Sara Petrovska

Sara Petrovska is an operations management and information systems major from Bitola, Macedonia (now Oswego, IL)

Hometown: Bitola, Macedonia (now Oswego, IL)

High School: Oswego High School

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2026

What is your major (and/or minor), and why did you decide on this course of study?
My B.S. is in operations and information management, and I'm continuing on to NIU's M.S. in business analytics and AI. I chose this course of study because of how well-rounded the curriculum is. It spans project management, operations management, information systems and data analytics. I knew I wanted to build a diverse knowledge base rather than specialize too narrowly right away, and this program let me do exactly that. It gave me the flexibility to explore multiple fields while still developing real, marketable skills.

Tell us about the research you are conducting at NIU: what it involves, why it interests you and who has been important to your success along the way.
I'm conducting undergraduate research through NIU's OSEEL program under the direction of Dr. Biagio Palese, as part of the capstone requirement to earn full university honors. My project focuses on building an AI agent that can automate the documentation process for newly developed applications, essentially exploring how AI can analyze an application and generate accurate, useful documentation that helps users understand, use and maintain it after development. This topic came directly out of my business solutions internship at Crowe LLP, where I worked with the Microsoft Power Platform. Part of my role involved manually documenting how to use a client application so the client could reference it after the contract ended. That process was time-consuming, and it got me thinking about how AI could make it faster and more consistent, which became the foundation for my research. Dr. Palese has been essential to my success in this project, guiding my research direction and helping me scope a problem that's both meaningful and achievable within the semester.

How has conducting research strengthened your experience at NIU, and how do you expect it to help you in the future?
Conducting this research has pushed me to think independently in a way that coursework alone doesn't always require. I had to identify a real problem, narrow its scope and figure out how to actually build a solution, even with limited coding experience going in. Along the way, I've been picking up practical skills in working with AI agents and learning how to break down a complex idea into something achievable within a semester. I expect this experience to help me well beyond graduation. As I move into the M.S. in business analytics and AI, I'll be building directly on the technical foundation this project is giving me. And as I start my career, I know that the ability to take an open-ended problem, do the research and deliver a working solution is exactly the kind of skill employers are looking for.

Have you completed or are you currently pursuing an internship or other career-related experience? How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Yes. I applied for the internship posting online and had the chance to briefly meet the recruiter on campus. The internship was at Crowe LLP in Chicago, where I worked as a Power Platform business solutions intern.

What have you learned or experienced through your internship that you couldn't have gotten in a classroom?
At Crowe, I got real, hands-on exposure to how business initiatives actually come together, from supporting an internal project through agile delivery to helping develop client-facing training materials. That kind of practical, evolving work is different from anything a classroom assignment can simulate. Working indirectly with a client also taught me that building something is only half the job. You have to think about how someone else will actually use and maintain it after you're gone, a mindset that's hard to develop without real stakes involved. I also had the chance to work on a consulting readiness assessment with a team, where we proposed an AI-assisted solution to a real business problem and had to consider not just the technical side, but fairness, oversight and accountability. Our team was selected as one of four finalists out of 26 intern teams nationwide, which gave me a real sense of what it's like to deliver under pressure and a deadline. Overall, the internship strengthened my communication, documentation and problem-solving skills in a way that felt far more real than any group project, and I earned my Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) certification along the way.

What advice would you give to a student who is trying to land their first internship?
Be open to any opportunity that comes your way, even the small, unexpected ones. My first interaction with Crowe was actually helping their recruiter by taking a photo of her at their booth for social media, not a formal conversation, and I didn't even tell her my name. At the time, I honestly didn't think I'd end up applying, but I did apply for one of the internships she mentioned. She later emailed me to let me know about the opportunity to interview. It's a good example of how staying approachable and engaged at events, even in small, informal ways, can end up mattering later. I'd also encourage students to ask meaningful questions, ones that actually fit the situation and help you do the job better, whether that's at career fairs, in interviews or once you're actually on the job. Asking the right questions shows that you're curious and eager to learn, not just checking a box. I'd also recommend building up relevant skills before you apply, not after. Earning a certification, taking on a project, or learning a tool related to your field shows initiative and gives you something concrete to talk about in interviews. Finally, don't wait until you feel "ready." I applied for my internship without knowing everything the job would require, and most of what I know now, I learned on the job. The willingness to learn matters more than walking in with every skill already checked off.

