Courtney Grob
Graduation year: 2012
Major: Business administration-finance
Activities: Chi Alpha Pi and Epsilon Sigma Alpha
Post-grad plans: Financial institution specialist at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) regional office in Chicago
Are you where you thought you'd be four years ago?
I honestly can say I’ve surpassed my expectations. If you had asked me four years ago if I’d be a productive, employed citizen at the end of college, I probably would have been skeptical. But through my time at Augustana, I’ve grown up and realized my true potential. Bring it on real world!
A peak experience?
The highlight for me was studying abroad in Vietnam. It opened my eyes to the rest of the world and made me excited to further my traveling later in life. It was through that experience that I met some of my best friends, and I loved becoming close with the faculty on the trip. They really made the experience special, and I know that I will maintain contact with them after graduation.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Every professor at Augustana has helped me on my journey — whether it is from the advice that they gave or the individual attention that I received from both in-class and office hours. They have been my lifelines throughout college, and I’m going to miss them once May 20 rolls around.
Advice for this fall's incoming class (Class of 2016)?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. This is your experience — make the best of it. And don’t get caught up in the long-term. Enjoy the day-to-day journey, and don’t take everything so seriously. It will always work out in the end.
“Courtney’s friendly personality complements her dedication to her education and professional development. From challenging courses to leadership positions, from competitive internships in the U.S. to foreign term in Vietnam, Courtney has pursued experiences that challenge and expand her understanding of the world. It is no surprise that her career is off to a strong start.”