84.51 is Giving Students Real-World Experience

Author: Bryan Fields

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Real-World Experience with 84.51

Mendoza Undergraduate Business Analytics students are getting real-world experience, and a data science company is gaining skilled employees, thanks to a closely forged relationship that continues to thrive.

The company, 84.51, has recruited Notre Dame graduates for several years but stepped up its involvement in 2020 by working on case projects with students in Mendoza’s Business Problem Solving classes. The retail data science, insights and media company and fully owned subsidiary of Kroger helps consumer-packaged goods companies improve sales and boost profits.

In class, companies present students with fictional cases using “real-life possibilities” that illustrate common business challenges. Company representatives then visit at the end of the week to hear students present their solutions.

Solutions for Real-World Challenges

Tyler Uher 2019 ND Alum

Mendoza alumnus Tyler Uher (ND ’19), 84.51 senior data scientist, launched the company’s involvement with student cases in 2020. He said the benefit of giving students a real-world challenge has not only helped the students learn, but also helped 84.51 hire employees from ND.

“It’s not just a thought exercise, it helps them have a real experience,” Uher said. “It’s been huge in our recruitment efforts because we use actual shopper data.”

Currently, more than 30 ND alumni work at the company of approximately 1,200 employees. Recruitment accelerated after Mendoza graduated its first class of Business Analytics majors in 2019.

Another former Mendoza graduate at 84.51, Victoria Devine (ND ’19), senior consultant, said cases make recruiting easier by preparing students well for their work at the company.

Victoria Devine 2019 ND Alum

“We really enjoy hearing their ideas and creative thinking,” she said. “It makes a difference in recruiting because students who already worked on a case are more likely to accept our offer because they know what we do and what it’s like to work here.”

Those cases wouldn’t happen without the extra efforts of Mendoza teaching staff, she said. “Part of what makes ND special is also the faculty — professors who are willing to engage with us and the work they do to give their students these opportunities. It wouldn’t happen without them.”

Devine and Uher serve as partner leads, working with 84.51 human resources to help recruit ND students. The company works with ND on more case projects and more frequently than any other school, Uher said.

The Values Align

One important reason the relationship works so well is that ND students’ values align with the company’s. This includes a commitment to unselfishly supporting each other as well as serving their communities.

“At Mendoza, everyone I worked with collaborated well, and I see those traits now at 84.51,” said Megan Allen (ND ’22), data scientist. “It’s a positive experience.”

“Everyone wants to see each other succeed, just like at Notre Dame,” Uher said. “No one at 84.51 ever says they don’t have time to help you. It’s very similar to the culture, teamwork, and bonding we see at ND.”

The company’s commitment to its communities gives Mendoza alumni a chance to grow the good in business through its charitable efforts. For example, Kroger’s Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation funds initiatives by entrepreneurs and creative thinkers to improve food security and end food waste.

Students Reaching Their Career Goals

Those shared values also give alumni at 84.51 a greater sense of satisfaction that goes beyond their normal jobs by allowing them to connect with students and help them determine their career paths.

“I like helping them make the decision about what they want to do in the future, helping identify and recruit students to the 84.51 culture and business,” Allen said. “I’m very excited to continue the relationship between 84.51 and ND.”

Devine agreed. “I feel fortunate in my undergraduate experience and then found my dream job at 84.51,” she said. “Even if they don’t decide to do what I do, at least I’ve helped them figure out what they want to do.”

As the relationship continues to grow and evolve, a new generation of Mendoza alumni at 84.51 will take the reins and deliver even more benefits for both sides.

“I’m excited to see where it goes in the fall,” Devine said. “Where will they take it? How will they help recruit the next generation on campus?”

Learn more about Mendoza’s Undergraduate and Masters Business Analytics programs and the commitment to giving students real-world experience that prepares them to reach their career goals.

Check out another 84.51 story here!

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