Katherine Baurichter: Cultivates leadership skills interacting with executives
Katherine Baurichter is currently majoring in Interior Design and minoring in both construction management and general business. Last summer she had an internship at the corporate headquarters for At Home, formerly Garden Ridge in Dallas, Texas. The company, which focuses on home décor, went through a major rebranding and expansion in 2014. Katherine’s internship involved assisting with both initiatives including, “helping with store design and floor plans using the computer drafting program AutoCAD…with schematics including flooring electrical, fixtures, shelving and data plans.” Some of her work has been implemented in the final plans of several stores in Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.
She also had the opportunity to interact with several executives last summer and mentions that she, “created and developed an idea for the stores and pitched it to the VP of Store Operations and the Chief Stores Officer. They both believed my plan would be very beneficial for the company. After it was approved, I led a meeting consisting of executives, department heads, and managers to explain and then discuss how it could be implemented. The first phase is to be completed by next year and when fully developed it is expected to be used in their stores, on their website, emails, and various social media sites. This experience has not only taught me how to take initiative and cultivate leadership skills, but has also prepared me for the future,” stated Katherine.
Her favorite things about being a business student are the resources and opportunities such as the Career Fair and dedicated and faculty and staff. “My academic advisor, Katy Jessee, far exceeded my expectations. She is always willing to meet and hear about my semester. She actually inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in project management. Katy always gives wonderful advice and she’s quick to respond to any questions I have. “
While on campus Katherine has been very involved in several student organizations including the Springfield Design Association, Campus Crusade for Christ, American Society of Interior Design, Golden Key Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Eta Sigma.