Northwestern Network for students | Northwestern College in Iowa

You have a built-in support system as a student—and graduate—of Northwestern College.

The Northwestern Network is an organization of more than 1,200 alumni, parents and friends of the college who are available to help NWC, its students and each other.

Networking is important when it comes to finding a job. Experts say 70% to 85% of people landed their current positions thanks to their connections. But the Northwestern Network is also a valuable resource in other ways. Members of the Northwestern Network can:

Provide you with an internship. (Some members are even willing to host you in their homes during your internship.)
Offer career advice.
Visit with you for an informational interview.
Allow you to job shadow them during a typical workday.
Host Northwestern clubs—such as the Business Club and Pre-Health Professions Club—during trips to Des Moines, Minneapolis and Sioux Falls. (Sometimes they even take club members to dinner, in addition to providing a tour of their business or organization.)
Introduce you to a new community by helping you find a place to live or a church home.
Serve as a resource if you are researching a specific career or area of the U.S.
Offer a connection with someone who also knows and loves Northwestern.

Alumni profiles

A Magical Career

After 25 years with Disney, Caroline Musgrove is a director of technology working on projects like the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge parks.

A Dream Fulfilled

Megan Coe has been raising funds for an Ecuadorian orphanage, For His Children, for seven years.

Paving the Way

As director of public affairs for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Chrislyn Skippings is the department’s face during high-profile criminal cases.

Honored Dairy Consultant

Dr. King Hickman and his colleagues at GPS Dairy Consulting were named 2024 Industry People of the Year at the World Dairy Expo for their efforts to keep cattle healthy through advanced nutrition and herd management.

Long-Term Parking

Megan Leinart's efforts to increase parking sustainability have received recognition from the International Parking & Mobility Institute.

Impromptu Presenter

When the speaker at an international education conference failed to show, Sam Callahan volunteered to fill in with material he had been preparing for a future presentation.

Show Business

Now the managing director of Film Bridge International, Jordan Dykstra travels the world selling film rights to customers like Lionsgate and Netflix.

Principled Leadership

Grant Hegstad was Iowa’s sole recipient of a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for 2023–24. He serves as MOC-Floyd Valley High School’s assistant principal, career experiences coordinator and head football coach.

Work Hard + Play Hard = Learning

Jason Groendyke, the 2024 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year, was also recently named among 37 National Distinguished Principals by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Mindset Beyond the Immediate

Hannah Van Meeteren studied more than 500 hours for her four CPA exams. Her hard work paid off, as she recorded one of the nation’s 40 best scores out of more than 86,000 candidates in 2023.

Caring Connections

As director of the Sarpy Care Center, James Teutschmann oversees the distribution of food and diapers to South Omaha residents in need.

Making a Home in Alaska

After Robin Hunt and her husband, Jerry, provided foster care for 41 kids, she wrote a book with tips for foster families.

Overcoming the Insurmountable

A former college resident director, Scott Schnyders seeks to bring a sense of belonging to the employees and guests of Refuge of Hope Ministries, where he is CEO.

A Stage of Joy

Jessica Chipman is a teacher, playwright, actor and director who leads acting workshops through her newly established Wild Gem Theatre Company. Chipman received a 2023–24 National Federation of High Schools Outstanding Theatre Educator Award.