This story first appeared in the fall 2019 issue of the Arbor Light, the official magazine of Concordia University Ann Arbor.


Kate Kirchoff (’19), a recent graduate of Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Haab School of Business, is already paving her way through the professional world.

Upon interviewing for a job at Ford Motor Company, the hiring supervisor felt that Kirchoff was overqualified for the role. A brand-new position was created just for her to work as an internal analyst with a systems optimization and engineering team.

How could a recent graduate be overqualified for an entry-level position?

“My college education gave me many opportunities for leadership and experiential learning that I was well prepared,” said Kirchoff, 22, from Canton, Michigan. “I was able to take on so many roles at Concordia that a big challenge like this wasn’t frightening.”

Related: Mission minded—Richard Her

As a marketing major, Kirchoff especially enjoyed class projects for actual clients that the students would meet with. She was an ambassador for the admissions department, a student-athlete on the women’s lacrosse team, and a member of multiple clubs and organizations. Kirchoff was also given the opportunity to work behind the scenes at events for the 2019 NCAA Final Four, the Los Angeles Chargers, and NBC’s “The Voice.”

Kirchoff continues to set goals for her immediate future with a desire to earn her MBA, and perhaps one day return to higher education to share her God-given talents and knack for marketing.

Related: New heights—Charles Numrich

“I want to invest in students in the same way that my coaches, professors, and staff members invested in me. Concordia is a supportive community that cares about me, and that’s a really special thing to be a part of.”

Learn about CUAA’s business programs: cuaa.edu/business

The fall 2019 Arbor Light hit mailboxes the beginning of October. View a PDF version of the magazine here. If you are not on our mailing list, but are interested in receiving a free copy, call 734-995-7317 or send us an email.

— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.

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