Always a Mastodon

Current Location
Fort Wayne, IN

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, 2012
M.S. in Organizational Leadership, 2021

Professional Career Path
I started in nonprofit right after I graduated in 2012. I went into sales shortly after trying to utilize my degree. That led me back to my university in 2016. I worked in admissions for three years, and then left to start my own company in the food industry. 

Advice for Prospective Students
Make the most of every opportunity you can! PFW allowed me the opportunity to reinvent myself—I was able to enter those doors as a new person. If you are considering PFW, then take these words of advice: GET INVOLVED! I have friendships and networks that have put me where I am today, and I met them while at PFW. 

Class or Reference Material That I Still Use Professionally
Conflict and communication! It was one of my favorite classes because the professor was amazing, and he helped us understand conflict and how to deal with it. Conflict is all around us. Conflict is not always bad. We learned how conflict can create some of the greatest moments and relationships. I will remember that class forever.

Current Location
Green, OH 

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.A. in Communication; B.A. in Psychology; Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies, 2021

Professional Career Path
My professional career path has been shaped by a passion for service, leadership, and authentic connection. During college, I dove into political and civic organizations, taking on leadership roles that allowed me to build relationships, coordinate events, and develop strong communication skills. After graduation, I worked as a Communications Manager, where I crafted messaging strategies, created content, and supported public outreach. That experience strengthened my ability to tell stories that resonate and move people to action. 

I currently serve as a Regional Director for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, where I represent the office across multiple counties, organize public events, and build relationships within the community. One of the most fulfilling parts of my journey has been mentoring others along the way. Whether guiding young professionals or helping community members navigate resources, I have found that investing in people is one of the most important and rewarding parts of leadership.
   
My career so far has been a mix of public facing work, strategic communication, and meaningful service, all driven by a desire to make a real difference in the lives of others and in the communities I serve.

Advice for Prospective Students
Take advantage of everything PFW has to offer. This is more than just a university. It is a place where people become family. The professors here are not just teachers. They become lifelong mentors who truly care about your growth and success. Whether you are looking for academic support, career guidance, meaningful friendships, or leadership opportunities, you can find it at PFW.
  
In my experience, the people at PFW want to see you succeed. There are so many resources and individuals who are available, approachable, and willing to help you every step of the way. If you show up, ask questions, and get involved, you will not only grow—you will thrive.
  
And do not overlook the city of Fort Wayne itself. It is a vibrant, welcoming community filled with opportunities for internships, networking, and fun. It is the perfect backdrop for both personal and professional growth. PFW gave me so much more than a degree. It gave me confidence, clarity, and a strong foundation for the future. It also gave me lifelong friends people who walked alongside me through some of the most formative years of my life. I would choose it again in a heartbeat.
 

Current Location
East Lansing, MI

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.A. in Economics, 2016
B.S. in Mathematics, 2020

Professional Career Path
I worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) while completing my first degree in 2016. In this role, I worked on an ambulance and responded to 911 calls to help patients experiencing an emergency. I moved to Boston for a year and worked for the Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center, primarily doing new patient scheduling. I returned to PFW and took classes part-time to earn a degree in mathematics, while also working as an EMT and a preoperative resource assistant for the orthopedic hospital at Parkview. I graduated with my second degree in 2020, and began a PhD program in economics at Michigan State University. I finished my PhD in 2025, and I currently work as a researcher for the Mayo Clinic, where I study hospital quality metrics.

Benefits of College in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne is great city to go to college. It is big enough that you can always find something to do, but small enough to never feel lost in a crowd. Fort Wayne also attracts students from all over, which offers an opportunity to meet some really interesting people.

On Student Organizations and Extracurricular Activities
My involvement in student life was one of the most important aspects of my campus experience. I started in student government as a student senator, and served two years as the vice president of legislation and one year as the student body president. I was an orientation assistant for a few years, where I helped incoming students enroll in classes and answered questions about PFW. I served as an Ambassadon, where I represented the university at events. I was also a student success coach and helped connect first year students with campus resources. Through all my experiences, I became friends with incredible people and grew a lot as a person. I learned to walk outside of my comfort zone and learned about service leadership.

Current Location
Fort Wayne, IN

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.S. in Marketing and Management; A.S. in Business Administration; minor in Psychology, 2017

Professional Career Path
During my time at Purdue Fort Wayne, I found my calling. I loved every class and internship that allowed me to connect with consumers and understand what drives them. The digital world fascinated me, and I quickly realized e-commerce was the perfect path, combining my creativity and analytical mindset. Now, at Vera Bradley, I get to bring new ideas to life online while working for a company that truly cares about giving back.

On the Career Development Center
During my time at Purdue Fort Wayne, I took full advantage of the university’s career development resources. I completed two co-op internships with a major Fort Wayne company, attended multiple job fairs, and participated in interview and résumé preparation workshops. Additionally, I attended more than 30 Lunch and Learn sessions to connect with local leaders and gain valuable insights into the professional world.