What do you believe an NIU degree will make possible for you that might not have been possible otherwise?
As a first-generation college student, an NIU degree represents something my family didn't have the chance to pursue, and it's opening doors that wouldn't have been available to me otherwise. Between the Honors Program, research opportunities like my capstone and hands-on experience through an internship, NIU gave me a path to build real skills and credentials without having to figure it all out alone. Opportunities like being a student ambassador for the De La Vega Innovation Lab and competing in the HAVI QSR Demand Forecasting Hackathon powered by OMIS X IGNITE, where my team placed fifth, gave me exposure and experience I wouldn't have had access to otherwise. Continuing on to the M.S. in business analytics and AI will let me go even deeper into the field I'm passionate about, and I believe it's going to be the foundation that lets me build a career in data analytics that I couldn't have reached without this kind of structured, supportive path.

What has genuinely surprised you about your experience at NIU?
I've genuinely been surprised by how helpful and invested my professors are, not just in my grades, but in my actual learning and growth. It's clear that many of them care about seeing students improve and succeed long after the semester ends, whether that's through office hours, mentorship or just being willing to have real conversations about your goals. That kind of genuine interest isn't something I expected walking in. Even small moments, like professors stopping to congratulate me in the hallway or on LinkedIn after I received a full-time job offer, have shown me how much they actually care about my success beyond the classroom.

Are you involved in student organizations, mentoring programs or extracurricular activities? If so, which ones, and how have they shaped your experience as a Huskie?
Yes, I was previously involved as a student ambassador for the De La Vega Innovation Lab, where I helped promote innovation and entrepreneurship on campus by facilitating outreach events and supporting event planning and coordination. It gave me the chance to inspire fellow students and be part of driving positive change within NIU's entrepreneurial community. I was also the secretary of the NIU Tennis Club, where I organized and scheduled club tournaments, maintained communication with other tennis clubs and our members, and managed the club's social media to promote events and increase our visibility. Being part of the club gave me a great outlet outside of academics and the chance to meet people with a shared interest. Taking on the secretary role has also given me a chance to develop organizational and leadership skills outside the classroom. Together, these experiences shaped my time at NIU by helping me build a professional network and get more involved in campus life, alongside my academic and research work.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel supported and successful, and how?
My advisors and professors have been the biggest source of support throughout my time at NIU. My advisors helped me navigate my course planning and made sure I stayed on track, especially as I moved from my undergraduate degree into the M.S. program. My professors went beyond just teaching, offering guidance, mentorship and genuine encouragement that helped me grow both academically and professionally. I'd also credit Becca Husar, the former associate director of innovation and partnership development for the De La Vega Innovation Lab, as someone who supported me during my time as a student ambassador. Having people like her, my advisors and my professors to turn to with questions or for advice made a huge difference in feeling supported and set up for success at NIU.

Who has been a favorite instructor or professor, and what did they teach? What made them memorable?
I've had multiple professors at NIU who have been incredibly supportive and memorable, including Dr. Palese, Dr. Xinyan Cao, Dr. Jung Young Lee and Dr. Ying Wang. What makes them stand out is their incredible ability to deliver content, paired with deep knowledge of their fields, genuine positivity and real care for their students. A common lesson they've all taught me is to stay curious and detail oriented. They've set an example for the importance of genuinely learning rather than just memorizing material or completing work for a grade, instead focusing on understanding concepts through a real-life lens and application. They've also taught me how important it is to take care of yourself while still being hardworking, a balance that has stuck with me throughout my time at NIU.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community, and why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spots are Founders Memorial Library and Chick Evans Field House. The library holds a lot of memories from when I used to live on campus, especially late nights spent studying and getting homework done, it's where a lot of the real work happened. Chick Evans Field House is special to me because of tennis; it's where I got to enjoy the game and be part of the Tennis Club community.

