Heather Neibling
April 30, 2019
Heather Neibling (2018)
Heather is a professional sales representative at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a global pharmaceutical leader, focused on solving unmet needs through its patient-centered and innovation-driven approach to science and medicine. In addition to her sales role at Takeda, Heather holds many leadership roles. She is the business lead for her district peers as well as the central nervous system team brand leader. Heather currently resides in Kansas City, and in her free time enjoys working out and spending time with family and friends.
What year did you graduate and what was your concentration?
I graduated from Truman in May 2012, with a major in Communication, concentration Public Communication, and a minor in Business Administration.
What extra-/co-curricular activities did you do?
I was a student-athlete. While I had the honor of representing Truman on the soccer field, I also worked for the school newspaper, The Index, in the advertising department. I was a member of Lambda Pi Eta. As well as a member of the National Communication Association Student Club. I also served as a Teaching Assistant for the Mass Communication course.
Heather dominating on the pitch for the Bulldogs (2012).
Did you go to grad school? If so, where? Was it immediately after you left Truman or did you wait? Why?
I chose not to attend grad school. While I considered it, grad school did not seem like the right option for me. I found a job immediately after graduation and that is the path I chose to pursue.
What was your first job after graduation?
Following graduation, I worked for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, in their management training program.
Heather preparing for a “Lunch and Learn” with other healthcare professionals (2018).
What work do you do/What are you doing now?
I currently work for Takeda Pharmaceuticals, as a professional sales representative. I have the daily privilege of working with physicians and their staff to transform patient lives, by providing them options and resources to life changing medication to improve their patients’ health.
How has your Liberal Arts/COMM education helped you?
My liberal arts education has led me to where I am today. A liberal arts education at Truman empowered and prepared me to deal with the complex, diverse, and ever-changing world I navigate daily. My COMM degree gave me the foundation to understand, why and how people communicate and taught me to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. My writing, presentation, and conflict management skills, as well as an ability to develop relationships, are all things I credit to my COMM education. All those things are essential for being successful in my current career.
Which class did you dislike at the time you took it, but now you’re grateful you took it?
I would say Public Speaking. At the time, I did not love having to get up in front of my peers and present weekly; however, with the experience I gained from that course, and many of the other COMM courses, I now confidently present to large groups of medical professionals every day and absolutely love it.
What was your greatest accomplishment at Truman?
My greatest accomplishment at Truman would be being a student-athlete. Being a college student is hard and demanding, but when you add being an athlete on top of it, it becomes even more difficult. The faculty and staff at Truman allowed me to do what I loved on the soccer field, while helping me navigate and stay disciplined in my studies. I always felt supported!
Heather (#9) and the other Truman Women’s Soccer Seniors (2012).
Why is Truman a good place for a student to study?
Truman is an academically demanding university; but, because of its size and close-knit community, the support you receive from your professors and peers is unparalleled. The doors that open and the opportunities to succeed as a student at Truman are endless. I always felt like my COMM professors wanted to see me succeed (Editor’s note: We did). They pushed and challenged me to be the best I could be.
What would you say a COMM student should absolutely do while at Truman?
Get involved! Get involved! Get involved!
Step outside your comfort zone and do things that you normally wouldn’t do!
What advice would you give someone who wants to go into the same line of work as you?
The advice I would give someone who wants to get into pharmaceutical, medical device, or healthcare sales would be to get experience in the industry, be versatile, and continue to develop your skills. The healthcare sales landscape is ever changing and very competitive. Continue to excel where you are, push yourself and doors will open.
What do you miss most about campus/Kirksville?
Heather (center) with fellow Truman grads Alison and Samantha in Kansas City (2019).
A better question is what do I not miss? I miss studying late nights at Pickler Memorial Library, walking to the Student Union to grab a quick lunch, walking into class and knowing and engaging with every student, rushing to soccer practice after my last class of the day. The list doesn’t end. Truman and the Kirksville community will leave an everlasting impression that you will always carry with you .
What tag line would you create for the COMM department at Truman?
“Communication: The cornerstone of every interaction.”
If you could come back to Truman and teach a class for a semester, what would be its title and what would it be about?
Communication in Healthcare – This course would take an in depth look at the healthcare landscape in the US, the many different avenues you can take to enter the healthcare field, and the communication tools, theories, and skills that you will need to master to excel in it.
What did we not ask that you think is important for people to know?
Four years of college will FLY by! Study hard, get involved, make lifelong friends, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.
Heather (2nd from right) and friends at graduation (2012).
If you would like to learn more of Heather’s story, you can follow her on LinkedIn.