Student Spotlight: Katherine Warstler

Katherine Warstler
July 24 , 2024  |  By Hailey Wilson Lindsey

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Katherine recently graduated from Walton College with a B.S.B.A. in business marketing and human resource management.
 
Katherine earned an Outstanding Student Award from the Walton College Management Department and was named a Senior of Significance by the Arkansas Alumni Association. Her team also won first place at the Walton College Sales Competition last fall.
 
After a summer of hiking in the beautiful mountains of Canada, Katherine is looking forward to working on International Paper’s sales team post-graduation.
 

Q&A with Katherine:

What impact has studying marketing and management had on you as an individual? Has it changed the way you view the world?

“My marketing courses significantly shaped my perspective and understanding of human behavior. The global perspective I gained in the classroom helped broaden my appreciation for diverse cultures and trends while enhancing my insight into human motivations, preferences and needs.
 
My management courses taught me the importance of having a strategic outlook both personally and professionally. Professors Ryan Cooper and Marion Stevens taught me how to think strategically by considering long-term goals, how to adapt to changing circumstances and how to develop self-awareness and continuous growth—all necessary skills as a leader.”

Do you have any takeaways from participating in the sales competition or top selling tips?

“I gained so much confidence in myself from competing in the sales competition. It's one thing to learn frameworks in a classroom setting, but to apply those concepts in a real business scenario gave me the chance to prove to myself that I’m well prepared for life after college.
 
My biggest takeaways from the competition are to pursue challenging experiences, set goals for yourself (and take steps each day to reach those goals) and network as much as possible because connections are everything. I received valuable advice from my sales professor, Rob McEver—being uncomfortable just means you care and have room to grow. You can't learn what you are capable of if you don't ever challenge yourself.”

What’s your not-so-guilty binge-worthy show?

“I am a big tv/movie junkie and love a lot of different plot lines and genres, but I’ve always been a huge fan of reality competition shows. The Amazing Race is definitely my favorite show to binge-watch. I love how fast-paced it is and the drama that inevitably comes with a competition show. One of my bucket list dreams is to actually compete on the show with my mom!”