Skip to content

Student Spotlight: Nichole Serrano

a woman standing in front of a computer

Career Program: Digital Marketing
Originally From: Appleton
Current Residence: Neenah
Year Started at FVTC: 2025


Why did you choose this career program?

7 years ago, I started a portrait photography business, Painting with Light, with no idea how to run a business. I learned as much as I could along the way, but I didn’t learn enough.

What are you learning about your career field that you find interesting or rewarding? 

Everything I knew about marketing was learned at face value. I learned how to plug information into a template, but never knew the reasoning behind the template, or where the information came from. I have been learning about the influence every aspect of marketing has on your target market. And I have been learning what every piece of marketing I’ve put into the world has been saying about me!

Why did you choose Fox Valley Technical College? 

I chose Fox Valley Technical College because it was close to home. I have a career and a family that I still need to be present for, and FVTC made that possible.

How has Fox Valley Technical College helped you change your life?

Attending classes at Fox Valley Technical College has given me so much confidence in my career. I have “gotten by” with the little bit of knowledge I had, but now I can do things purposefully and intentionally.

What type of job do you expect to find after graduation? 

After graduation, I plan to be a more knowledgeable entrepreneur. I will keep my portrait studio – but I will run it, instead of letting it run me.

What’s your best advice for someone who’s not sure they’re ready for college? 

There’s no “better time.” It will never be comfortable, because learning happens outside of your comfort zone.


Lightning Round!


Best on-campus place to study: Appleton Campus, 2nd floor of the main entrance area.

One class you surprisingly enjoyed: So far, Principles of Marketing has been great!

One class that challenged you:Digital Marketing (online) I feel like I’d do better if this were an in person class.

Pro tip for newcomers trying to find their way around campus: The floor map is available on google.

  • a person's hands on a keyboard and a computer
  • a woman sitting at a desk with a computer

Related Articles

Read more
Monday | June 8, 2026

Cultivated, Curated and Cherished

For more than 50 years, 160 acres of land located at a bend in the road just south of Hortonville was cultivated into a wooded oasis. Its owner’s wish was for this cherished  place to be preserved and inspire future stewards of the outdoors. A connection to the FVTC Foundation was made and in December

Read more
Monday | June 8, 2026

Learning While Earning: Apprenticeship Powers Ag Career

You won’t find Jeffrey Wiley sitting behind a desk. “I always have to be doing something,” Jeffrey says. “I can’t sit still. If I’m not working with my hands, I start to get anxious.” His current project is his farmhouse in Berlin, Wisconsin, which he’s remodeling and figuring out along the way. “I love troubleshooting,”

Graduate spotlight Sienna Rickert of the FVTC Marketing Program 2026. Read more
Thursday | May 14, 2026

Metrics that Matter: Sienna Rickert’s FVTC Marketing Journey

In an industry where success is often measured by the bottom line, Sienna Rickert uses a different metric: meaningful connections. Marketing appealed to Sienna for its unique combination of strategy and creativity — an opportunity to help uplift people and bring their ideas to life. “Marketing allows you to help businesses bring their product or