Alumni Career Chats 2024

Major: Biology, Biomedical Studies

Current Role: Hospitalist (Family Medicine) at Northfield Hospital

Hi Oles! After medical school in Duluth, I trained at a family medicine residency in Denver. I’ve worked in full spectrum family medicine (delivering babies, performing C-sections, working in clinic/urgent care/ER and hospital settings) in MN, as well as in WY and internationally. Currently my primary job is in the hospital, and I also work at HealthFinders monthly, in addition to a hospice organization in St. Paul. I still love medicine and would love to chat about it further with any of you!

Schedule is Full

Major: Communication

Current Role: Director of Governance, Data and Operations – Ethics & Compliance Office at Cargill Incorporated

I have worked in the legal and compliance field with international companies for over 22 years. I currently manage a global team across five countries as well as projects and initiatives that support multiple business lines. In all of my roles, I found ways to leverage the broad education and skills that Saint Olaf provided!

Schedule is Full

Major: American Studies and Communications with Management Studies

Current Role: EVP & CMO at Revenue Rocket Consulting Group

I am an M&A advisor and marketing professional working with high-tech services clients. I am happy to discuss mergers and acquisitions, marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship, and demand generation.

Schedule is Full

Major: Religion

Current Role: Institution Education Supervisor for the State of Minnesota

Similar to my undergraduate experience, I did not have a linear graduate educational, career, or life path. I served in the Army Reserves and completed a Masters Degree at Luther Seminary after graduating from St. Olaf College. I worked for the American Cancer Society as a supervisor from 1997-2000 and in public education as a teacher for the decade afterwards—earning a second Masters degree in 2001 along with multiple certifications. I went on to become a licensed administrator in 2011, worked at an urban charter school, and completed my Doctorate in Education degree in 2018. I have been an Educational Supervisor with Minnesota’s Department of Corrections since 2013. I enjoy connecting with anyone interested in public service as a career pathway along with institutional and ethical research within the social sciences.

Schedule is Full

Major: Mathematics

Current Role: Director of Biostatistics at Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Inc

I have been working in the statistics field for almost 20 years, mainly in the pharmaceutical industry but also for a nonprofit. I am involved in the design and analysis of clinical trials and enjoy a variety of tasks from programming to writing and reviewing reports and publications, designing electronic diaries, advising physicians on statistical issues, and attending meetings with the US FDA. I am blessed to have a healthy work life balance and have been working remotely almost my entire career.

Schedule is Full

Major: English, Middle Eastern Studies

Current Role: Senior Account Director at Beehive Strategic Communication

Amy is a Senior Account Director at Beehive Strategic Communication, where she manages communication strategies and activations for a range of purpose-driven organizations. Prior to Beehive Strategic Communication, Amy worked at Ecolab where she served as the sustainability communication lead and held communication roles at the University of Minnesota.

Schedule is Full

Major: Political Science, Social Work, and Race & Ethnic Studies

Current Role: Advocacy + Systems Change Program Manager at Saint Paul Promise at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation

Megan Jekot grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin and moved to Minnesota to attend St. Olaf College in Northfield. She majored in Political Science with a concentration in Race and Ethnic Studies and an emphasis in Social Work. After graduating in 2016, she worked in policy roles within the MN Department of Human Services and the City of Minneapolis. She also worked in communications and development at the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. Her first introduction to electoral organizing was in 2018, working on Erin Murphy’s campaign for Governor. From there, she worked as the Campaign Manager for Rebecca Noecker’s successful City Council re-election in 2019 and directed the Land Stewardship’s Action Fund during the 2020 election cycle. Starting at the Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood in 2021 as the Advocacy and Civic Engagement Program Manager, Megan works alongside families and scholars to transform our learning systems, improve educational outcomes, and spark abundant opportunities from cradle to career.

Schedule is Full

Major: Economics and Political Science with Women’s & Gender Studies Concentration

Current Role: Dental Student of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

If you have many interests and are not sure what career to pursue, you are not alone! During my time at St. Olaf, I completed a summer internship with Target Corporation, a summer research project in Turkey, and participated in Mayo Innovation Scholars during my senior year. Following graduation, I worked in data analytics and account management for six years. I later returned to school to complete all prerequisites and am now a dental student at the UMN. I would love to hear about your journey and can speak to the following: great careers in business that most students don’t even know about, growth potential in major corporations, interview tips, keeping your options open if you have different interests, and the path to dental school.

