While college is designed to prepare students for their chosen career fields, there can be uncertainty about the job market that awaits them after graduation. But some Northern Michigan University seniors, like Savannah Wheeler from Midland, already have jobs lined up before they walk across the commencement stage.
Wheeler will transition to a graphic design position with KMB Communications, a PR firm based in Red Lodge, Mont. She said two professors in particular influenced and helped her bridge the gap between her major in mobile and web app development and her minor in art to help her find her passion.
“My academic advisor, Randy Appleton, really led me to where I fit within the realm of computer science,” Wheeler said. “I wanted to create programs that I could interact with and see visually. He showed me what path to take with my major while my graphic design professor, Keith Ellis, taught me how to create a harmonious user interface."
Wheeler will not have to leave Marquette for her new professional opportunities. She will remain at her local residence, working remotely on graphic design projects for KMB Communications. She said she was able to grow as a person and gain some leadership experience from being a resident adviser for Hunt Hall.
“Working for Housing and Residence Life at NMU, working in the marketing department and working closely with my professors really shaped me and helped me put into perspective what I wanted to do post-graduation,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler said her experience as a student employee in the NMU Marketing and Communications Office assisting with a social media projects and graphic design has prepared her for the new position with KMB adding, “Having art as my minor, I never thought I would take my design skills into the real world after graduation.”
Wheeler is set to graduate with Cum Laude honors at Northern’s upcoming Dec. 15 commencement at the Superior Dome. The 10:30 a.m. ceremony can be viewed on WNMU-TV13 or streamed online at nmu.edu/commencement.