Kaitlyn Andreessen and two other Olsson employees attend Doane University's Employer Connections Event
Kaitlyn Andreessen ’21 (middle) returned to Doane as a member of the Olsson team for the Employer Connections event during Homecoming week. Photo by Valerie Wissenburg

By Kelly Stenka

On October 16, Doane University hosted its annual Employer Connections event, attracting more than 30 companies eager to network with students. This event embodies Doane's commitment to building leaders by providing opportunities for students to begin building their professional network. 

The Employer Connections event encouraged students to interact with potential employers, explore career paths and learn about various job opportunities. By engaging with professionals, students were able to gain insights that can help shape their futures.

Kaitlyn Andreessen ’21, a proud Doane alum and associate engineer at Olsson, was happy to be part of the event and highlight her unique experience at Doane. 

“When I was a student, the engineering program was very new and we weren’t accredited yet. Watching Doane achieve accreditation and attract more students makes me proud to have been part of that journey,” Andreessen said.

Giving back to the community that shaped her is important to Andreessen. She actively participates in student outreach, sharing her experiences with aspiring engineers. 

“One thing I love about my job is getting involved in student outreach. I enjoy mentoring students and conducting job shadows to provide insight into what they can expect as they transition from college to the workforce,” she said.

Events like Employer Connections not only enhance students’ professional networks but also inspire them to pursue their passions. As Doane University continues to expand its career development resources, students are well-equipped to step confidently into their future careers, guided by the experiences of alumni like Andreessen. This ongoing relationship between current students and alumni and employers is a great testament to Doane’s mission to empower the next generation of leaders.