Katja Damjanic
Katja Damjanic
Class Year
’19
Current home
Des Plaines, Illinois
Major(s)
Management, Finance
Current Position
Commercial Account Manager at Grainger
A recipient of the President Anderson Scholarship and a Gold Leadership Award, Katja Damjanic ’19 took what she learned through her double majors in management and finance to become a commercial account manager at Grainger in Chicago. In her role, Ms. Damjanic works with distribution facilities, quarries, and testing facilities to provide them with product resources and safety regulations, and makes sure everything is in line to guarantee their business is successful.
Ms. Damjanic stays involved at Carthage by participating in classroom presentations and alumni panels. She also makes sure she comes back to campus regularly for sorority events and Homecoming. “Carthage truly set me up for success,” she says. “If I can give even a fraction of my time back to the organization that has changed my life, that is the least I can do!”
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“The amount of freedom I have in my day-to-day life has been outstanding. Life can get hectic, but being able to work for a team that prioritizes me as a person first and makes me feel supported has been amazing. My customers keep me on my toes, and I always learn from them during my time with them!”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“Being put into different situations where I had to learn to work with various types of people is what I appreciate most about Carthage. In my day-to-day, I work with people from all departments and segments of leadership within my customer package. Without being put into new and different situations in school, I would have a much harder time with that transition in my current role.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“Carthage felt like my home away from home from the second I saw it on my campus tour. The location, the small class sizes, and the amount of time dedicated to each student drew me in. I then received a President Anderson Scholarship, and the rest was history!”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“I was fortunate enough to take part in many leadership roles on campus, leading to my confidence and experience in working with teams. Between my social sorority, academic groups, and my class schedule, I found multiple opportunities to learn how to lead and communicate effectively. One specific opportunity was being able to be a tour guide on campus and getting to meet so many new people!”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“Professors Colleen O’Brien and Joseph Shields were two professors who left an impact. Prof. O’Brien instilled in me that anything is possible if you work for it and that the world needs powerful women in our fields! Prof. Shields taught me that you should never say never to an opportunity and always lead with curiosity! I found the initial job that introduced me to my field because Prof. Shields brought in a former Carthage grad to do on-campus interviews!”
What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?
“These values are something that Carthage taught us each and every day. It is founded on our curiosity, how we handle tough situations, and how we uplift those around us. In anything you go into, these ideals should still be at the forefront as they help you see the whole picture.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“My favorite memories at Carthage have to be the simple moments I shared with my roommates. I truly met my best friends and support systems, and I am so thankful that Carthage brought us together! One of our favorite things to do was cheer on the women’s volleyball team. Go Firebirds!”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Always be willing to hear people out; you never know what you could be missing out on! Additionally, give yourself some grace to make mistakes! Transitioning from school to the ‘real world’ is a big adjustment, and you should be kind to yourself during the process.”