Kristen Padavic

Why did you choose Taubman College for your education?
I fell in love with the University of Michigan campus and the passion exhibited by the alumni I knew.

How did Taubman College prepare you for your career? What experiences beyond the classroom (internships, research assistantships, teaching opportunities, or other external experiences) provided additional value?
Taubman prepared me for my career by showing me how to tell stories through design, and teaching me the fundamentals in communicating my ideas. The professors at Taubman were hands-on, available, and passionate about teaching. My spring internship introduced me to my future employers who helped shaped my career (also Michigan alumni), which showed me the power of our amazing alumni network.

How has being part of the alumni community impacted you, personally and professionally?
My first employer was an alumnus. Being involved in the alumni community has played a large role in my professional network, in terms of my business connections as well as in recruiting. As a member of the alumni council, my UMich network has grown into close friends and colleagues who share old stories, tailgate together as well as sharing business contacts. It’s a tremendous group of individuals.

What did you like best about attending Taubman College?
Lydia Soo’s Architectural History course! And of course, fall weather in Michigan.

What advice or important lesson would you share with someone considering Taubman College?
College is not just about the content of what you are learning, but how you are learning and who you are learning with. I think Taubman offers an amazing balance of people from all of the planet who care about design and making an impact on the world around them. An architecture degree is a spring point for a million possible careers, where design and problem solving are mission critical.