstein’s, and doing homework. I also enjoyed getting to study abroad and go abroad on a J-Term trip. Carthage actually made me a runner because I enjoyed walking/running by the lake so much that it leaked into my personal life.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“I would say this, don’t sleep on Kenosha. There are plenty of experiences to be had in terms of networking and enjoying your time as a student. Moreover, join some clubs and a fraternity/sorority; the networking post-college alone is worth it — not to mention all the different experiences and opportunities you will be exposed to.”