Confident communicator

Because the public relations field applies to a variety of industries, Kerstyn knew a PR degree would serve her multi-layered career aspirations well—equipping her with communication, business and creative skills. When she’s not busy with her job at a Siouxland-based interior design business, Kerstyn enjoys being on the leadership team for the Honors Program, tutoring in the Peer Learning Center, and serving as a teaching assistant for the dean of arts and humanities.

Versatile major
When choosing my major, I knew I wanted to pursue something in the business realm, but I also wanted something different from business management. Public relations sparked my interest because it meshes core business and marketing classes with creative, hands-on classes like graphic design. Another huge benefit for me personally has been the public relations major’s compatibility with my minor in entrepreneurship.

Business connections
Public relations majors are required to complete two practicum courses and four credits of internship, so you have to work with at least three businesses or organizations outside of Northwestern in order to meet those requirements. That has been a huge blessing to me, because it has helped me build relationships in the community and develop different skill sets.

Profs who care
Northwestern faculty really care about students as individuals. Many of my professors—even professors I have only had for one course—have visited me at my off-campus job just because I told them where I worked and they wanted to see me there.

Great ambitions
I currently work for an interior design business, but I am very interested in selling real estate as well. My goal is to mesh the two together and open a house-flipping real estate company. I’m also in the process of starting my own wedding planning business in the northwest Iowa region. My public relations and entrepreneurship classes have helped me greatly in this endeavor.