SARASOTA, Florida – Today, we shine the light on one of Andrews University’s notable alumni, William Down, who has risen through the ranks of some of the world’s largest companies to cement his reputation as a formidable force in the field of product management and analysis.
Stellar Academic and Leadership Records
Graduating from Andrews University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2018, Down demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and leadership. During his time at the university, he significantly impacted the Enactus team, first as Vice President and later as President. Under his leadership, the Andrews University Enactus team secured a place in the top 10% in the U.S. national Enactus competition for the first time in the university’s history.
Down showcased an impeccable knack for resource mobilization. He orchestrated the successful Enactus project, Operation Regenesis, which saw him raise $18,000 in just five months. He also secured significant grants for other transformative projects, underscoring his prowess in project management and fundraising.
A Footprint in the Corporate World
Following his stellar academic achievements, Down embarked on his corporate journey with an operations internship at Walmart in Bentonville, Arkansas. Here, he developed an operational plan focusing on shrink control, customer satisfaction, and associate accountability. His strategies were not only adopted by Walmart’s central operations team but also resulted in substantial savings.
Soon after, William joined Amazon, where he has been making significant strides. Starting as a Category Manager for Amazon Fresh Grocery, he quickly rose to his current position of Product Manager II in just over a year.
Outside of his primary professional roles, Down has also played pivotal roles in other organizations. He led the first college chapter of the Young Pro Elite personal development program, and also served as Director of the College Sector, helping others enhance their public speaking and leadership skills.
Certifications and Further Training
Demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning, Down has augmented his degree with certifications from renowned institutions. He completed the MIT CTL Supply Chain Education Program from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and obtained the Project Management for Development Professionals Level 1 certification from APMG International.
As William Down continues to scale new heights in his career, his trajectory serves as a testament to the foundational skills and values instilled at Andrews University, coupled with relentless hard work and determination. The future looks even brighter for this alumnus, and we eagerly anticipate his next endeavors in the business world.