Advice for Prospective Students
There is just so much to offer here, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of it. I would encourage any prospective students to get involved in as many things as you can! There is truly something for everyone.

Current Location
Fort Wayne, IN

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.S. in Public Affairs, 2012
Master of Public Affairs, 2015

Professional Career Path
My career has included a rewarding mix of higher education, human resources, K–12 education, and nonprofit leadership. In my current role as vice president of community development with Arts United, I lead the team tasked with development, communications, marketing, grant administration, and community engagement. The common theme throughout my career is service to community. 

Benefits of College in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne offers all the amenities a college student would want without high prices, constant traffic, or intimidating size of bigger cities. In a community like Fort Wayne, you can easily find your place and make an impact.

Most Memorable Elective
My favorite and most memorable elective was Intro to Creative Writing with Dr. Kalamaras. I went into the course without much appreciation for the subject but realized I had a natural interest in writing poetry. And in a very practical sense, this course made me a better writer in general. 

Current Location
Fort Wayne, IN

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.A. in Psychology, 2016

Professional Career Path
I currently own and run Sensory Cuts in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We specialize in sensory haircuts for individuals who may see the hair-cutting experience as challenging. I have created a program to help kids become more comfortable with haircuts overtime by desensitizing them to the parts of hair cutting that they may fear.

Benefits of College in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne is such a large and ever growing city, and there’s always something to do! I was never disappointed with activities or festivals going on around. One of the best parts of being in Fort Wayne was being able to be close to my family, while also being able to go to college.

Best Memory of Time at PFW
My trip to Puerto Rico with TRIO was hands down one of my most memorable moments! I was able to volunteer at a manatee reservation alongside other members of the group and to this day, it’s by far one of my top five favorite things I’ve done in my life.

Advice for Prospective Students
One of the best things I could have ever done was be involved in more than just going to classes and getting my degree. Being involved in other activities and groups and experiences that were able to help me grow were a huge part of what kept me excited to go to school.

Current Location
Fort Wayne, IN

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Supervision, 2017

Professional Career Path
After graduating from PFW in 2017, I got into sales with a corporate company selling business accounts as a new business development representative. I then moved onto a local company where we were a manufacturers rep agency for 25 different manufacturers. I sold their products into Do it Best stores across the globe. In 2022, I took a leap of faith and started a landscaping company, Three Rivers Lawn Care Co., and I have not looked back since. I also referee Division I men’s college basketball in the winter and travel the country to all sorts of universities to referee basketball games.

Benefits of College in Fort Wayne
The benefits of going to college in a city the size of Fort Wayne are: more intimate, 1:1 relationships with faculty and students all working to reach our goals, participating in events that impact the city such as non-profit events, and local coffee shops to work on homework and study!

On Influential Research or Internship Opportunities
I was in an HR internship during my senior year at PFW, and this experience was so invaluable and helped paint a better picture for what my career could be. And it provided a choice of navigating the OLS degree in more career paths than just one.

Best Memory of Time at PFW
The lifelong relationships built in those years at PFW. Also, being heavily involved with Student Life and Leadership.

Advice for Prospective Students
A piece of advice I would give to a prospective student who is considering PFW is don’t be afraid to stay local. The faculty and programs at PFW are more 1:1 and tailored to each students success. The faculty is more than willing to help guide you and help with job placement while in school, and after graduation. The university is committed to local businesses and have productive relationships with relevant employers.

Current Location
Fort Wayne, IN

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.S. in Organizational Leadership, 2020
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling, 2024

Professional Career Path
Since getting my masters, I have gone back to where I graduated high school and now am a school counselor. I plan to stay for as long as they will keep me and continue to coach basketball, along with helping students. 

On Career Preparation at PFW
My studies in my school counseling classes gave us issues we would see in our everyday jobs and allowed us to problem solve and discuss how to come up with solutions. My cohort was a close-knit group who was awesome to lean on. One of our professors, Mary, was a current school counselor who gave us great real-world examples.

Benefits of College in Fort Wayne
It is a big city without being a BIG city. There is lots to do in Fort Wayne and many opportunities once you are done.

Advice for Prospective Students
Get involved. During my time at PFW, I worked on campus in two different departments and helped with a sports team for one year, and it had a huge impact on my life and made my college experience. The events and athletics on campus are great, so go out and be a part of something! 

Current Location
Fort Wayne, IN

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling, 2017
M.S.Ed. in Counselor Education, 2024

Professional Career Path
Upon graduating from PFW, I applied to be a school counselor within Fort Wayne Community Schools. I have now worked there for over eight years. I came back to add a Mental Health Counseling degree in 2024. PFW has always served me well!

On Career Preparation at PFW
My studies at PFW directly impacted my ability to obtain a top tier job in the Fort Wayne community. I could not have done this without PFW.

Advice for Prospective Students
PFW is a top-tier university that will undoubtedly prepare you for your future. I refer many of my students at the high school level to this institution.

A Pleasant Surprise from PFW
The relationships were unexpected. I formed life-long friendships and professional relationships after going here. I knew that I would meet people, but not to this depth.

