Teaching from experience
Emily plans to work as a financial analyst—possibly with Wells Enterprises, the same company where she worked as an intern for two summers. But she’s also a business education major so she can one day become a teacher. At Northwestern she competes on the softball and cross-country teams, serves as a student ambassador and member of the Campus Ministry Team, and was one of six Franken Fellow peer career mentors.
Dual interests
When I first came to Northwestern, I was confident I would never become a teacher like my mom, but here we are! The beginning of my junior year, I decided to add business education to my accounting major. I’d taken many accounting classes and enjoyed the work, but I had a hard time seeing myself behind a desk my entire life. I decided to pursue the opportunity to be a teacher so one day, if God calls me to teach business to others, I will have the know-how to do so.
On-the-job learning
I had the amazing opportunity to intern at an ice cream company for two summers. During my junior year, I attended an Accounting 101 Day and signed up to interview with Wells Blue Bunny. The finance-focused internship not only enhanced my classroom knowledge, but it opened the doors to wonderful connections with mentors and co-workers. It also helped me build my self-confidence, learn more about the accounting world and get to know experienced professionals while doing meaningful work. I also learned how to live into the positions that God calls us to.
Servant leadership
I’ve had two leadership positions at Northwestern—one as a member of the softball team and the other as a peer career mentor. In softball, I spent day after day on the field taking batting practice and learning how to communicate effectively to hold the opponent. As a career mentor, I got to dig into the lives of other college students, helping them to reflect who they are in a resume and interview. Northwestern coaches, faculty and staff not only model what it means to be a servant-leader, but they empower their students to take that same responsibility and serve others.
Backup team
I appreciate the accountability and authenticity of Northwestern. Faculty and staff set goals for students and hold them to high standards, but they make attaining those standards easy. Professors are always there to help, even if it is at midnight the night before a test. Coaches will come throw with you or take you to coffee just to hear how life is going and to make sure you are doing well. The people at this college help students each and every step of the way. Just as I want to succeed, there are many others who want to see me leave more successful and confident than I thought was possible.
Shining examples
I grew up going to public schools where prayer was never allowed. At Northwestern, my first college test was begun with prayer. I never felt more relaxed and cared for! Although it was not my best test grade, from that day, I knew I was going to love this place. Some professors are very open about their faith, praying in class and talking about the ways God has shaped them, while others simply live humbly and portray their faith through a word of encouragement or a note of gratitude. My professors share tangible ways they have served the Lord with their talents and expertise, which shows me how I can do the same in the business world.
