Where HU Takes U: Jasmine Ridler

Once a part of the Heidelberg family, always a part of the Heidelberg family – but after graduation, our Student Princes are now the hard-working and ever-learning leaders of a new community. In our new web series, we’re checking in with our recent grads about their Heidelberg journeys, and asking them Where HU Takes U.

Jasmine Ridler

Jasmine Ridler grew up in Rittman, Ohio, and graduated from Heidelberg in 2022 with a degree in theatre acting and history. She continued to earn her MBA in 2023 with Heidelberg’s PlusOne Advantage program. 

What is your current position and when did you begin?

I currently served as the Deputy Civil Rights/ Title IX Coordinator, Prevention Education at the University of Findlay. I started at the beginning of August this year.

What has been surprising about your new position or the process of earning it thus far?

I've gained a vast array of knowledge regarding federal regulations and how they can dictate higher learning procedures and policies, who knew! Moreover, I never realized how much behind-the-scenes work goes into keeping colleges and universities up, running, efficient, and inclusive.

What knowledge or skills do you rely on most in your day to day life?

My work revolves around innovation, communication and collaboration for the prevention education side of things. I also have to keep in mind legalities for university policies and how we have to amend to fit them whenever they change. When meeting with students, I rely upon having a clear and confident disposition-- which my theatre degree helped with-- so I can best serve them while in my role. Creativity and organization are additional pluses for my day to day.

What experiences or individuals were particularly impactful during your time at Heidelberg and in what ways?

My experiences at HU really helped me prepare for the position I have now, not only what I learned inside the classroom, but also out. All of my involvement as a student, learning the lingo with event planning for student organizations at HU, really prepared me for the prevention education piece of my current position. Additionally, the confidentiality of being an RA and a tutor made for an easy transition into the highly confidential position I have now. I also never realized how much I would use and rely upon Microsoft Excel, thanks Professor Su! 

What advice do you have for current undergrads trying to find their next step?

Be open! Don't just search for jobs on Indeed with the name of your degree-- try to explore what skills and experiences you have gained along the way, use them to help pilot you. If you don't have the preferred experience for your dream job listing, so what! Apply anyway. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Just be open and willing to learn.