Geralyn Heystek
Geralyn Heystek has always been highly invested in Haworth College of Business students. In fact, she’s one of their biggest supporters. A WMU alumna with an impressive three degrees (including a bachelor’s and master’s from the college of business, as well as a master's in counseling education), Heystek has fulfilled multiple roles serving students since beginning her career with the University in 1986. She has instructed numerous courses in marketing and business, served as an academic and career advisor, and has implemented strategies to ensure more students engage in career readiness activities. Now, as director for the Zhang Career Center, Heystek is on the frontlines of connecting students with meaningful professional experiences that prepare them for a lifetime.
“My role as director is to oversee the career development and employer relations teams to ensure we prepare our students to engage with employers for externships, internships and full-time positions,” Heystek says. “I work closely with Danielle Field, the Student Professional Readiness Series program director, to improve current events and create new ones that help students develop career readiness competencies outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.”
Heystek says her favorite part of her day is working with business students and witnessing moments of learning click. “I enjoy seeing students have those ‘aha’ moments, whether they come in the classroom, at a career fair or event, or during a one-on-one appointment. I also enjoy developing strong partnerships with employers who support the development of our students.”
For Heystek, defining student success is simple: “Success for a business student is finding that first job out of college. Our most recent statistic is 94% of students are actively engaged within three months of graduation.” That result is due in no small part to Heystek and the career center team, who spend countless hours helping Business Broncos acclimate to the professional culture at the college and beyond.