Kat Knackstedt is making the most of her time as a student employee with the Communications and Outreach team in Financial Services (FS). A graphic design major who is minoring in strategic communications, she’s been with the division since November 2024. 

During her time with FS, she’s had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, and she has particularly enjoyed creating social media reports that reflect data from the first and second quarters of 2025. The work has given her the chance to earn hands-on experience while honing her graphic design talent.  

“I’ve been able to create multi-page documents, develop layouts and organize huge amounts of information in visually engaging ways,” she said. The experience not only enhanced her skillset but also provided a better understanding of the planning that goes into producing professional reports.  

Kat has been integral to the progress of Financial Services’ LinkedIn page, creating engaging posts that help to elevate the division’s online presence. “It’s been amazing to see the page grow and knowing that I’ve played a part in its success is so rewarding.”  

Working with Financial Services has also given Kat the chance to strengthen skills that can translate directly to the classroom.   

“I’ve really learned how to manage projects from start to finish, which has helped with my school assignments,” she said. “Designing multi-page documents like the social media reports has helped to sharpen my layout and typography work, which I can apply to my class projects. I’ve also gained a better understanding of working with deadlines and balancing multiple tasks at once.” 

With her graduation expected in 2027, Kat’s already collecting lessons she plans to take with her when she enters the workforce. 

“This experience has given me both practical design experience and professional habits,” she said. “Being able to create organized, visually engaging documents directly translates to the kind of work I’ll do after graduation. The time management and project organization I’ve practiced will help me handle deadlines and client expectations, while the collaboration skills I’ve built will make it easier to work on a team and communicate ideas effectively.”

Kat believes that student employment in Financial Services is something that her classmates and peers on campus should consider, noting that “it’s a great opportunity to build practical skills like communication and organization which directly translate into coursework and future careers.”  

“What’s unique about FS is how versatile the division is – it’s not just for one type of student or skill set. There are roles for a wide range of interests, making it a great place for anyone looking to gain experience and grow in their field,” she said. 

A crucial part of Kat’s success comes from asking questions and seeking feedback, and it’s something she recommends to new hires within FS.   

“When I first started, I realized how much I could learn just by reaching out for clarification or from hearing another perspective on my work. Not only does it help me grow faster, but it also shows that I’m engaged and willing to learn,” she said. 

“It’s also a very supportive environment where you can learn from others and see how your work contributes to larger projects,” she said. She’s experienced a particular amount of support from Associate Director of Communications and Outreach Marc Stevens and Outreach Specialist Konnor Kaczka.  

“They are always so supportive and willing to give helpful feedback when we collaborate on projects. I see them both as my mentors.” 

 

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