This month, we’re spotlighting the newest member of the Distance Learning team, content specialist Nathan Schmidt. Read on to find out more about what brought Nathan to Northwestern!
How long have you worked here? How did you come to higher education?
I’ve just started working at Northwestern, but I have somewhat of a background with higher education. While completing my Master of Arts in History at Western Illinois University, I worked as a Teaching Support Assistant in the History Department. Later, I supported Argonne National Laboratory’s Educational Programs (Institutional Partnerships) department as a Communications and Digital Media Specialist for over five years, which involved connecting with a wide range of higher education students, faculty, and institutions across Chicago. I’ve always held a deep appreciation for higher education, and I’m excited to be a part of Northwestern.
Describe a “Day in the Life.”
My job has only just started, so it’s a bit hard to give the specifics just yet, but typically I like to wake up, have some cereal and fruit for breakfast, and then get to work. I appreciate being able to contribute to education, so I’m always eager to assist with my writing and editing. On in-person days, I look forward to connecting with my coworkers and getting a better feel for Northwestern’s Chicago campus.
What’s something about your job that might surprise readers?
I’m going to help out with this newsletter! In addition to reviewing course content, I’m going to be involved in writing the newsletter. In my past job at Argonne, I similarly wrote articles, staff spotlight profiles, and other content for my department’s newsletter and online resources, so I’m looking forward to meeting The DL Digest’s newsletter team and learning more about how I can help.
What’s your favorite resource or tool that not many people know about?
I’m most familiar with using Word for both professional and creative (personal) writing. I’m also very curious and excited to explore Canvas over the course of my work here at Northwestern, as I use Canvas and Pope Tech to edit instructors’ course materials.
What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever had? Did it give you any interesting takeaways?
My most unusual job was writing dialogue for a video game. It was an alternate history based on the ships of WW2, so I appreciated the opportunity to highlight historical tidbits in the course of in-game conversations.
Tell us about something you’re passionate about.
I’m very passionate about wildlife and nature; I love hiking in the outdoors, visiting zoos, and reading up on different animals and environments.
Nathan took this photo of a bighorn sheep while hiking in Glacier National Park with his family last year.