An interest in politics and public service drew Olivia Kalscheur, a marketing major at Marian University, to an internship during the spring 2018 General Assembly at the Indiana Statehouse.
Kalscheur served as a legislative intern for the Indiana Senate’s majority caucus, where she worked in the offices of Senators Aaron Freeman and Joe Zakas. She was responsible for tracking and analyzing data related to legislative bills, providing constituent services, staffing Senate committee hearings and meetings, and conducting legislative policy research.
“I learned so much about the legislative process, the differences between state and federal government, and how government officials on both sides of the aisle work in the state of Indiana,” she says.
As a Marian student, Kalscheur studied abroad and was selected as a San Damiano Scholar.
“The experience also enabled me to strengthen my professional skills, especially project management and organization. Meeting deadlines was important because it can get pretty intense in the statehouse when key legislation is up for a vote. But it also enhanced my collaboration and communication skills. I also got to do other things, like introduce panel speakers during lunch-and-learn sessions for statehouse interns.”
Kalscheur says she chose to major in marketing because she wants a fast-paced, creative and collaborative career.
“I knew I wanted the skills and experience that would come from earning a business degree. I was drawn to the Byrum School when I learned about its emphasis on providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. Being a business student has definitely paid-off and has given me some phenomenal experiences, like completing an independent marketing study for a local Catholic elementary school and participating in the National Student Advertising Competition sponsored by the American Advertising Federation.”
As a Maymester student, Kalscheur spent two weeks studying at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, which is an hour north of London. Named one of the “100 Best” historical properties in the U.K., the magnificent 150-room structure is 185 years old and reflects both Elizabethan and Jacobean architectural styles. “It was a fantastic experience that I highly recommend for any Marian student,” she reports.
A San Damiano Scholar, Kalscheur is also a pastoral leadership minor. She has participated in College Mentors for Kids, the Sacred Choir, and chaired the campus ministry, liturgy, and adoration planning committee. An Indianapolis native, she has been a volunteer with the Little Flower Girls Club for a number of years. She was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments with the Sister Laurita Kroger Award during the university’s 2017 student awards ceremony last year.
To learn more about the B.S. in marketing degree at Marian, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission or schedule a campus visit.