Saying Yes, Building Community, and Finding Your Path: A Conversation with Jacob Bickett

Transitioning from college to the “real world” can feel overwhelming — new responsibilities, new expectations, and a lot of unanswered questions. For Jacob Bickett, a recent Illinois Wesleyan University graduate and current Financial Analyst at State Farm, that transition has been shaped by one core idea: say yes, get involved, and lead with people.

In a recent episode of the Life Multiplied Podcast, Jacob shared his journey from growing up in Bloomington-Normal to choosing Illinois Wesleyan, building a career through networking and initiative, and discovering what truly matters as you move into adulthood.

Choosing to Stay Close to Home — and Finding Opportunity There

Like many high school seniors, Jacob once thought he needed to leave town to find success. He applied to more than a dozen universities, exploring options across the Midwest. But family mattered deeply to him, and staying close to home became a priority.

Illinois Wesleyan ultimately stood out — not just because of its strong business program, but because alumni showed up for students before they even committed. From conversations with former coaches and family friends to a Zoom call with the president of the Tennessee Titans, Jacob saw firsthand how invested the Wesleyan network was in its students.

That support proved real later on. During his recruitment process with State Farm, Jacob experienced firsthand how Illinois Wesleyan graduates often rise to the top — not by accident, but because they’re known for being well-rounded, prepared thinkers.

Getting Involved Changes Everything

When Jacob reflects on what shaped him most during college, the answer is simple: getting involved.

From student government to fraternity life to business organizations, he immersed himself in campus life. Those experiences taught him how to work with others, manage responsibility, communicate professionally, and still make time for fun.

Equally important were the relationships he built with professors and advisors. Jacob made a point of staying after class, attending office hours, and genuinely getting to know the people teaching and mentoring him. Those relationships didn’t just help during college — they’re still connections he could call on today.

His advice for students?
Say yes. Try new things. Push yourself out of your comfort zone earlier rather than later. Go to events you wouldn’t normally attend. Spend your time and resources on experiences — because those are what stick with you.

From Career Fair to Career Path

Jacob’s career at State Farm didn’t start with a lucky break — it started with showing up.

As a freshman, he attended the career fair knowing he wouldn’t land a job yet. His goal was simple: become comfortable. Learn how recruiters think. Learn how to talk to them. Learn what professionalism actually looks like.

That early exposure paid off. With help from Illinois Wesleyan’s Hart Career Center, Jacob refined his resume, clarified his interests, and built confidence. By his sophomore year, a conversation with a career advisor led directly to an interview with State Farm — facilitated by alumni connections that helped him stand out among more than 1,700 applicants.

That one opportunity turned into an internship, then a part-time role, then a full-time offer. Each step built on the last, fueled by preparation, relationships, and consistent effort.

Life in Finance — and Why It Matters

Today, Jacob works in Financial Operations at State Farm, focusing on expense allocations and ensuring that the company’s financial structure runs accurately and efficiently. While the work is technical, what excites him most is the bigger picture.

State Farm’s mission — being a good neighbor and helping people in their hardest moments — gives meaning to the numbers. For Jacob, finance is the fuel that powers the company's ability to serve millions of people. The more he learns and grows, the more impact he can have.

He’s also excited about the future, especially as technologies like AI reshape how businesses operate. Curiosity, he believes, is key to long-term growth.

Rediscovering Community as an Adult

Growing up in Bloomington-Normal gave Jacob a sense of community he didn’t fully appreciate until he got older. Now, he sees how rare it is to live somewhere people truly look out for one another — where neighbors help when you break down on the side of the road, and strangers still say good morning.

As priorities shift, those everyday interactions matter more than big-city flash. Community, connection, and showing up for one another are what make a place feel like home.

And sometimes, that community shows up in small ways — like sending Beer Nuts (a Bloomington original) to family and friends during the holidays. A simple gift, a local story, and a smile attached.

Be the Person Who Acts First

If there’s one message Jacob hopes people take away, it’s this: be the person who acts first.

Reach out first. Send the message. Suggest the coffee meetup. Compliment the coworker. Smile first. Life opens up when you stop waiting for someone else to make the move.

That mindset was reinforced by the wisdom of his grandmother, who, at 89, carries a deep peace about life and a focus on shared experiences rather than material things. It’s a reminder that fulfillment comes from people — and from choosing connection over hesitation.

Sometimes, all it takes to start something meaningful is one small step forward.