Amanda Ott's Journey from SUU to Goldman Sachs
Published: March 04, 2025 | Author: Mary Nelson | Read Time: 2 minutes
For many students, choosing a major can feel like a daunting decision. But for Amanda Ott, a 2022 graduate in finance from Southern Utah University, the clues were always there—she just had to connect the dots.
Originally from St. George, Utah, Ott had had a natural curiosity about numbers. While spending her childhood dancing and reading she was also intrigued by how money works. She was fascinated by how money moved, how businesses operated, and what made markets tick.
“I remember one of my professors saying that if there’s something you loved at 12 years old, you’ll probably love it for life,” Ott said. “For me, that was money—I wanted to understand how it worked.”
This passion led her to SUU. The small class sizes and the strong sense of community at the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business were exactly what she needed to succeed. Ott took full advantage of the opportunities at the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business. She joined the Investment Scholars and Corporate Finance group and participated in employer visit trips, which played a significant role in shaping her career aspirations.
“I got to see firsthand how the things we were learning in class applied in the real world, and those experiences were priceless,” she said.
Today, Ott works as a Folio Integration Associate at Goldman Sachs, diving deep into the world of finance. Her advice to current SUU students is to ask questions, and often.
“I spent a lot of time in my professors’ office hours, going over test questions, practicing problems, and talking about career options,” Ott reflected. “That support made a huge difference.”
Ott’s journey proves that SUU is about more than just earning a degree—it’s about the experiences and the opportunities gained along the way. Whether you’re still figuring out your major or preparing to graduate, Ott encourages students to take full advantage of everything SUU has to offer.
“College is about more than just classes. It’s about making connections, stepping out of your comfort zone, and embracing the opportunities that come your way,” Ott said. “Follow what excites you, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to get involved.”
The Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business is committed to supporting its students in and out of the classroom. With small class sizes, enthusiastic faculty, and a variety of experiential learning opportunities, students and alumni are bound to succeed. Apply to join the business school community.
Tags: Business Alumni School of Business T-Bird Stories
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu