Vikings Ask, Vikings Answer

"Yes. Take your time. Do not jump at the first offer if it does not feel right. Ask yourself, "Would I do this job for free?" If no, then look elsewhere."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"Yes, within 2 months of graduation, I was able to find a job in my field locally. I was also able to present myself as a competitive candidate after just 2 years in the workforce when my husband and I moved to Nashville."
- Hallie Havard '11, Marketing Strategist, Principal Financial Group (GV Majors: Graphic Design & Graphic Journalism)

"Yes, I was able and did start with Principal in an Underwriting area right after graduation. But, it was with my work for a Grand View professor of Accounting that I received a referral from him at Principal. That helped me to secure an interview!"
- Diane Howe '83, Retired Vice President for Operations, Principal Financial Group (GV Major: Business Administration)

"No, but finally made the leap to start my own company."
- Jorie Kruger '11, Business Owner (GV Major: Business Administration - Marketing)

"Yes, I was able to get a job I like. I went through a couple jobs I thought I would like and ended up not liking but my degree from Grand View was helpful for me when applying for other jobs and has helped me in getting the position I have today."
- Alina McDaniel '15, Employment Supervisor, Link Associates (GV Major: Psychology)

"I was lucky to be able to find a job in my field prior to graduating college. I started applying for jobs about two months prior to graduation. This is the time in your life to use the contacts you have made at your internships and other professional events. It really can be about who you know. Also consider a job at the company you have an internship with. This is a great way to get some experience and you already have an advantage as the employer knows who you are."
- Nicole Prenger '12, Director of Communication and Events, World Food Prize Foundation (GV Majors: Graphic Journalism & Journalism/Mass Communication)

"Yes. My professors helped me get internships in my field of study which lead to job offers. Build relationships with your teachers and let them know when you need help. They have so many connections!"
- Allison Vice '09, Co-Owner, Vice Construction (GV Major: Business Administration - Real Estate)

"Speak with a recruiter at the Palmer Group or Robert Half (to name a few). They are always hiring entry level jobs with Wells Fargo and other companies. Once your foot is in the door, you can make a move anywhere. If you do not like it, see if they have tuition reimbursement and go back to school."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"Don't give up / continue looking. Even if it's not directly in your field, if the company you're applying to has reputable jobs in your field, get your foot in the door with a position that may not be directly related to your field and apply internally after proving yourself."
- Nick Crawford '09, IT Infrastructure Lead, Corteva Agriscience (GV Majors: Computer Science/Sociology)

"Keep trying! Flood the market with your resume, be less selective about what you apply for. After working for companies of all sizes, I've learned what goes in to getting a job description pulled together and a lot of times it isn't completely representative of what you'll actually be doing. So keep an open mind."
- Hallie Havard '11, Marketing Strategist, Principal Financial Group (GV Majors: Graphic Design & Graphic Journalism)

"Work with the GV career center to do a resume audit/review and brush up on your interview skills - Review your experience and see if you lack a certain skill or experience that you can focus on growing through volunteering or a second internship opportunity - ask people in the field you want to get into if you can schedule an informational interview to learn more about their experience and company while not actively interviewing for a position."
- LB Lyons '08, Director of Alumni Relations, Grand View University (GV Major: Business Administration)

"The first thing to do is evaluate how you are going to live. Job or no job, there will be bills and other responsibilities that you will have to take care of. If you can cannot find something in your field, take something that is close. This way you can pay for your bills, and then also continue to look for a job that fits your goals. If you are financially stable for a while, make finding a job in your field your full-time position. It takes work to find a job. Go to free networking events, call in favors with your contacts from college and asks your friends where they work. Perhaps there is an opening!"
- Nicole Prenger '12, Director of Communication and Events, World Food Prize Foundation (GV Majors: Graphic Journalism & Journalism/Mass Communication)

