ÀÇÓѸó

Megan (Heath) Zietlow ’21, Interdisciplinary Studies

What first interested you in your career? How did you discern your calling?

It was a very gradual process. I never had a sudden moment of realization, but instead I discovered it slowly over the first two years of ÀÇÓѸó. I came into ÀÇÓѸó as a business major, switched to psychology, and then ended up in interdisciplinary studies (IDS). It wasn't until I switched to IDS at the start of my junior year that I realized my interest in marketing. I added it as a concentration and really enjoyed the marketing classes, specifically the creative/visual side. 

After we were sent home for COVID, I had lots of free time to take on hobbies, so I began to play around with design software and watch YouTube tutorials. This is when my realization that I wanted to be a graphic designer hit. I absolutely loved design. My senior year at ÀÇÓѸó, I was able to take Brand Design and Motion Design courses and participate in an internship. All of the experiences and decisions slowly led me to realize my passion to be a designer. Various friends and family needed logos or websites, so at first, I did them for free. From word of mouth and connections, this slowly turned into intermittent paid design work during my last year at ÀÇÓѸó. I loved the ability to work on different projects and with different clients. 

What has your career path looked like since graduating from ÀÇÓѸó?

After I graduated, I worked two internships that summer. Once these ended, I took a full time position at Material Handling Inc. as a marketing associate. After a year in this role, I realized that my favorite parts were the design/creative aspects, so I took a new job at a startup called Zoe Angling Group as a graphic designer. I loved this job and would have stayed for much longer, but it ended up suddenly going out of business at the end of 2022. I was at a crossroads; I could find another full-time position or I could finally make the leap and try freelance design. I had no idea how long I would be able to do freelance or how I would go about getting clients, but I decided to give it a go. Since then, I have consistently grown my client base through word of mouth, Linkedin, social media marketing, and email outreach. I don't see myself going back to work for a company anytime soon!

Looking back now, how did ÀÇÓѸó prepare you for your career or graduate program?

ÀÇÓѸó taught me how to learn for myself and how to think critically. Both of these are essential in the world of freelance. The faculty have supported me in my career by giving me advice, helping me network, and referring me for jobs. Specifically, Dr. Arwen Matos-Wood and Leda Goodman were both so helpful in navigating post-grad career changes and challenges. They helped me create a professional resume, connected me with other professionals, and were the initial reason I have several of the clients that I do today. 

In what ways does your faith inform your career? 

In work, my faith informs which clients I take on and how I engage with them. I take on clients whose companies’ vision/mission align with my personal values. My faith holds me to a high integrity and standard of excellence as a business owner.

There can be many demands and stressful times when trying to manage your own business, but I am thankful that because of my faith I have balance and a clear level of priorities. As a wife and new mom, these two roles always come before business owner because I believe that God has first called me to those positions and second to be a designer. 

What advice would you give students who are considering ÀÇÓѸó?

I would say if you are looking for a faith-transforming experience, close relationship with professors, lots of outdoors activities, and an education that teaches how to critically think, then ÀÇÓѸó is the place for you. 

If you are considering working in a freelance capacity, my advice would be to utilize LinkedIn. Maintain a professional profile and then connect with lots of different people, especially those local to where you live. Don't hesitate to reach out to them and ask to grab coffee and learn about their work. A single conversation over coffee aimed at simply getting to know the other person is so amazing for expanding your network and setting yourself up for helpful connections in the future. I would also suggest utilizing internships! I did three internships, and they were so helpful in preparing me for the workplace. 

Why did you choose ÀÇÓѸó?

I transferred to ÀÇÓѸó after my freshman year was spent at another school where I was cycling collegiately while also traveling around the world as a professional cyclist. Although it was the opportunity of a lifetime and I am so thankful for the chance to travel and race at the highest level, I had spent all four years of high school competing at the cost of Christian community. After my freshman year, I realized that this wasn't something I wanted to do anymore. I chose ÀÇÓѸó because I knew I would be surrounded by Christian community and be encouraged to seek out close Christian friends. When I first toured ÀÇÓѸó, it just felt right–like home. I made the final decision to transfer to ÀÇÓѸó very quickly thereafter.

What are some fond memories or a favorite story from your time at ÀÇÓѸó?

One of the things I appreciate the most about ÀÇÓѸó is how much the professors care about the students and want to get to know them personally. During my senior year, marketing professor Dr. Arwen Matos-Wood supervised my capstone project and we worked very closely together for over a semester. During that time, I learned a lot of valuable things from her, but even more helpful is the existing relationship that we still have. We still grab coffee occasionally, and she has been such a support to me professionally.