Katie Cervenka connects her passion for the environment to her wildlife ecology and life sciences communication majors
Katie Cervenka, who grew up in Delafield, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in wildlife ecology and life sciences communication and a certificate in environmental studies. In this Q&A, she talks about the connections she made between her two majors, her involvement in student organizations, and her role as a CALS Student Ambassador. She plans to work for a non-profit organization that specializes in natural resources communication. You can watch her video interview at the bottom of the page or on YouTube.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned?
I chose wildlife ecology because I have a passion for the environment and natural spaces, and especially the human dimensions in natural resources. One of the coolest things I got to do in the wildlife major is get hands-on experience with management techniques. Learning techniques like radio telemetry, which helped us complete mark-recapture surveys, was challenging but rewarding and made me confident in my field skills.
I chose life sciences communication (LSC) because I was interested in pursuing a career in outreach, communications, and marketing within the natural resources field and not go the typical route of becoming a wildlife biologist.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
I was so lucky to explore lots of different activities! Most notably, I was involved with the Student Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, CALS Ambassadors, and I was the Lenore Landry Writing Intern for the Department of Life Sciences Communication.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
In the short-term, I am heading to work for non-profit organizations that specialize in natural resources in communications, marketing, and development. Long-term, I hope to transition to a career focusing on communications relating to human dimensions of natural resources within federal agencies.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
One of the most valuable experiences I had in CALS was working as a CALS Student Ambassador. It was such a joy to share my academic and personal story to prospective and admitted students because I am able to help them make the college decision process just a little bit easier. I also have become such great friends with the other ambassadors. It is super special to know I have such a great community within CALS.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I am most proud of myself for trying things outside of my comfort zone. Whether tackling a challenging class, applying for a big job, or even trying a new food, exploring something new brought me a lot of opportunity and enjoyment!
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
Say yes to opportunity! I owe a lot of credit to finding internships and networking opportunities to saying yes and forcing myself to get out of my comfort zone. Pushing personal limits helped me become a better communicator and young professional.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
As a CALS student I have always felt incredibly supported. Because CALS is a smaller school on a big campus, I have been so thankful to have so many resources at my disposal. Everyone in CALS is so willing to help and want to see students succeed. College can be really tough, but knowing that I have had so many people rooting for me made my experience incredible.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
My favorite Babcock ice cream flavor is BY FAR chocolate peanut butter. I have always been a huge fan because it’s also my mom’s favorite flavor.
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
The city of Madison has such great charm. The farmer’s market, concerts on the square, the lakes, and local businesses are some of my favorite things.