"Not finding a job in your field shouldn’t been seen as a step backward. If you don’t land a job tailored to your degree look for a job with potential for growth. Small companies often allow employees to dabble in other things outside of their job description once you are a proven hard worker who produce quality outcomes. Larger companies tend to have mentoring programs, continual education and networking opportunities that prepare you for what comes next. Do your research when you are looking at companies. If you get into a job not in your field, work hard, and make connections you may end up where you wanted later or even somewhere better down the road."
- Amanda Wilson '11, Senior Project Manager - Legal Operations, Pearson (GV Major: Communication)

"I talked with Susie Stearns at Grand View. She has a large network in Des Moines. She can get you connected."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"Relationships as well as networking is critical to landing a job in any field. Those relationships can be with your professors, with alumni, with mentors, with internships, etc."
- Diane Howe '83, Retired Vice President for Operations, Principal Financial Group (GV Major: Business Administration)

"I suggest doing an internship while at Grand View. I did an internship while at Grand View, even though it was not required for my major. I was able to get some experience in my field and also this landed me a job right after I graduated, as they chose to hire me as soon as I got my degree."
- Alina McDaniel '15, Employment Supervisor, Link Associates (GV Major: Psychology)

"I believe that networking and internships (paid or unpaid) are the best way to land a position in the field that you desire. If you expand your professional network and let those who are already connected or working in your field know that you are willing and able to take on a position, then you are maximizing your potential to hear about job openings. I recommend starting this process early so that you can cultivate relationships rather than just telling your contacts "I need a job." That is how I had the opportunity to interview with my current employer."
- Aly Merschman '13, Attorney at Gray, Hodges & Associates, PLC (GV Majors: Political Science & Digital Media Production)

"I definitely recommend finding someone in the field you want to pursue and job shadow them, you will gain insight into the job and what can help you in the long run."
- Chad Wagener, Owner/Dentist, Ankeny Aesthetic Dentistry (GV Major: Biology)

"I feel like the best way to land a job right out of college is to network, which I unfortunately did not do since I was so busy with sports. Network, network, network! It's all about connections: who you know, more so than what you know in some circumstances."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"I didn’t and I’m better off for it! I took a job in construction which grew into a job managing corporate licensing. This then lead me to be able to move, and join the technology industry as a Project Manager. Along the way I have found ways to tie my GVU education into what I do."
- Amanda Wilson '11, Senior Project Manager - Legal Operations, Pearson (GV Major: Communication)

"Glassdoor.com has a 'know your worth' calculator. Plug in a little information and it gives you a better idea of your pay evaluation. Benefits are tough, you again need to do your research on what other companies offer. Glassdoor.com can help here as well."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"I think sometimes the pay and benefits are the primary focus when accepting a role, but in my opinion they are secondary. I say this because you could have the best pay and benefits in the world but if you hate what you do, neither of those will matter. if it is your dream position and you can grow it into your career, than worry about the pay later."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"Do your research on companies before you even apply. You can often find benefit information on their websites. Read through the information carefully and compare those benefits to other companies that you are applying at. If you have questions, be sure to ask during the interview process. You can also sometimes find and read reviews on what other employees have to say about the company on job search sites such as Indeed.com."
- Alina McDaniel '15, Employment Supervisor, Link Associates (GV Major: Psychology)

"Feel free to set up multiple interviews so that you can compare the pay and benefits against each other. It is totally okay to ask questions in an interview."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"Yes, however you should be adapting your resume to each job you apply for. Otherwise, it will have a higher chance of being canned in the initial review."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"Yes - be sure to include a cover letter customized to some extent for the position. Having multiple options is always encouraging... Apply for everything you're interested in."
- Nick Crawford '09, IT Infrastructure Lead, Corteva Agriscience (GV Majors: Computer Science / Sociology)