How has NIU helped you find your community or your sense of belonging here?
NIU helped me find community in a few different ways. Being part of the Tennis Club gave me a space to connect with people outside of academics who shared a common interest. Through the De La Vega Innovation Lab, I got to meet other students passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship. And working closely with Dr. Palese on the research project gave me a smaller, more personal community built around a shared goal. Beyond that, the genuine support from my professors and advisors made NIU feel less like just a place to get a degree and more like a place where people actually know me and want to see me succeed.

Why is a college education important to you?
I immigrated to the United States with my family from Macedonia when I was 10 years old. My parents made that move to give my brother and me the opportunity to pursue an education that would contribute to our future success and our ability to build a career. Their sacrifice has always been an important factor in my life, and I've come to view my education and the knowledge I continue to build as a way of honoring that sacrifice. A college education matters to me because it represents more than a degree; it's proof that their decision to leave everything familiar behind was worth it. It's also given me the tools, confidence and opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise, from research experience to internships to a real path toward the career I want. Every step I take toward my degree feels like a way of thanking my parents and making all of their hard work worth it in the end.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges right now?
Look at the full picture: the professors and overall environment, the value and strength of the specific programs offered and the financial side of your decision. All of these matter but I'd say financials are especially important to keep in mind, so you don't end up with a lot of debt after graduation. A school that combines genuine faculty support, valuable programs and financial sense will set you up for success far more than prestige alone.

How do you manage your responsibilities like school, work, family and everything else while still making the most of your time at NIU?
I rely on active recall as much as I can, trying to review content a little each day rather than saving it all for exam time. I also make sure to attend every class and break assignments into small, manageable chunks with mini goals leading up to each deadline, rather than cramming everything the night before it's due. I plan ahead for the whole week, which was especially important when I used to work weekends, since having a clear timeline let me balance work, homework and rest while staying on top of everything. Just as importantly, I make sure to set aside time for myself, my family and my friends. I've also learned to assess my responsibilities and let go of the ones that add more stress and imbalance than they're worth. Staying balanced between my responsibilities and time to relax is what allows me to keep up with everything without burning out.

What made you choose NIU over other colleges you were considering?
A big factor was receiving a full-ride scholarship, which made me a Presidential Scholar at NIU. On top of that, my brother had already attended NIU and graduated with a degree in computer science. Hearing about his experience, combined with seeing that NIU's programs aligned well with what I was looking for, made the decision much easier.

What was the most important thing NIU did to help you make a successful transition into college life?
As a first-generation college student, transitioning into college life came with a lot of unknowns, but NIU made that transition easier in a few key ways. Being in the Honors Program connected me with resources and a smaller community early on, which made a big university feel more manageable. Living on campus during my first year also helped me build routines and get comfortable navigating college life, from studying at Founders Memorial Library to getting involved in things like the Tennis Club. Having my brother, who had already gone through NIU for his computer science degree, was also a huge help. He gave me a head start in knowing what to expect and how to navigate things like registration, professors and campus life in general.

How has living on campus (or commuting) shaped your experience as a Huskie? What support or resources have made that work well for you?
I've experienced both sides of this as a Huskie. I lived on campus fully for my first two years and part of my third year, which helped me build a routine and quickly become part of the NIU community, from late nights studying at Founders Memorial Library to getting involved with the Tennis Club at Chick Evans Field House. It made the transition into college life feel much smoother since everything I needed was close by. Now that I commute, I've had to be more intentional about time management and planning ahead so I can stay connected to campus life and my responsibilities without losing that sense of balance. Staying in close contact with my professors and advisors, along with keeping a clear schedule, has made that transition work well, ensuring I stay just as engaged and supported as I was when I lived on campus.