Schedule is Full

Major: Political Science and English

Current Role:Special Agent for the FBI

After 10 years working in corporate America (Life Time Fitness and Target), I pivoted to a federal government career. In doing so, I put my liberal arts education to the test. Change is difficult but a liberal arts education prepared me for the change!

Schedule is Full

Major: Psychology

Current Role: Senior Analyst at United Airlines

After spending 15 years in various roles within the banking industry, I made a pivotal career shift into the airline industry in early 2024 —an industry I had long very much wanted to join and be a part of. This transition has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m excited to share my insights on navigating life after St. Olaf, particularly when it comes to making significant career changes.

Schedule is Full

Major: English Literature and Media Studies

Current Role: Landscape Architect at Deeproot Green Infrastructure

After studying at St Olaf I attended the University of Minnesota where I received my Master’s of Landscape Architecture. I now work for Deeproot Green Infrastructure, a company specializing in urban forests, stormwater management, and green infrastructure. I am also Past President of the American Society of Landscape Architecture – Minnesota Chapter (ASLA-MN), an organization that supports the people and profession of landscape architecture.

Schedule is Full

Major: Speech-Theater with Communications Concentration

Current Role: Book Coach, Editor, and Publishing Strategist at Amy L. Rost, LLC

I’ve spent 25+ years in nonfiction book publishing. After many years working with publishers, doing a wide variety of editorial and production tasks, I’m now a book coach, editor, writer, and publishing strategist, working 1:1 with professionals to turn their expertise into books that serve readers and appeal to publishers. (For more, see amyrost.com/about-me.)

My entire career has been built on the skills I first cultivated as a writer-editor for the Messenger and a student worker for the St. Olaf public relations department and news service.

If you want to know whether a book-publishing career might be a good fit for you, I’ll share all the possibilities, the pros and cons, and what will help you thrive in the field.

Schedule is Full

Major: Economics and History

Current Role: Pastor at Community of the Cross Lutheran Church

I currently serve as an ELCA pastor in a Minneapolis suburb, having recently moved from a call in northern New Jersey. I have experience leading charitable and outdoor ministry boards that might be helpful. Since I work closely with a range of musicians, I would be happy to chat with people interested in being a church organist or choir director.

Schedule is Full

Major: Theater/Communication and French

Current Role: Philanthropic Adviser at Luther Seminary

A St Olaf liberal arts education prepared me for an evolving career path. After St Olaf I worked 2 years in an ELCA congregation as a youth director prior to attending seminary. I received my Master of Divinity in 2004 with hopes of being a congregational pastor. However, since graduating from Luther Seminary I have been serving parachurch organizations. In 2013 I started my higher education career at Luther Seminary working in the Office of Admissions but 5 years ago I moved into Development (Major Gift Fund Raising) for the seminary.

Schedule is Full

Major: Music, Fine Arts, & Women’s Studies

Current Role: Faculty Librarian at Minneapolis Community & Technical College

After graduating from St. Olaf, I wandered down a few different paths before finding my way (back to) libraries. Since obtaining my MLIS in 2006, I have enjoyed an unexpected and rewarding career in Higher Education at MCTC Library as a Librarian and Instructor. These days, I am a seasoned presenter, speaker and leader, and and am always seeking ways to further develop myself so I can better serve my students and colleagues, my family, and my community at large. I have maintained involvement in music and the arts, and for the past few years have been working in carceral settings as an educator and volunteer.

Schedule is Full

Major: Sociology/Anthropology & Management Studies

Current Role: Project Director, Health Care for the Homeless at Hennepin County

As the leader of Health Care for the Homeless, I am dedicated to promoting health equity for individuals experiencing homelessness through community partnerships, collaborative problem-solving and data-driven strategies. Throughout my career I have persistently created a healthy balance between work and personal life. I am a working mom of an 11-month old (and two dogs!) and prioritize time away from work as much as possible.

Schedule is Full

Major: History & Political Science Majors, Middle Eastern Studies Concentration

Current Role: Committee Administrator, House DFL Caucus at Minnesota House of Representatives

Nick is a political and public policy professional who works for the Minnesota House of Representatives’ DFL Caucus and was previously a Communications Manager for a national non-profit, policy aide for a Minneapolis City Council member, and a Supervisor at an Early Vote Center in Minneapolis. He has lived and worked both in the Twin Cities and Washington D.C.

Schedule is Full

Major: Biology

Current Role: Quality Assurance Supervisor at Ferring Pharmaceuticals

I am a people leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, specifically Microbiome Therapeutics. My company makes life-saving drugs from human stool! I am responsible for ensuring patient safety and compliance with our products, interacting with Health Authorities (e.g., FDA), site audit readiness, project management, and more. The industry is fast-paced and every day is different!

