Hailey Kofoid

Hailey Kofoid is a leadership and management major from Peru, IL

Hometown: Peru, IL

Class Of: 2023

Minors: Marketing and business innovation/entrepreneurship minor

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was growing up, I always wanted to be an interior designer. Some traits I liked about that position I had when I was younger included creativity, problem-solving and strong focus on details. Although I am not pursuing this career interest as a major, I have taken a similar path in my major and minors that focus on the creativity and development of a company.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
With my leadership and management major, marketing minor and business innovation/entrepreneurship minor, I want to pursue a career that focuses on helping startups or smaller companies be successful.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
For me, I found it pleasantly surprising how easy it is to navigate the campus as well all of the resources that are provided to students.

How have you connected with other students virtually to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have connected with other students virtually through social media, LinkedIn and Microsoft Teams.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am involved as the co-chair for the Dean's Student Advisory Board at the College of Business, the vice president for Leaders in Ethics and Academic Discipline and a member of Women in Business Professions. These student organizations have allowed me to meet new people, have more opportunities to grow as a Huskie, network with individuals in the professional environment and build skills that are necessary for a future career in business. Also, these opportunities have allowed me to connect with my professors on a more personal level and offered many resources that were not initially provided to me.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite instructor has been Jason Gorham, who taught UBUS 110: Business in Action at the College of Business. Jason's care and concern for his students' academic successes and personal well-being always felt genuine, which really made his course more exciting and worthwhile. His course was challenging and really made you work, but his instruction made all of the assignments easier to understand and more valuable.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. After I get my drink at the Starbucks inside, I like to find a comfortable seat to relax, talk to others and listen to music during my free time before classes. I am drawn to this space because it is welcoming and very collaborative.

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
My advice to students who are applying to college is to do plenty of research on everything. Make sure the college you are interested in has plenty of scholarship opportunities and academic/personal resources available, and that it has qualities that align with your personal needs and wants, like campus life and academic courses.

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
Although I had great time management in high school, I have to make sure to always plan out my schedule accordingly and include plenty of free time for myself. Although there are many opportunities offered on campus, make sure to set aside enough time for yourself to do what you enjoy.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to listen to music or watch a movie to relax. If I ever feel stressed or down, I like to go work out at the Recreation Center.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
As a first-generation female student attending NIU, I feel very welcomed and believe that there are many opportunities and resources that have helped me feel safe, supported and understood as a Huskie.