"You should definitely apply to any positions you're interested in when you see them available. You should make sure your application is tailored specifically to the job and highlights your skills/experience. But you should also consider other approaches as well. First, you can submit your resume and a cover letter to an organization you'd like to work for and saying something like "I'm aware you aren't hiring right now, but I would be interested in future consideration." You can also try to set up informational interviews with key people from companies or industries you'd like to work in. You can find out how they made their way in the field, pick their brains for helpful tips, and most importantly, develop relationships with them."
- Robert Hamill '04, Program Administrator, Iowa Department of Justice (GV Major: Business Administration)

"The application process can sometimes take a while, so I don't think it's a bad thing to start applying for jobs several weeks or even a few months before you may be available. Just make sure to be clear about your availability date up-front. I kept a spreadsheet of everything I applied for, the dates, the status of the application (submitted, requested interview, declined, etc.) and links to the company site, so if a recruiter called me for an impromptu screening interview I could quickly refresh my memory on which job they were referencing."
- Hallie Havard '11, Marketing Strategist, Principal Financial Group (GV Majors: Graphic Design & Graphic Journalism)

"Start applying at least a few months before you graduate. If you are interested in the position then apply. Make sure you do your research and compare positions and companies so that you are getting a job you like pay and benefits that you will be happy with."
- Alina McDaniel '15, Employment Supervisor, Link Associates (GV Major: Psychology)

"Apply as soon as you see an opening you like because sometimes the job is only open for a short period. Large companies can take months to hire. Going to an interview is never a waste as it is good practice if you figure out the job is not right for you."
- Allison Vice '09, Co-Owner, Vice Construction (GV Major: Business Administration - Real Estate)

"When I graduated, I submitted my resume and a cover letter to make myself stand out a little more. I didn't start applying for jobs until I graduated because I was more focused on sports. In my opinion, it wouldn't hurt to even start looking at the beginning of senior year, or at least second semester."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"Pedagogy, pedagogy, pedagogy. I have sat on both sides of the table for teacher interviews. Most questions are based on pedagogy and how you would respond if.... Really hammer how you build relationships with students and how those will help you throughout the year."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"Student loans have interest associated with them. Interest is essentially free money you are paying to a financial institution because you are a "risky asset". Pay those loans off as fast as you can. Rule of Thumb: You should work to save 3-6 months salary."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"In my opinion unsecured debt is the biggest waste of money possible. It is not worth saving money if it is being bled out the back door in interest to student loan debt or other credit card debt, unless the rate of return on the savings out paces the interest rate on the debt. Aggressively get rid of the debt and once its gone make sure to pay yourself first and stay disciplined to the budget."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"Save enough to live for 3 months without a job, then shovel ever extra amount you can to student loans."
- Jorie Kruger '11, Business Owner (GV Major: Business Administration - Marketing)

"This can be a very complicated question that depends on your own personal financial situation and what you want to do. I would suggest starting to make payments on your student loans as early as possible, whether that be while you're still in school, or after you graduate and find a job but before you grace period is over. This will help save you on interest. However, I am ahead on my payments and have been able to pay off several of my student loans early by paying more than the minimum payment. This in turn happened to lower my credit score though because it lowered the average age of my credit history. So, if you are looking to build credit, find a payment plan that works for you and pay what you can without paying them off too early."
- Alina McDaniel '15, Employment Supervisor, Link Associates (GV Major: Psychology)

"Try to borrow as least as possible by working during the year to reduce your loan balance. Pay as much as you can towards your student loans every month."
- Allison Vice '09, Co-Owner, Vice Construction (GV Major: Business Administration - Marketing)

"Rather than provide a recommendation I’ll tell you what I did. Everyone’s financial plan is different so your story may be different than mine.

1. Invest in your 401k from day one, if you have a corporate match. I think of this as a mandatory expense, like my house payment. Even if it’s only 1% or 3% at the start - I felt it was a must.

2. I also consolidated my student loans so I had one payment. This reduced my payments by over $300 per month.

3. I then paid my minimum payment in my student loans and placed any additional money I could into savings.

4. Once I had enough money in my savings to cover 6 months of mandatory bills (rent/mortgage, insurance, car payment, etc.) I decreased my percent to savings and increased the amount paid toward my highest interest loan.

