Visualizing Success

April Hageman’s commitment to service has been a constant throughout her education, career, and personal journey.

April Hageman ’08 decided to follow in her sisters’ footsteps and get her education on The Hill. April fondly recalls memories of Mount Mercy before she was even a student, as she was often included in campus life activities with her older sisters.

“I didn't even look at other schools,” April shared. "When I was choosing where I wanted to go to college, I wanted to go a place where I felt at home and Mount Mercy was the best fit for me.”

April’s major was undecided for six months before she landed pursing business and graphic design. She found her passion with the help of Mount Mercy Career Services.

“With this degree, I was able to take all of the core graphic design, marketing and business classes, so I felt really prepared to leave college,” said April. “I had a broad set of skills that I could take anywhere.”

April recalls working with Anne King as her professor during her time at Mount Mercy.

“She was a great professor who brought a lot of interesting, real-life experiences to the classroom. She would always bring in speakers who had made their own careers and talked about how they overcame challenging experiences. Anne also helped guide me for internships.”

During her time on the Hill, April worked with the Mount Mercy Marketing & Communications Department as a Graphic Design Intern.

“Working with the internal clients at Mount Mercy gave me first-hand experience in providing someone with a creative solution to their problem, while also helping them to understand what’s possible with the resources and time available,” said April.

Within the Marketing & Communications Department, April made connections and used her network to secure an internship as a graphic designer at Altorfer Cat, the local Caterpillar dealership in Cedar Rapids.

While interning for Altorfer, April was offered a full-time position as a Graphic Design Coordinator following her college graduation.

“It was an easy transition from Mount Mercy to what I did at Altorfer. I was able to tap into the experience I gained working alongside the graphic designer at Mount Mercy every day, and I was able to take it to the next level on my own.”

“People say, when Mount Mercy students graduate, they are the most prepared for real world jobs. I think that's 100% true. I felt very prepared going into my first job.”

-April Hageman '08 

April enjoyed growing at Altorfer and even took on a more general marketing role later in her role. April moved through several positions at Altorfer including Graphics & Advertising Coordinator, Marketing Coordinator, and Marketing Manager.

In 2016, April began working as an Account Supervisor at Two Rivers Marketing in Des Moines and is currently working there as a Program Director.

April loves getting to work within the project management discipline, which allows her to use a combination of her creative and business skills.

“People say, when Mount Mercy students graduate, they are the most prepared for real world jobs. I think that's 100% true. I felt very prepared going into my first job,” April shared. "I've also been fortunate to hire and interview other students from Mount Mercy and the experiences that they are able to glean from internships and other clubs really sets them up with the ability to nail interview questions.”

April credits her preparation for the job market to Mount Mercy and internships.

“You must do an internship. Whether it's paid or not, it's invaluable. It's real-life job experience.”

April was very involved during her time at Mount Mercy. She worked in food service and on the Mount Mercy Times, as well as campus ministry. These service-based experiences helped to shape April and prepare her for life after graduation.

“A big part of why I chose Mount Mercy is because you're able to branch out and impact the community,” said April. "I knew I didn't want that piece to end after graduation so, I joined the Cedar Rapids Jaycees, and I was very involved with that organization. It was a lot of fun, I was able to meet new people after college, and still help make a difference in the community.”

April’s commitment to service and Mount Mercy is evident in the 12 years she served on Mount Mercy’s Alumni Board.

“I was fortunate to serve on the Alumni Board and learn how I could continue to help the college by encouraging other alumni to help give back to the college financially or through volunteering.”

April currently lives in Gilman, IA and loves to visit the Hill for Homecoming & Alumni Weekend in the fall.