Current Location
East Lansing, MI

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.S. in Biology, 2016

Professional Career Path
After graduating from PFW, I attended a masters program at Manchester University. After finishing up that degree I moved to Boston, MA and started a job at MIT(Massachusetts Institute of Technology) as a Graduate Administrative Assistant in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. In this position I monitored the graduation requirements for PhD students, helped with processing applications for admissions and coordinated staff meetings and department events. I then relocated back to Fort Wayne where I worked as an optician for a local eye doctor. In this position I helped patients choose appropriate eyewear, taught patients how to use contact lenses and completed pretesting of patients before exams. Through this job I realized my passion for teaching and when my husband and I moved to Michigan for him to complete his PhD I started the process of becoming a teacher. I began by working with multilingual learner students at a school in Lansing, MI as a paraprofessional. Once I acquired my certification, I began teaching middle school science at MVCA. I worked this position for 2 years and then I got the opportunity to work with multilingual learner students again. I am now entering my third year as a high school multilingual learner teacher. I love that I get to keep the same students each year so I am really able to get to know each one of them. I have also still been able to use my biology knowledge by helping out in science classrooms and this year I was able to teach a few science courses this summer. 

On Career Preparation at PFW
I learned a lot of research skills and the importance of conducting proper research during my time at PFW and this has helped me in my current role. It helps to know where to find peer-reviewed research so I can make sure I’m up to date on best practices.

Benefits of College in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne isn’t a huge city but it does have everything you need close by. PFW is located close enough to downtown that you can make it there fast if you wanted to go to a restaurant, attend a TinCaps game, or attend one of the festivals or events happening downtown. While it is still a city, it does not feel huge and overwhelming so it is a great place to be if you want the city amenities without a ton of people.

Advice for Prospective Students
One piece of advice is to really take advantage of the smaller class sizes to get to know your professors. There are some larger lecture classes that you will take but as you progress into your degree you may have classes with only 10–20 students. Getting to know your professor can be really helpful when you have questions about class but is also a great way to find out about research opportunities, get some great advice and learn more about opportunities for careers once you graduate. Most PFW professors really care about their students success and are willing to answer questions or just have a conversation with you. This is an opportunity that many students at large universities don’t have because of the much larger class sizes. 

On the Student Housing Experience
I lived in student housing my first year at PFW, and I really liked it. One of the things that drew me to the university was the apartment style housing. Living on campus made it really easy to get to class. There was a gym in the clubhouse, and I became great friends with one of my roommates. It was also convenient to have a private room so there were less distractions when studying from home. There were also a lot of events that Student Housing put on so it was nice to have things to do during study breaks. 

Current Location
Tucson, Arizona

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.S. in Finance, 2018

Professional Career Path
I began my journey at Purdue University Fort Wayne in 2014 with the goal of becoming a financial advisor. However, during the spring semester of my sophomore year, I participated in a month-long job shadowing experience with various Business Managers across campus. This experience sparked my passion for the collegiate environment and inspired me to envision a career in higher education.

Shortly thereafter, I accepted a position as a Business Assistant with IT Services, where I had the opportunity to connect with professionals throughout the university. I also served as an orientation leader, a student assistant in Student Success and Transitions, and supported the Doermer School of Business Advising Office. These roles provided me with firsthand insight into the impact of Student Affairs and the transformative work happening in higher education.

Today, I am proud to build on those early experiences by helping students navigate and thrive within the higher education landscape.

On the Career Development Center
I utilized several of the Career Development Center’s services during my undergraduate years. I participated in the job shadow program, the externship rogram, and took advantage of resume and career coaching services. Each of these resources supported me at different stages of my academic journey, providing valuable guidance and practical experience. Whenever I had questions, the staff were always ready to offer thoughtful answers and connect me with additional resources for continued growth and learning.

On Career Preparation at PFW
My studies in business finance gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving, critical thinking, and clear communication, which are all really important in advising. Learning how to break down complex information and help people make informed decisions has been especially valuable. I also gained experience working with different teams and presenting ideas, which helps me connect with students and guide them as they plan their next steps.

Benefits of College in Fort Wayne
One great thing about going to college in a city like Fort Wayne is that you get the best of both worlds. It’s big enough to have lots of internships, job opportunities, and things to do, but small enough that it feels friendly and easy to get around. You don’t get lost in the crowd, and it’s easier to build real connections with people.

Advice for Prospective Students
I would encourage prospective students to take advantage of all the opportunities Purdue University Fort Wayne has to offer, both inside and outside the classroom. Get involved, connect with faculty and staff, and don’t hesitate to use campus resources, they’re there to help you succeed! Most importantly, be open to exploring different paths and interests. You might discover a passion you didn’t expect, just like I did.

On Student Organizations and Extracurricular Activities
I was involved in several roles on campus, like being an orientation leader and a student assistant in different departments. These experiences taught me a lot about teamwork, leadership, and how to connect with others. Being involved helped me build skills that have been really valuable in my career and gave me a chance to meet great people along the way.