The way I look at it, once the liquid assets (bank account) are in a good place, paying on debt ranked in order of interest rate is saving in the long run!"
- Amanda Wilson '11, Senior Project Manager - Legal Operations, Pearson (GV Major: Communication)

"Nothing. It stays with that companies provider. You must switch it to your new company if you wish to accumulate on that. Whose efficient frontier is better? The old plan or the new one? Also think about the rule of compound interest. The greater your amount of cash, the greater the potential return."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"If you switch employers you will have options relative to your 401(K). It was funded with pre-tax dollars and can be rolled to another qualified IRA or 401(K). Your new employer’s 401(k) may allow for the prior employers to be rolled in. Or, if not, you can roll to an IRA. Key is if you do directly roll the money then there are no tax consequences."
- Diane Howe '83, Retired Vice President for Operations, Principal Financial Group (GV Major: Business Administration)

"You will have the ability to take it with you to another retirement account at the new employer or transfer the money to another qualified investment."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"Employers are great at explaining all of this to you and working with you to switch your accounts to or from their accounts. They have professionals that do this for you and walk you through it. Don't stress over it."
- Allison Vice '09, Co-Owner, Vice Construction (GV Major: Business Administration - Real Estate)

"It can be rolled into your new company’s account. There are sometimes fees associated with this so always make sure you work with your HR team or a financial planner to make sure you are making the best decision for your financial future."
- Amanda Wilson '11, Senior Project Manager - Legal Operations, Pearson (GV Major: Communication)

"When you can go out for a nice steak dinner, order from a prime cut, order a nice bottle of wine, and do not have to look at the bill. You really do not know when you are financially stable. Life likes to throw you curve balls."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"Financially stable to me is a state of mind. Staying disciplined to your budget and making sure that you don't get ahead of yourself with buying lavish things you don't need and that will lead to the feeling of stability."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Busines Administration - Finance)

"This is subjective based on what each person defines as financially stable. However, I would say when you are able to pay all your bills and still have money left to save and have money to do the things you enjoy. It all depends on the lifestyle you want to live."
- Alina McDaniel '15, Employment Supervisor, Link Associates (GV Major: Psychology)

"Everybody has a different definition of being financially stable. If you're able to afford a place to live and food to eat, while paying off your loans, then you are financially stable in my eyes."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Compound Interest! What do you call a savings account? Answer: A depreciating asset. The interest rate does not keep up with the inflation rate. The stock market can."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"Invest early in your career! And, stay in over the ups and down markets. You can do so within your retirement accounts very easily."
- Diane Howe '83, Retired Vice President for Operations, Principal Financial Group (GV Major: Business Administration)

"Do not invest anything that you are not prepared to lose. There is no guarantee on the market and make sure to shore up your own situation before putting money out on the line."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"Title of the degree is not enough, make sure to review the program requirements and faculty who teach in the program - Many professors in programs are willing to meet with prospective students to discuss program priorities so that you can determine if it's a good fit for your goal postgrad."
- LB Lyons '08, Director of Alumni Relations, Grand View University (GV Major: Business Administration)

"I recommend touring or visiting with people in the program and being prepared with a list of questions that will help you determine if that program is a good fit. When I visited law schools I usually got a tour from a current student, met with a professor and then met with someone in the admissions office (very similar to the undergrad process). The best time to ask questions is when you are meeting with current students because they are able to give you a great feel for what to expect if you decide to attend."
- Aly Merschman '13, Attorney at Gray, Hodges & Associates, PLC (GV Majors: Political Science & Digital Media Production)

"Research the credentials of the school, visit the school, and talk to current and former students if possible."
- Chad Wagener, Owner/Dentist, Ankeny Aesthetic Dentistry (GV Major: Biology)

