Meet the KU Business staff: Natalia Plotnikov, Business Professional Development Program
Staff across the KU School of Business contribute to the strength and success of the school's academic, operational and professional efforts. Get to know these staff members in our new blog series as we highlight their impact on KU Business.
Natalia Plotnikov, career advisor senior, joins the School of Business this semester after working for more than 10 years in various career advisory roles at KU. She has an undergraduate degree in teaching English as a foreign language from Chuvash State Pedagogical University in Russia and a Master of Arts in linguistics from KU.
First off, please introduce yourself.
I am Natalia Plotnikov, a senior career advisor with the Business Professional Development Program. I have worked at the University of Kansas for more than 10 years, serving in several career services roles. In my current position, I connect business students with opportunities and help them effectively communicate their skills and experience to employers and graduate programs. Outside of my work at KU, I teach evening community English language learning classes, explore local parks, museums, and festivals, and enjoy traveling with my family.
What are some of your responsibilities as a senior career advisor?
I advise undergraduate business students on career exploration and job search strategies, helping them feel confident about their next steps. I meet with students one-on-one to discuss career options for their majors and identify ways to gain experience while at KU. I also connect them with alumni and employers, review their resumes and cover letters, conduct mock interviews, and provide support in finding jobs and internships. I also teach BUS 210 Career Management and Planning, and oversee the Business Professional Development ambassadors, a team of student leaders who promote and support our services and events.
How do you support students who feel stressed or overwhelmed?
If students are stressed or overwhelmed, I help them break the process into manageable steps and set goals. I make sure they know they can email me, schedule additional meetings, or stop by during walk-in hours. I also connect them with additional campus and online resources. By the time they leave, they have a plan and the confidence to move forward.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students grow and succeed by taking on leadership roles on campus and contributing to the Lawrence community, landing internships, getting into graduate programs, and starting full-time jobs that align with their education and strengths. I love seeing their excitement about new opportunities. It is also meaningful when KU alumni return as mentors or come back to hire Jayhawks.
What piece of advice would you give to students?
Get involved on- and off-campus. There are so many opportunities, including part-time jobs, case competitions, student organizations, volunteer roles, and research. These experiences help students learn valuable skills, make connections, explore their interests, and make a difference. When I meet with students, I am always impressed by the skills they gain from activities such as the KU Sailing Club, Best Buddies, or the KU Marketing Club, and I am sure employers will be, too.
What do you love about being a Jayhawk?
As a KU graduate, I have so many happy memories from my time as a student at the University of Kansas. Today, as a career advisor, I get to welcome new students and their families during the summer orientation and connect with alumni mentors for both individual students and the classes I teach. I enjoy collaborating with other departments on campus, and I feel pride in the quality of opportunities, resources, and services we provide to our students. What I love about being a Jayhawk is our supportive community and our focus on collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
How can students get in contact with you?
Students can schedule an appointment with me through Jayhawk GPS and connect with me on LinkedIn.