Climbing the Ladder

Immediately after graduating from Luther, Heather took a position store-side with Target. “I spent two years in retail only to realize that I wanted more work-life balance and career opportunities than what the position would afford me,” she says. “From there I moved into retail marketing for a large health care provider and then into public relations for a technology company. Next, I went into account management for an event services company. It all eventually led me back into corporate communications and public relations.”

Work Study and Major Serve Her Well

“If I hadn’t attended Luther, I’m not sure I would have a career in public relations today,” Heather says. “Upon admittance, I was contacted by the public information office and was lucky enough to be offered a work-study position. The supervisor I had remains one of my biggest influencers and to whom I credit my public relations career.”

Heather’s work-study position often included scouring newspapers for any mention of Luther or folding press releases to send via snail mail to publications. She realizes that it opened her eyes to a career in public relations. “Without that experience, who knows what I’d be doing today,” she says.

Even though her work-study position introduced her to the public relations field, her major in communication studies provided her with the technical skills needed to complete the day-to-day activities associated with her career. “I learned about public speaking, persuasive writing, and interpersonal communications. I’ve needed all of these skills to succeed in my professional life.”

Early Experience with Luther

Heather attended Bible camp as a kid and recalls that many of the counselors were wearing Luther sweatshirts. “They inspired me to go to Luther and I decided to visit when it was time for me to make a decision about college,” she says. “The second I stepped foot on campus, I knew Luther was for me. The sense of community, people, campus, it all fit for me. To this day, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Fell in Love with Decorah

Heather always appreciated the size of Luther. “I had a graduating class of 33 so I know I would have been lost at a large university in an urban setting,” she says. “Walking on campus, you can feel the connection people have to the mission and vision of the college.” She also found it to be an ideal setting to create and cultivate relationships with fellow students.

But when Heather chose Luther, she didn’t realize how much she would love Decorah. “The city holds a special place in my heart and, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S.,” she says. “I was also surprised at the number of outdoor activities that could be enjoyed throughout the year.”