Making Career Magic
From red carpets to television studios, Natalie Conners (A&S '15) is taking her Saint Louis University degree to prime time.
Conners, who graduated from SLU with a degree in criminology and criminal justice and minors in psychology and Spanish, now works as an anti-piracy security specialist with the Walt Disney Company. See why she chose SLU and what made her time as a Billiken so memorable.
Q: Why did you choose SLU?
A: I never have words for this one. It was just a feeling. I remember telling my mom that after my first visit in high school. It was just a feeling and I knew I was meant to be there. Once she visited, she said the same thing.
Q: How do you think SLU prepared you for your future?
A: I can’t even count the ways. Moving away from home and attending SLU taught me to find my own way, be self sufficient, and always be open to learning. The Jesuit mission in educating the whole mind, body and spirit also has had a huge impact on me. I used to complain about having to take so many random classes, but now I look back and am appreciative of all of the science, history, and philosophy classes I had to take. It really did provide me a well rounded education that I use every day.
Q: How did advisors/mentors help you during your time at SLU?
A: I couldn’t have done it without them. As a young adult, you hate to admit it but you really are winging it and learning as you go. Their guidance throughout my time at SLU really pushed me to be my best and helped get me to where I am.
Q: Did you take a particularly memorable class or have a memorable field experience while at SLU?
A: Anything criminal justice was fantastic, especially with Dr. Norm White. I was devastated when he passed away last year. That man has changed my way of thinking in my career in more ways than I can count. I also look back at my psychology and philosophy classes a lot. Those classes taught me how to think differently and above others. And I credit those classes today for why I have succeeded so much beyond SLU.
Q: How did SLU help you prepare for a career in your field?
A: Everything SLU stands for helped me. The biggest, is that they never let me forget I’m here to leave a legacy and am always a part of something greater than myself. I’m here to serve, and for that I chose a career of service. SLU has helped to instill in me the constant selflessness it takes t make small impacts on the world. SLU gets so much credit for the legacy I’m leaving behind.
Q: What advice do you have for a prospective SLU student who wants to enter your chosen career field?
A: Work hard and don’t be afraid to start from the bottom. Look for that one person to give you a chance and you make the rest of your way. Also learn as much as you can and network as much as you can. There’s so many people with so many different experiences who can teach you so much.
About Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students on campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of now more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.