Kayla Mentele
January 1, 2020
Homey environment. Great education. Financial value.
These are some of the reasons Kayla Mentele chose to attend Dakota State University, not far from her home in Salem, S.D.
“The small campus gave me the ability to create closer relationships with the other students and faculty,” said the marketing and finance double major.
The great education includes coursework that implements technology in all majors. “Technology is so present in all the careers that students will be going into, so even a general background in technology is worth a lot to employers,” she said.
And DSU’s affordability has been noted in a number of college ranking systems, including being ranked as one of the most affordable accounting schools by Best Value Schools.
Clubs and extra-curricular activities also benefit students. Through the professional business club, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), “we learn to apply the classroom knowledge. It’s a way to test and see if we have learned the material. It’s a great way to test out opportunity and create new ones.” Kayla represented DSU’s club at the PBL state and regional competition last spring, and at the national competition this summer.
“There are lots of clubs on-campus students can enjoy,” Kayla said, “something to fit all personalities.” They also provide students with a way to network and meet people. Intermural sports such as basketball, volleyball, softball, or Frisbee golf, are another unique and exciting opportunity if you enjoy the sports but not at a competitive collegiate level.
“They’re lots of high-energy fun in a non-competitive environment,” she said, and a chance to refresh yourself. “It’s good to let your brain rest and get some physical activity.”
While at DSU, Kayla recommends students “be active on campus, and get involved in clubs. It’s a great way to grow in your interests and to find new ones.”
Advice she shares with perspective students is to “pursue a path that fits your interests and passions.” While this can be hard when looking ahead four years, “there is the ability to change your major if it’s not the right path.”
Her summer internship in digital marketing Sanford Health has helped her get an idea of job opportunities and preferences, and after graduation she expects to find a job in marketing or finance, because “almost every business has a definite need.”