Schedule is Full

Major: Chemistry with Biomedical Studies Concentration

Current Role: Medical Affairs Pharmacist at Aurora Pharmaceutical, Inc.

After graduation from St. Olaf, I worked as a chemist in a laboratory working various instrumentation to test active drug ingredients. I then went back to school at UMN Pharmacy School and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a focus on working in non-traditional pharmacy. Currently, I am a Medical Affairs Pharmacist at a veterinary pharmaceutical company where I am a study director for our many blood-level bioequivalence clinical trials, oversee our pharmacovigilance department, and spend a lot of time communicating with the FDA both in person and virtually as a regulatory spokesperson. I’d love to talk about the many areas that you can work as a Pharmacist and the drug approval process.

Schedule is Full

Major: Biology with Biomedical studies concentration

Current Role: Family Medicine Physician at Allina Health

I am a Family Medicine physician in Northfield. I practice full scope primary care for all ages as well as prenatal care and deliveries. Prior to medical school, I managed a camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities. I have lived in Northfield for 9 years with my husband and 2 children.

Schedule is Full

Major: Computer Science & Management Studies

Current Role: Principal Product Manager at RealPage

Hi Oles! In my senior year as an international Ole, I struggled to get into the largest tech companies for software engineering. I’m glad I did because I was never interested in coding as a career. This pushed me to look for a job I didn’t even know existed… While I enjoyed computer science (I’ve always been interested in tech), I really enjoyed my marketing and management courses! Insert Tech Product Management. I’ve worked with and hired various roles, including Software Engineers, Tech Writers, Engineering Managers, Agile Coaches, Data Analysts (unfortunately, not Data Scientists!), Product Managers, Product Marketing, and even UI/UX Designers. I’m super happy to chat about any of those roles and working remotely vs in-office.

Major: Economics and emphasis in Finance

Current Role: Vice President, Iowa Small Business Sales Leader at U.S. Bank

Colin Brown leads the small business banking team in Iowa for U.S. Bank. Colin has led the small business team since, 2023. Since joining U.S. Bank in 2018, Brown served various roles, including hub manager, dual branch manager, and branch manager. Prior to joining U.S. Bank in 2018, Brown worked within the consumer lending industry for 3 years.

Major: English, Post-secondary Education

Current Role: Co-founder & COO at InScribe

Ana began her career as a high school English teacher in Denver, CO. Now as a Latina entrepreneur in education technology, she is creating solutions that make educational opportunities more accessible and attainable for everyone. In 2014, she launched an edtech consulting company, which spawned a product company, InScribe, in 2017.

Major: Economics, Environmental Studies

Current Role: Director, STEM Programs at University of Chicago

Before earning my MBA at Chicago Booth, I worked in marketing consulting for a number of years. While earning my MBA, I’ve worked as a career consultant and external relations leader for the University of Chicago. I’m happy to chat with students about MBAs, consulting, marketing, as well as careers in Chicago and DC!

Major: Sociology

Current Role: (Retired) Director, Human Resources at Apple Inc.

With an undergraduate degree in Sociology and graduate degree in Business (Labor Relations concentration), I spent the 30+ years of my career in Human Resources. I supported employees around the world, and spent time in Recruitment, Employee Relations, Compensation, and Benefits. My passion was focused on diversity and inclusion.

Major: Computer Science & Mathematics

Current Role: Senior Software Engineer at Robinhood

Following my graduation from Olaf I moved to the San Francisco area and have been working in software development since. I held roles at Pandora Media, WeWork and now work at Robinhood – I’d be happy to offer my perspective to anyone looking to build a career in technology. When I’m not working I enjoy music, flying airplanes, and spending time outdoors.

Major: English & Communications

Current Role: Vice President, Foundation Engagement & Associate Chief Development at Children’s Minnesota

I began my career working in the St. Olaf Admissions and Advancement offices. In 2008, I joined the Children’s Minnesota Foundation as they were embarking on a comprehensive campaign. I credit my St. Olaf education for my capacity to be a big picture thinker with the ability to translate and implement, which is key in the non-profit sector. Over my 16 years working for the Children’s Minnesota Foundation, I have held leadership positions in all aspects of non-profit management and fundraising. If you are considering a career at a non-profit, in fundraising, marketing, communications, volunteer and board management, and/or event planning, I’d love to meet you!