Meredith Eskoff

What year did you start working at NIU?
2013

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
Hometown: Oswego, Illinois. Live now: North Aurora, Illinois.

In what department do you work?
College of Business Undergraduate Advising and Student Resources

What is your job title?
Academic advisor

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?
I earned both my B.A. in political science and my M.S.Ed. in instructional technology from NIU.

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
The thing I love about advising is that there is no typical day. I have typical duties, such as student advising, but every day can be different. I can have face-to-face appointments with current students. I can advise new students during orientation, and I can meet prospective students while visiting community colleges.

What do you like about working at NIU?
I love the fact that I saw NIU through a student's lens first. I got to go to class, attend activities and grow as a student. Then, I developed as a professional at NIU. And through a staff member's lens, I get to see the students develop with my assistance and all the other resources NIU has to offer.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Specifically, in advising, if you don't ask things like, "can I minor, or double major," you would never know if that was possible. And you never know what something like a minor could add to a resume.

What is your favorite campus event?
I love the first week back at school! Everyone is excited for the year; the weather is still nice, and it is great to see the campus full of students.

In what ways do you see your colleagues help foster student success?
Not only do I see how great the advisors within the College of Business work together as a team, but I also see how great our advisor network is across campus. Whenever a student looks to change majors, it is awesome to see their advisor reaching out to other departments to connect the student with their possible new college, rather than let them figure it out alone.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
My favorite NIU memory is from when I was a senior and the football team went to the MAC championship up in Detroit. Students got discounted tickets, lunch and a ride to Ford Field. I went with my now husband, and we had a blast. The Huskies came back to win, and it was such a fun experience as a fan and student to see all the excitement surrounding the day.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
Originally, I had planned to become a lawyer, which is why I majored in political science. However, after college, I decided it wasn't right for me. I applied for jobs and landed one in the admissions office at NIU. Working with prospective students became a passion, and I fell in love with higher education.

Are you a member of or hold a position within a professional organization? If so, what organization? What is the purpose of that organization and how does being part of this organization benefit you in your role at NIU?
I am currently a member of NACADA, which is a national advising association. I was lucky enough to get to attend their national conference this past October. It was amazing to meet others in my field and learn from those who have made profound strides in the academic advising world.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love to be outside playing sports or taking walks. As well as read a good mystery book!

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
My husband is a double graduate of NIU with bachelor's and master's degrees in accountancy. We met our sophomore year while living on the same floor in Stevenson Towers, and even got engaged on campus! NIU holds a special place in our hearts.