"I am still searching for a graduate program that is right for me. There are many things to consider: cost, location, program details. I would say to compare programs and success rates to other programs as well. It's kind of the same process as choosing an undergraduate school."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"When thinking about paying for graduate school, look for assistantships that may help pay for part/all of tuition and sometimes include a cash stipend."
- LB Lyons '08, Director of Alumni Relations, Grand View University (GV Major: Business Administration)

"Before you run out and look for loans, if you have a job, talk to your employer. Lots have reimbursement programs and partnerships with universities. You never know until you ask!"
- Amanda Wilson '11, Senior Project Manager - Legal Operations, Pearson (GV Major: Communication)

"I believe all positions contribute toward the organization's success. Sometimes it just takes getting your foot in the door. That experience will help you to move into other positions/fields within the company."
- Kendra Bassett '15, Database Manager, Grand View University (GV Majors: Accounting & Business Administration - Finance)

"Any job the organization is posting should have a well-defined plan for this. This is also a great question to ask your interviewer."
- Nick Crawford '09, IT Infrastructure Lead, Corteva Agriscience (GV Majors: Computer Science & Sociology)

"I think the biggest thing to get to that kind of a position is to be infinitely helpful. Help people at all levels with things if needed and never have the attitude of "that's not my job." The more involved you are, the more you can get in front of other influencers within the company and the more you will be thought of for new projects and initiatives. I don't think it's totally fair to think you can get into that kind of role right in the beginning, but make a great impression and make your goals clear to your leader."
- Hallie Havard '11, Marketing Strategist, Principal Financial Group (GV Majors: Graphic Design & Graphic Journalism)

"Contributing to an organization is not determined by position but more so by the amount of value you are bringing. Not only will that lead to your success (advancement in position and compensation) but also the company as well."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"Any job deemed necessary to fill can contribute to the success an the organization. Without that in mind, they wouldn’t have hired you. With that said once there you can just show up, keep your head down and go home. Success is more than showing up. It’s thinking outside of the box, looking for ways to improve, investing yourself in the company and caring about the quality of work you produce."
- Amanda Wilson '11, Senior Project Manager - Legal Operations, Pearson (GV Major: Communication)

"Don't focus on building assets, focus on driving revenue(making sales). With enough revenue will come the ability to pay down debt and invest more in your business."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"First of all don't over capitalize, look for used items instead of brand new, always pay down debt as soon as possible, remember want versus need when looking to purchase personal things, good things come to those who can wait instead of immediate gratification."
- Chad Wagener, Owner/Dentist, Ankeny Aesthetic Dentistry (GV Major: Biology)

"In my opinion paying down student loan, credit card debt is more important that building assets. Do this first then build assets. If you must go into debt to start your business, make sure you have a great plan and spend less than you make."
- Andy Wallace '95, Iowa Realty (GV Major: Radio / Television)

"I have always been a proponent of the mindset that if you do things the right way, long enough, people will recognize that. the recognition means nothing however, and the measurement of you as an employee and/person will come from the value that you bring to a relationship/organization."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"Absolutely. It's all about prioritizing your time and finding ways to serve the things that are really important to you. I have tried to give my time and attention to one thing at a time each year -- like my focus now is around young alumni engagement with Grand View, but prior to that it was on charitable giving efforts with my team at work. I find it easier to manage when I am not trying to help with 10 things at once and make a determination on how I will dedicate my time in advance."
- Hallie Havard '11, Marketing Strategist, Principal Financial Group (GV Majors: Graphic Design & Graphic Journalism)

"Yes most definitely. But, look for areas and places that are a match for you and your passions! The need is great for volunteers as well as volunteers with leadership and business experience!"
- Diane Howe '83, Retired Vice President for Operations, Principal Financial Group (GV Major: Business Administration)

