Interview with O4U Business alum, Nick Maddock
Nick Maddock is a 2013 O4U Business conference grad who has chosen a unique path after working 5 years as an analyst and project manager for Capital One. Last winter, Nick left his role and set out on an indefinite world journey to “discover this beautiful planet and all that it has to offer,” in his words. He has since traveled to over 60 countries and all 50 states and is currently living out of a van that he built, in Bulgaria. Nick plans to continue his journey through Europe and beyond, ultimately reaching every country in the world and writing a book about his experiences.
Originally from O’Fallon, Missouri and a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Nick credits his job at Capital One from 2014–2018 to the O4U Business conference in 2013 where he met recruiters.
Read on for more about Nick’s O4U experience and world journey:
What pushed you to take the leap from a sound job at a Fortune 500 company to traveling the world?
Nick: The biggest catalyst to my decision to leave and travel the world was actually when I lost my Dad to suicide in late 2015. It was a profound moment for me that helped me to realize what really mattered in life and whether I would be happy spending the rest of it behind a desk, no matter how much I loved my job at Capital One (which I did!). My Dad had always wanted to see other countries, so since beginning the journey, I have been taking his ashes and spreading them all over the world, fulfilling that wish. It’s been an impactful way to honor his legacy while fulfilling my own.
How has O4U helped you along the way?
Nick: If you know me well, then you know the passion I have for Out for Undergrad. O4U Business 2013 was one of the single most impactful moments of my life, that elevated me from a mediocre midwestern boy with limited opportunities (that I could see) to various job offers at Fortune 500 companies that I could once only dream of. Out for Undergrad has also helped me to build an exceptional network across the United States and beyond. When I do the quick math, I have actually traveled with or met individuals from O4U in over 20 cities and 9 countries across the world. The power of that network has been unbelievable.
What advice would you have for younger students and professionals who are reading this?
Don’t be scared to take a leap. The average person will live approximately 720,000 hours. 240,000 will be sleeping, 240,000 will be working, 240,000 will be left. Of those 240,000 left, 60,000 or so are already gone if you’re 20 years old. 80,000 more will be spent commuting. 40,000 more will be spent in the bathroom. 10,000 more will be spent doing chores. That’s just 60,000 out of 720,000 hours left for you, to do you. There is simply not enough time left on this earth to not do what you love. My advice to you is not to wait until the last hours to realize that.
How about a light night round about your travels? What country…
Has the nicest people: New Zealand
Is the most beautiful: Norway
Has the best history: Greece
Surprised you the most: Turkey
Has the best food: Hmmmm….Vietnam
Had your scariest moment: Albania (getting my van stuck in remote mountains)
Has the best beaches: Australia
Is top on your list to visit: Argentina
Is your overall favorite: Turkey
What is one thing that you are passionate about?
One of my greatest passions is helping individuals realize their full potential, such as Out for Undergrad did for me in 2013. Sometimes it doesn’t take but a few words to help someone realize what they are truly capable of. That being said, if any students or young professionals would like to chat about my experiences at Capital One or on my world journey, I would welcome you to reach out. The easiest way to connect with me is through my instagram @NickMaddockGlobal.
