SEMO graduate places second nationally in Microsoft Office Specialist competition
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — A recent graduate of Southeast Missouri State University earned second place in the nation in the Microsoft Word category at the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship.
Julia Schieferdecker, who graduated from SEMO in May with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics and a minor in economics, competed against students from across the country after completing Microsoft Office certification coursework during her final semester.
Schieferdecker, of Litchfield, Illinois, said the competition helped her recognize the skills she developed through extensive practice with Microsoft Word and other Office applications.
She credited faculty members Lori Mueller and Sally Carter for helping her prepare for six Microsoft certification exams in less than a month.
Schieferdecker will begin her career this summer as a credit analyst with Midwest Regional Bank in St. Louis.
Southeast Missouri State University said the achievement highlights the value of industry certifications, hands-on learning and employer connections in preparing students for careers.
