Katie Nelson Image
Katie Nelson
Senior Manager of Career Services, Purdue University in Indianapolis

HOW DID YOU GET HERE?

I grew up in a family of educators and knew early on that I was drawn to a career in education, but wasn’t sure in what area. In college, I explored areas like K-12 education and human resources but became interested in Higher Education through my involvement as a tour guide. What first introduced me to career services was an on-campus job in my junior year as a Peer Advisor, where I had the opportunity to help students explore majors, as well as review their resumes. My experience working as a Peer Advisor kickstarted my journey to career development, and in the last five years, I’ve had the chance to work at both large public and small private universities, serving a wide variety of students. Now, as a part of the CCO at Purdue, I am excited to serve an amazing group of students who I know are going to change the world!
 
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING AT THE CCO?

I am passionate about empowering students with the tools, resources, and connections they need to achieve their career success, whatever that may look like.
 
WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL JOB YOU HAVE EVER HAD?

In college, I worked as a tour guide for the La Crosse Queen riverboat, an authentic replica paddlewheeler, in La Crosse, Wisconsin on the Mississippi River. It was so much fun to be on the water every day, and I learned a lot of Mississippi River facts!
 
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS:

College is the time to explore your options and opportunities in an environment unlike anything else you will experience. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new- you never know what it might lead to.
 
FUN FACT:

In college, I was on the Ballroom Dance team for two years!
 
FAVORITE THINGS:

A few of my favorites include houseplants, weekend road trips, orange cats, hiking, reading memoirs, and trying new recipes.