"As a recent graduate you may not have the monetary resources to give, so if you feel compelled to give something the greatest resource you might have is time."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"I believe I am able to give back to my community through various organizations that I am affiliated with, however, it is sometimes difficult to achieve a balance between work and these outside commitments. I recommend choosing a cause or group that you are passionate about and devoting a specific amount of time to that one group because getting too involved usually results in neglect of one or more organizations (or requiring too much time away from work)."
- Aly Merschman '13, Attorney at Gray, Hodges & Associates, PLC (GV Majors: Political Science & Digital Media Production)

"Time available to volunteer will vary according to where you are in life, you always have to balance family, work, and social, there are many ways to help or volunteer that don't take a big time commitment and still make a difference."
- Chad Wagener, Owner/Dentist, Ankeny Aesthetic Dentistry (GV Major: Biology)

"I try to find time around my work schedule to volunteer and give back to my community. If it's something you enjoy doing, I believe that you can always find some time to do so, even if its a short amount of time."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"Contact your student loan provider, they will be able to set an appointment to walk through your repayment options. There are several options available and finding the best one that fits your income and future goals is important."
- LB Lyons '08, Director of Alumni Relations, Grand View University (GV Major: Business Administration)

"All of this information can be found by contacting your loan company directly. Most will have this information listed on their website and if not don’t be afraid to call. Also be mindful that your monthly payments are not fixed. You can apply for loan deferment or income base repayment. Loan deferment allows you to temporarily stop making payments and can be available to you if you are back in school, unemployed, serving in the military, etc. You will need to check with your loan company to see if there are any other circumstances that they cover under loan deferment. Income base repayment is another option. With income base repayment you need to show proof of your current income, typically tax forms, and your loan company will come up with a repayment amount that aligns with your current income."
- Rachel Ricke '16, Medical Oncology and Hematology Associates (GV Major: Biology)

"You will go through loan exit counseling when you are getting ready to graduate. Pay close attention to this, as I didn't :) You will get a little more information after graduating as well."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"Seek help to set your budget and have someone hold you to it."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"Create a monthly budget for yourself that includes all expenses and income - some people find it helpful to set bill/utility/rent dates around pay day so that expenses are always paid first."
- LB Lyons '08, Director of Alumni Relations, Grand View University (GV Major: Business Administration)

"Its cliche, but you just know."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"If it's not a heck yes, it's a no."
- Allison Vice '09, Co-Owner, Vice Construction (GV Major: Business Administration - Real Estate)

"I feel like the person you are wanting to spend your life with should be able to support you in anything that you want to do. They should always have your back, and should be loyal and trustworthy."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"This is such a tough question to answer. I think it's fair to say in a time of constant connectivity through our cell phones and work email, it's challenging to keep your personal life and work life separate. There's give and take -- sometimes my work gets more of me than my personal life, and sometimes my personal life takes over and nudges in on my work. You just have to do the best you can at the time. I'm lucky that I work for a company that allows flexibility to take care of things in my personal life when needed and catch up after hours. We have a rule in our house though that when you're really stressed and wanting to vent about work stuff -- you get 10 mins and get it all out, and then we move on to talk about other things."
- Hallie Havard '11, Marketing Strategist, Principal Financial Group (GV Majors: Graphic Design & Graphic Journalism)

"It is a fine line of figuring out how to commit to your career and have a committed relationship. The key for me has been communication and even joint goal setting so they understand your passions and vision for the future."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"I personally put my career and future before my relationship. I am more concerned about my future and figuring out my calling in life before I commit to giving my time to another person."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"I would say find a cause you are passionate about and spend time with that. If it is going to take up your free time you have to care about it otherwise it won't."
- Andy Wallace '95, Iowa Realty (GV Major: Radio / Television)

"In my opinion, you should always surround yourself with those who have common goals. Surround yourself with those who are positive and can help you succeed in life."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"Not enough...truthfully networking could be a full time gig."
- Zach Antle '14, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, EMC Insurance Companies (GV Major: Applied Mathematics)

