Alumni in Focus: Sam Zimmerman ’21

Sam Zimmerman, a 2021 Denison graduate, has navigated her career with curiosity, resilience, and a genuine passion for learning. From her early days on campus to her current professional endeavors, Sam has embraced each experience as an opportunity to grow, explore, and build meaningful connections.

While at Denison, Sam recognized the value of stepping outside her comfort zone. She sought internships that provided hands-on experience and allowed her to test different fields and roles. Through these experiences, she discovered where she found her “flow”—the sense of being completely engaged and energized by her work.

Sam’s career journey was significantly shaped by the mentors she connected with along the way. By reaching out to individuals whose careers or values resonated with her, she built a network of supportive professionals who offered guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights about the paths she was considering.

Advice for Students

Black and white portrait of a young woman in a long sleeve shirt.

Looking back on her journey, Sam shares this advice with current Denison students:

“Take advantage of internships to gain hands-on experience trying different things and learning where you find the most flow. At the same time, start identifying people whose careers or values resonate with you and reach out to them for mentorship. Building these relationships early on can provide invaluable guidance and open doors for future opportunities.”

How the Knowlton Center Helped

“The Knowlton Center was instrumental in my career journey. From guiding me through the internship application process to helping me prepare for interviews and offering post-graduation career support, the Knowlton staff were consistently there to help me navigate each stage. I’m incredibly grateful to have had such dedicated professionals in my corner.”

By Paige Revering
Paige Revering Student Engagement Coordinator