Katrina Rath

Katrina Rath is a management major from Crystal Lake, IL

Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL

High School: Burlington Central High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2026

Minor: Psychology

Transfer from: Carroll University

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I chose NIU due to the opportunities and courses I can be involved with. NIU offers so many interesting courses and great ways to get involved on campus. Also, I love the location of NIU and how close it is to home (Chicago, Woodfield Mall, etc.).

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the NIU transfer scholarship due to the GPA I earned at Carroll University, the Kovacevich honors scholarship due to my involvement in the honors program at NIU and the Rothkopf leadership scholarship due to my service, involvement and academic performance in the College of Business at NIU. The financial support has decreased my stress when thinking about future finances and has made paying for college less stressful. I am very grateful to receive these scholarships.

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 basically wanted to do everything depending on how old I was. Originally I wanted to be a doctor, then I wanted to be an adoption lawyer, then a music therapist and the list goes on. Once I got to NIU, I was able to narrow down my career path to a career in higher education, event planning/management or working in a high school setting as a counselor (with an end goal of principal). Due to still not knowing exactly what path I am going down yet, I feel like I am pursuing a major that can be applied to any of these careers.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in management with an emphasis in leadership and management and minoring in psychology. I decided to pursue this major because I wanted to learn more about how to effectively manage teams while sharpening my leadership skills.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I interned as an event fellow and residential fellow at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. I earned this internship by being connected to an internship portal (ACUHO-I).

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
The Yale University internship prepared me for my future career by giving me hands-on experience in many different areas of higher education.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Something I have found pleasantly surprising about my experience at NIU is how great my professors in the College of Business have been. They always go above and beyond to have engaging conversations with me after class and are very helpful if I need assistance.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I talk to students in class and make friends through the different organizations I am in.

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 president of Leaders in Ethics and Academic Discipline, a consultant in the Experiential Learning Center, a teacher's assistant for Psychology 101, an ambassador of the Honors Program, a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board and a trumpet player in the Kishwaukee Concert Band. Being involved with all of these organizations and extracurricular activities have helped me feel like I belong at NIU and make connections.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The College of Business has helped me feel safe, supported and successful because my advisor, professors, fellow students and the different departments within the College of Business are always building me up and supporting me along the way.

Are there transfer-specific resources, offices or services that you use to help you succeed at NIU?
As a transfer student, I utilized my advisor to understand how my credits transferred and help me get started with classes at NIU.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The staff in the Honors Program have helped me connect with other honor students through the many events they host. In terms of academic or career goals, honors classes have allowed me to do more research and dig deeper into topics.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
What I enjoy most about the Honors Program are the opportunities to make new friends and have access to more interesting courses.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I honestly do not have a favorite professor. Some professors I would like to give a shoutout to are Dr. Gorham (consulting coach and director in the Experiential Learning Center), Dr. Buis (MGMT 355), Dr. Burton (MGMT 335), Mr. Nyquist (MGMT 340), Mrs. Finkelstein (PSYCH 101) and Mrs. Anderson (honors communications professor). These professors have done an amazing job to make class engaging and support every student along the way!

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has benefited me by increasing my test scores and my performance on assignments because I understand the content. In addition, attending class regularly has allowed me to have conversations with professors and make connections.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is Barsema Hall because all of my classes are in this building. I love the big windows that allow me to soak in some nature while doing homework or studying.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Make sure you research what you would like to be involved in within what you want to study and also fun extracurriculars. In addition, take your time and don't feel pressured by friends or acquaintances when making your decision. Choose a college that best fits your needs and wants!

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it provides a space to continue to learn and gain valuable knowledge for the future.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
In terms of time management, I always use whiteboards to manage all of my responsibilities, important events and homework/projects. Also, I prioritize a healthy work-life balance and establish boundaries for myself, so I do not get too overwhelmed.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about events and services on campus by looking at the calendars that are posted online, at Suitable for honors and business passport events, and on social media.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax or recharge, I love to play piano, go to arcades, go to Woodfield Mall, put Legos together, and spend time with friends and family. I value being alone as well when I need to recharge.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
As a teacher's assistant, I am a resource to students. I grade assignments, answer questions, host office hours, and post resources and different events when applicable. In terms of hobbies, I love to play trumpet and piano, go to Six Flags, spend time with friends and family, and go to arcades. I also love to do my daily sudoku puzzle and Wordle!