"I don't spend too much time networking as I am super busy with my work. I have my close group of friends from high school and college that I surround myself with."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"Staying motivated to do anything can be difficult. Knowing you will have peaks, valleys, and plateaus over short and long periods of time will greatly help your outlook. It's best to set 1 specific goal at a time. It can be easier for people to add things in before taking things out (adding in more vegetables before taking out sugar). Don't be too hard on yourself. Each moment is a new time to start again. But essentially, the biggest motivating factor for each person is "finding your why." Why do you want to pursue physical health and activity? Once you specifically know why, it'll be a lot easier."
- Emily Kappelman '11, Acupuncturist at Acupuncture Wellness Center (GV Major: Health Promotion - Wellness and Fitness)

"I have found that one of the best ways to stay motivated is by setting goals on what I want to accomplish with my physical health. These goals can be as simple as making it to the gym twice in one week. Make sure to write these goals down somewhere that you see on a daily basis and a set time frame you want to accomplish these goals in as this will help remind you of what you are working towards. Also don’t get down on yourself if you don’t meet your goal. We are not perfect and sometimes things don’t go the way we plan. Just evaluate what was missing for you to achieve your goal and make the necessary changes. Having someone else go on this journey with you is also great motivation. They can help hold you to your goals, lift you up on the rough days, and celebrate in your successes with you."
- Rachel Ricke '16, Medical Oncology and Hematology Associates (GV Major: Biology)

"Make it a priority and part of your daily life, not like an additional task you need to accomplish that will put you behind. Find a group class or friends to meet you there to help look forward to going. Just remember, you will never regret working out that day."
- Allison Vice '09, Co-Owner, Vice Construction (GV Major: Business Administration - Real Estate)

"I enjoy being very active, so staying healthy and physically fit is important and a priority for me to enjoy day to day activities."
- Chad Wagener, Owner/Dentist, Ankeny Aesthetic Dentistry (GV Major: Biology)

"I would say find a work out buddy so you can hold each other accountable."
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"Read as much as you can, keep up to date on new book releases related to your field & interests. Consider a RSS reader (Feedly.com) and subscribe to topics related to your field to stay up to date with current events / news articles related to your field & interests."
- Nick Crawford '09, IT Infrastructure Lead, Corteva Agriscience (GV Majors: Computer Science & Sociology)

"First it begins with you. You have to commit to being a lifelong learner. It's not just in the classroom or whitepapers, but just being a student of whatever industry you end up in to constantly be learning and evolving to emerging trends and shifts within the industry. Many employers will have continuing education budgets to make sure that their employees are continually learning and adding more value to the organization."
- AJ Krist '12, President, Krist Insurance (GV Major: Business Administration - Finance)

"Many employers offer professional development opportunities. When applying for jobs, either ask in the interview process, or look on the company website to see if they offer these opportunities. Often, they will only pay for trainings that they believe will benefit their company. I have taken many great trainings and gotten new certifications through my employer that have helped me professionally and personally."
- Alina McDaniel '15, Employment Supervisor, Link Associates (GV Major: Psychology)

"Most professions offer continuing education courses to keep up on what's new, community colleges also offer adult or single classes for special interests."
- Chad Wagener, Owner/Dentist, Ankeny Aesthetic Dentistry (GV Major: Biology)

"There are so many opportunities out there to continue learning! You can always continue to take classes through colleges. A lot of companies also offer continued learning!"
- Taylor Wells '17, Patient Care Tech/High School Volleyball Coach (GV Major: Kinesiology)

"Most if this is natural instincts, but just like preparing for a test, read up on things, do research, trust your gut and don't compare yourself or your child to anyone else."
- Jorie Kruger '11, Business Owner (GV Major: Business Administration - Marketing)

"Nothing you do can prepare you. It's the hardest and most rewarding job you'll ever have. If you want to pursue a career and be a good mom you will need a good partner that supports both."
- Allison Vice '09, Co-Owner, Vice Construction (GV Major: Business Administration - Real Estate)