Class of 2025 Profile: Jacob Dofing

Business is about more than numbers, finance, and accounting, it's also about helping people and making their lives better.

Why did you choose Mizzou?

I felt connected to Mizzou as soon as I got on campus. I just knew it was going to be a good fit for me. The scenery was beautiful, and having a roommate who was also going there influenced my decision. I had older sisters who went to Mizzou also, but that wasn't really a deciding factor. I was trying to keep an open mind during my college search, but when I visited the campus, I knew it was the right fit.

What person at Trulaske inspired you the most in your experience, and how?

Without a doubt, it was Shannon Breske. She encouraged me to study abroad, and I ended up going to Spain. That experience was the most transformative thing I’ve done in my life. It taught me to live in the moment and take advantage of opportunities. I wouldn't be who I am today without that experience.

What class, guest lecture, or experience at Trulaske has made the most impact on you?

The Investment Strategy of Warren Buffett (Finance 4620) class with Andy Kern. Professor Kern was able to break down complex information in a way that was easily understood. He presented the material in a holistic way, and it confirmed for me that finance would be my full-time interest for my career. I really loved that class.

What kind of leadership skills have you gained at the Trulaske College of Business?

[laughs] What kind of leadership skills have I not gained? Trulaske has given me courage, passion, compassion, relatability, and confidence. If someone had told me as a freshman that I would have been able to do the types of leadership things I've done, I wouldn't have believed them. I would have also called them crazy. Those experiences, along with the people I've worked with, have made me who I am today—more so than the classes and assigned work. The leadership skills I've developed have really defined who I am.

What achievement or achievements are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of receiving the Community Service Impact Award for my work with the campus-wide blood drive. I had previously run a blood drive for Greek Week, but then I was encouraged to apply for this position and run it for the entire campus during homecoming. It was a selfless six months of preparation leading up to the event. It was the hardest I've ever had to work for something, but it paid off in the end for everyone involved, and I was glad and honored to be recognized for my hard work.

For students looking at options for their degree in business, what is an unexpected outcome from your education at Mizzou?

I was surprised about the number of students who go into accounting. I think it's phenomenal that you can get a master's degree in five years through the program. It wasn't my path—I was locked in on finance—but I was very impressed with the accounting path that some of my friends took and with the experiences they had.

The three pillars of excellence at Trulaske are Transformative Technology, Experience-Centered Learning, and having an Entrepreneurial Mindset. Can you think of examples from your personal experience that relate to these pillars?

Without a doubt, Experience-Centered Learning stands out for me. Courses like BA 2500 and 3500 involve volunteering and service work. I volunteered at a church as part of this. A lot of people think business is just about numbers, finance, and accounting, but it's also about helping people and making their lives better, which is a great skill to develop, especially for freshmen and sophomores.

As for Transformative Technology, the upgraded lab now provides students access to financial reports they didn't have before. I didn't get to utilize this myself, but I feel confident that it will really enhance the learning process for current and future business students. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is also going to be a huge asset for their learning experience.

What's next for you?

I'm moving back to St. Louis to work for Synergy Wealth Solutions as a financial advisor. They have locations in St. Louis and Kansas City, so I’m open to either location depending on where they want me. Ultimately, I would love to be able to travel and see more of the country and world, but for now, my priority is my family in St. Louis and I value them more than anything because at the end of the day, they're all, or the most important thing, you have.