Nikki Henriksen

Graduate Spotlight - Nikki Henriksen

Nikki Henriksen

Administrative Professional and Business Management, December 2017

"I’ve already accepted a full-time position as an administrative assistant for the Juneau County Zoning and Sanitation Department, starting the beginning of January after graduation. It will be amazing to be employed full-time with nice pay, benefits, and hours!"

I realized I was on the wrong path. After spending a year at UW-Stevens Point with an undecided major, I took some time off to explore different colleges and options. I chose Mid-State because I liked that they offer many online classes—I work on top of going to school and have other commitments, so this flexibility fit my schedule better. I also liked the small class sizes. At UW-Stevens Point I could have over 100 other classmates. Here at Mid-State, I get to work closely with the instructors and with my classmates.

After transferring, I was closer to the right path, but not quite there yet. At Mid-State I started in the Surgical Technologist program, which I enjoyed up until clinicals. At that point I decided that was not exactly what I wanted to do for a career, so I switched to the two programs that I am in now—Administrative Professional and Business Management. These offer so many career opportunities and basically go hand in hand together.

For me, the most challenging aspect of student life has been finding balance with my school, work, and social commitments. Making school my number one priority has been the key for me. Yes, it’s difficult with work and a social life, but when I think about how my education can benefit me in the future in so many ways, it’s much easier. It has definitely helped that I have a support system. My parents have supported me through my college career. My boyfriend has also pushed me to go for what I want and motivated me to do well in my classes.

As I approach the end, I can say that one of the best things about my experience at Mid-State has been the instructors. They’ve made my education experience truly enjoyable—they really want to work with you and teach you everything they know. When I do have to attend classes on campus, I’ve also really enjoyed the other students I work with, and the small class sizes allow you get to know everyone.

One of my favorite memories at Mid-State was doing the “Dress for Success” project for the Administrative Professional program. This clothing drive provides dress clothes for students and people out in the community to wear at potential jobs and interviews. It was a great experience that combined hands-on learning with the real world and the rewarding feelings that come with helping others. I also enjoyed taking the Supervised Field Experience class, where we had the chance to go to a job site and apply what we have learned in a real-life job situation.

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is keeping up with my grade point average. I am graduating with high honors and distinction from my programs. Beyond that, I’ve already accepted a full-time position as an administrative assistant for the Juneau County Zoning and Sanitation Department, starting the beginning of January after graduation. It will be amazing to be employed full-time with nice pay, benefits, and hours!