We caught up with alumna, Kelly Luethje, in 2017. She earned her degree in 2000 with a major in Communication Studies and a minor in Business. Relocating to Boston she has worked, furthered her education, and opened her own business. Ms. Luethje is a member of the UNL College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Council.
1. What have you been doing since leaving UNL? Upon graduating I moved to Boston and have been here ever since. Over the next 10 years, I worked in the biotechnology industry as a corporate communications and investor relations professional. In 2005 I went back to school to obtain an MBA from Simmons School of Management in Boston. In 2010 I opted to change careers and began my coursework in financial planning from Boston University. I trained as a para planner for a small firm while also studying for CFP® certification. In 2015 I launched my firm, Willow Planning Group, to provide financial education and guidance to young professionals across the country.
2. Why did you choose a major in Communication Studies?
I knew the major would provide a solid foundation. While my career path was undetermined, I knew that building relationships was going to be a key component to anything I chose. It would be a game changer for my confidence and in my leadership skills.
3. We have a focus in the undergraduate program to teach students about three capacities: Advocate, Negotiate, and Relate. How has your communication degree helped you with one or more of these in your life and career?
I try to advocate for myself on a daily basis, but also for others—including my clients. I think another way to look at it is through empowerment. We need to empower ourselves and others if we want to make a difference in our careers, our families, and our lives. The art of negotiating can be a skill you are born with, or, as is the case with me, learned over time. You know what you need to do, but that can still be tough. Looking back, I have negotiated with myself many times! I believe that it is powerful to take a step back and remember what is most important to you, and you can both advocate and negotiate well for yourself every time. I try to relate to people, no matter who they are, and to my environment. That’s very different than trying to fit in. I try new things and look at the full picture before making decisions. Our worlds get small when we don’t open ourselves up to the things around us.
4. What is a favorite memory of your time in Communication Studies at UNL?
My favorite memory is the sense that I was able to learn from not only my professors, but my peers. The classes were collaborative and small-group oriented. I really enjoyed that. I do attribute my success at working on teams with this type of “training.” Listening and learning from one another shouldn’t be taken for granted.
5. In what ways can alumni support our department and students?
Alumni can be involved by learning what’s happening, by reading the newsletters, checking out the website, and visiting the campus. I think alumni want to be involved but are not sure how to begin. In my case, I moved right after graduation and didn’t have much connection with the school for quite some time. But it was only because it was “out of sight and out of mind.” When the opportunity arose to be involved, I took it. But I wish I had made that happen much earlier. I think if there is a learning opportunity and ability to give back to the students, not only financially, but via professional development or partnering