Madison Kosar
After graduation, Madison hopes to work as an event planner in the entertainment industry. When she isn’t studying, Madison enjoys cooking, working out, going on adventures, and spending time with friends and family.
Get to know Madison
- Major: Event management
- Minor: Public relations
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Celina, Texas
- Career goal: Work as an event planner for a major music, film, or television company
- Clubs/activities: Homecoming Central Committee, CySquad, Sigma Kappa sorority, CHS Ambassador
- Awards/honors: Betty C. Kirkbride Keller Scholarship, Doris H. Struck Fund, Julia Faltinson Anderson Fund, Unpaid Internship Scholarship
- Favorite place on campus: Memorial Union
- Most influential ISU mentor: Sarah Wilson
- Favorite class: HSP M 393C, Innovations in Chocolate
- Why Iowa State: Great campus and involvement opportunities
Madison Kosar gets involved in Iowa State Homecoming, prepares for future career through internship
After visiting multiple colleges, one stuck out among the rest to Madison Kosar.
“Iowa State was the one that stuck out to me rather than any other college because it felt more like a home,” Madison said.
After exploring her options as an undecided major, Iowa State’s nationally-ranked event management program seemed like the perfect fit.
“I’ve always been on the other side of helping set up and take down events,” Madison said. “[Event management] felt really natural to me.”
Madison has found many ways to hone her craft since declaring her event management major and public relations minor. She has served on Homecoming Central Committee as a public relations chair and as a member of CySquad— a team of students who assist with organizing Homecoming Week events.
“I was on Cardinal Tournaments [for CySquad],” Madison said. “I was able to help plan and set up all the tournaments for the Sorority and Fraternity Community members.”
Madison’s extensive involvement in Iowa State’s Homecoming has helped confirm her career path.
“[CySquad] made me realize it’s very interesting to be on the other side of planning events,” Madison said. “That’s what helped me learn more that I want to [work] in events.”
Madison appreciates the many different career paths the event management field offers. She is exploring these opportunities as an event and public relations intern with the Frisco Bowl—an annual college bowl game played at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
In this position, Madison has learned the importance of detail-oriented work. Some of her day-to-day duties include editing programs and manuals, helping organize the online charity auction, sending waivers and sign-ups in anticipation of upcoming events, and constructing itineraries.
“Everyone thinks event planning is just weddings, and it’s not. There is so much more you can do with it!” Madison said.
After graduation, Madison plans to apply for the Disney College Program—where she hopes to gain more work experience and get an up-close look at the entertainment industry. She is thankful for the constant support she has received from Iowa State faculty and feels adequately prepared for the future.
“[Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management faculty] are willing to help you and get you to where you want to be,” Madison said.
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