Katherine Lelek ’07, director of career management for the Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University, aspires to be a changemaker. Working in higher education has sparked her curiosity about how strategy, leadership and design can intersect to support students, especially as they prepare to enter the professional world.
“Ultimately, I hope the doctorate will help me expand my impact and allow me to contribute more broadly to how institutions design and deliver career development,” says the recipient of the School of Education General Scholarship. “This feels especially important at a time when the world of work is changing rapidly and expectations for career outcomes in higher education continue to rise.”
This isn’t Lelek’s first rodeo at the College.
“I attended the College of Charleston for undergrad, so I really love being able to return as a doctoral student,” says Lelek, who majored arts management and minored in studio art. “The College played an important role in shaping an earlier chapter of my life, and it is exciting to experience it again in a completely new way.”
While most of the program is online, Lelek especially appreciates the four days of on-campus residency that begin each academic year. “I enjoy walking the familiar streets, spending time on campus and seeing how the College has evolved over the years while still appreciating the beauty and character that make it such a special place.”