My name is William Arnold, and I am currently a member of the Master of Arts-Business: Arts and Creative Enterprise Leadership program through the Bolz Center for Arts Administration.
I come directly from undergrad here at UW–Madison, where I studied Accounting, Marketing, and Sales & Business Development. I also played trumpet in the UW-Marching Band, which brought me all across the United States and in almost every town in Wisconsin for gigs or performances. I designed my undergraduate experience to gain a comprehensive understanding of business by studying both the internal financial side and the external marketing side. With this big-picture foundation, I aim to work with small businesses, bringing the combined expertise of a financial advisor and marketing coordinator.
For me, the Bolz Center represents my ability to keep art and performance as a part of my life as I transition into the workforce. Outside of school, I am a professional musician in a local ’80s rock band called Payroll, where I play guitar, banjo, and sing. Music has always been my passion, and I believe the Bolz Center will help me continue creating space for it in my life.
This year I am working as an accounting specialist at a local marketing agency, The Creative Company. This position sits at the intersection of my interests, combining my educational background in accounting and marketing while introducing me to local nonprofits and small businesses aiming to share their message. As a small business, I am empowered to be creative and take initiative into making our company better, which has allowed me to pursue my interests and lead projects that I am truly passionate about. It also exposes me to a greater variety of problems, broadening my skillset and teaching me soft skills to use throughout my career.
Looking to the future, I aim to continue my work at The Creative Company but expand my role to be more client-facing and consultative. I also hope to use my expertise in nonprofit grant writing and operations to find my footing within the Madison nonprofit scene. In addition, I plan to grow and develop my band, performing at venues across Wisconsin and sharing music with as many communities as possible.
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