What drew you to pursue your degree online, and why did you choose NIU's online program?
I chose to pursue the M.S. in business analytics and AI online degree program because the format gave me the flexibility that best aligned with my interests and goals for this next stage of my education. Choosing NIU's online program specifically was an easy decision. I already knew the quality of NIU's faculty and programs from my undergraduate experience, and continuing with a university and professors I trust made the transition into the M.S. program seamless.

How has NIU's online experience lived up to or exceeded your expectations?
So far, my experience with NIU's online program has exceeded my expectations. The recorded lectures give me the flexibility to learn at my own pace, and having example videos for hands-on tasks has made it much easier to follow along and actually apply what I'm learning. What's stood out most is how engaging the program still feels despite being online, professors are easy to contact and responsive, which has made it feel just as personal and supported as my in-person classes were during undergrad.

What has surprised you most about learning online at NIU?
What's surprised me most is how accessible and helpful my professors have been, even in an online format. I expected online learning to feel more distant, but professors have been quick to respond and genuinely willing to help, which has made the experience feel far more personal and supported than I anticipated.

How has NIU helped you feel like a true part of the Huskie community, even as an online student?
Even as an online student, I still feel connected to the Huskie community because of the relationships I built during my time on campus, through the Tennis Club, the De La Vega Innovation Lab and my professors. Since some of my current professors were also my professors during undergrad, and that continuity has carried a real sense of belonging into my online experience. Their accessibility in the M.S. program has also helped bridge that gap, making it feel like I'm still part of the same NIU community I was during undergrad, just in a different format.

What would you tell someone who is considering an online degree but is not sure if it is right for them?
I'd say it really comes down to self-motivation and discipline. Without a set class time to physically show up to, you have to be intentional about staying on top of lectures and deadlines on your own. That said, I'd push back on the common misconception that online programs are less rigorous. My experience with NIU's online M.S. program has felt just as challenging and engaging as my in-person classes. I'd also point out that the flexibility is a real benefit, not a shortcut. It allows you to learn at your own pace and fit your education around your life, but only if you have the discipline to use that flexibility well.

What Honors Program opportunities have helped you move closer to your academic or career goals?
The Honors Program has given me several opportunities that directly moved me closer to my goals. My capstone project, working under Dr. Palese to build an AI documentation agent, was made possible through the Honors Program's research requirement, and it's giving me hands-on experience that ties directly into my future career in data analytics and AI. I also completed engaged experiences focused on leadership, which helped me build skills I'll carry into my career. Practical benefits like early registration for classes also made a real difference, letting me plan my schedule more effectively around my other responsibilities.

What has it meant to be the first in your family to attend college, and what has NIU done to support you along the way?
Being a first-gen student has meant figuring out a lot of the college process without a built-in guide at home, things like understanding financial aid, registration or even just what resources were available to me. It came with a learning curve, but it also made me more resourceful and proactive about seeking help when I needed it. That said, I had more support than the average first-gen student since my older brother had already gone through NIU before me and was able to guide me through some of what to expect. NIU also supported me through the Honors Program early on, which gave me access to advisors and a smaller community that made a large university feel more manageable. My professors and advisors were also consistently willing to answer questions, and that support made a real difference in helping me navigate it all successfully.

What scholarships or financial support have you received at NIU?
I received a full-ride scholarship through NIU's Presidential Scholars program, which has covered the cost of my education throughout my time here.

Did the availability of scholarships or financial aid factor into your decision to choose NIU? If so, how?
Yes, it was a major factor. Receiving the full-ride Presidential Scholarship made NIU an easy choice, since it allowed me to pursue my education without the burden of significant debt. Being able to focus on my studies, research and extracurriculars without financial stress played a huge role in my decision to attend.

How has that financial support shaped your ability to pursue your education and make the most of your time here?
The financial support I've received has given me the freedom to fully invest in my education without the added pressure of significant debt or needing to work extensively just to cover costs. That freedom allowed me to take on opportunities like my research, get involved in the Honors Program and pursue extracurriculars like the Tennis Club and the De La Vega Innovation Lab, experiences I might have had to scale back otherwise. It's meant I could focus on making the most of my time at NIU, both academically and personally, rather than just getting by.