College Experiences That Helped A Sr Dir Comms At Media Company Succeed
Nikki emphasized the importance of exploring interests and embracing curiosity in college, even if it means venturing outside of a pre-determined path; this exploration led to discovering a love for writing and interdisciplinary studies through coursework and extracurricular activities. The career professional encourages students to "go beyond your comfort zone" to find what truly inspires them, like the philosophy courses that sparked a passion for critical thinking and challenged their perspective.
Interdisciplinary Studies, Writing, Curiosity, Exploration, Inspiration
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nikki Wheeler
Senior Director Global Corporate Communications
Media Company
Metropolitian State College of Denver
Georgetown, MA
Political Science, American Studies
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Business Strategy
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Emphasized interdisciplinary studies, going beyond her comfort zone to explore different subjects and find what truly interested her.
2. Stayed open to exploring different fields, even entering college with an initial idea but allowing curiosity to guide her academic choices.
3. Engaged in a lot of writing through coursework, extracurricular activities, and workshops, discovering a love for writing.
Transcript
What did you do in college to set you up for success?
This is an interesting question. You mentioned that you were a first-generation college student. My parents went to college, but I never really got the sense of what I needed to do to be successful in college.
I knew I had to go to college, but I wasn't quite sure why. When I got there, the first thing I did was enter with an idea of what I wanted to do, but I was open to exploring and letting curiosity be my guide.
One semester, I took sociology courses and thought, "Wouldn't it be cool to be an anthropologist?" Turns out it's not, but that's okay. I learned a lot. From there, I found the classes and coursework that really inspired and engaged me.
I remember taking my first philosophy course and just being in awe. I walked out with more questions than answers and was so eager for the next class to start. I also remember Dworkin's book, and if you've read it, you'll know.
Rawls was the first book I actually read from beginning to end. I was completely confused and had to read it again, because it was such an opportunity to change the way I thought.
I would really encourage anyone to emphasize interdisciplinary studies. Go beyond your comfort zone, be curious, and find out what you're really interested in. I did a lot of writing and discovered I really love writing in coursework, extracurricular activities, and workshops.