Small University, Big Opportunities
Name: Karley Campbell
Major: Business Administration & Spanish
Hometown: Sheboygan, Wis.
In reflecting on her time as a Lakeland student, 2019 graduate Karley Campbell, a first-generation college student, pays tribute to the many experiences that have made her the person she is today.
Campbell maximized her Lakeland experience by involving herself in several organizations and gaining employment experiences.
Campbell, who grew up in Sheboygan, Wis., graduated in 3.5 years with a double major in business administration and Spanish. She is currently working as the administrative coordinator at the City of Sheboygan Fire Department.
While a student at Lakeland, her work experiences included positions that were located on campus and in the local area. Campbell served two internships, first as an organizational intern at Above & Beyond Children’s Museum in Sheboygan, than as an organizational leadership & development intern at Johnsonville Sausage.
“Growing up in Sheboygan, I went to the museum as a kid and felt nostalgic walking into work every day,” Campbell said. “One specific responsibility I remember was assisting with event planning for the 25th anniversary of the museum.
“The Johnsonville internship was independent-project based, but also gave me the opportunity to participate in job shadows with other positions at the company and connect with interns in other departments as we worked together throughout the summer to host a charity brat fry.”
As for her on-campus employment, she was an international office clerical assistant, Student Ambassador, Spanish tutor and Resident Assistant.
These collective work experiences while being a Lakeland student plays a key role in helping her thrive in post-graduation employment.
“I proudly support these organizations,” Campbell said. “They made a large impact on where I am today by helping me practice and strengthen skills I use in my job today including customer service, event planning, digital data tracking, relevant work instruction creation and frequent use of Microsoft products.
“It also gave me the opportunity to participate in job shadows with other positions at the company and connect with interns in other departments.”
As someone who took advantage of many different employment experiences, Campbell was determined to involve herself in the Lakeland community as well.
Her involvement included the Phi Delta Omega Sorority, Spanish National Honor Society, Global Student Association, Lakeland’s recreational bowling league, Conversation Partner Program, Student Government Association and Lakeland’s Drumline. She was also a Movers & Shakers Gala scholarship recipient.
A highlight of her involvement at Lakeland was earning Lakeland’s Study Abroad Scholarship to study at the University of Costa Rica- San José in the summer of 2018.
Campbell encourages other students to take advantage of what a small college like Lakeland offers. She gained many experiential learning opportunities that were crucial to the development of her abilities and to her future success.
“Really get to know your professors, stop in and talk to your academic advisor, participate in a club or organization that challenges you,” Campbell said. “When I did seek out that support, they were always there. That’s not going to happen at just any school.”
