Growing up in rural Stillman Valley, Illinois, Nichole Harper, ’23, was a very adventurous and outgoing kid.
“I loved to be outdoors as much as I could, and I still do to this day,” she said. “Growing up in a small town with a population of 1,000 people, I wanted to be a lawyer.”
Over time, however, she channeled her passion for helping others into pursuing a marketing degree from the NIU College of Business.
“I chose NIU because it was close to home for me, and I wanted to go to a school where most of my friends were attending,” she said. “But I also chose NIU for my degree in marketing because I like being competitive in a sales environment and helping out customers and potential customers with products and services. I knew NIU was the right place for that.”
Harper fondly recalled the most memorable experience she had while attending NIU – going on the Marketing 412 “Sales on Wheels” trip to St. Louis and Indianapolis, where they visited several corporate partners including the St. Louis Blues, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Sun King Brewery. (View the student perspective video to learn more about this unique opportunity.)
“I met so many new people and companies on that trip, and ultimately formed strong friendships and landed my career at Fastenal, where I am now.”
Now, at Fastenal, Harper helps large and small business and the people they serve. Providing the world’s largest vending program with unmatched inventory management, Fastenal saves businesses time and money by being a reliable supply chain partner.
Just half a year after graduation, Harper is already enjoying the perks of working for a global company.
“My role at Fastenal is so much fun,” she said. “Every day is different. I get to meet new customers, travel to different places, work with some of the most motivating people I’ve ever met before and have a different variety of things I get to work on each day.”
Harper notes that her job is as fun as it is challenging. She must think critically on her feet, managing many different relationships with companies who have their own unique obstacles.
“Every company is different, so being able to ask the right questions during sales calls, as well as being able to answer challenging questions correctly during a sales call, takes a lot of practice and patience,” she said.
Even though she is new to the corporate world, Harper finds satisfaction in her daily work.
“The most fulfilling part of my job is that I am recognized for my good work. Plus, career growth opportunities continue to come my way, as I just recently was promoted from sales associate to customer solutions consultant! I work with an amazing team that is very passionate and always eager to help others out,” she said.
Looking back on her recent years on campus, Harper is thankful for the preparation she received at the College of Business.
“NIU is very special because the staff and students make you feel valued and at ease,” she said. “College can be frightening for students, but I can say that wasn’t the case for me at NIU. I got a great education and made a lot of new friends along the way. I would suggest NIU to students for the endless opportunities provided, programs offered and the feeling of knowing you are in good hands.”
