Alyssa Thomsen

Name: Alyssa Thomsen
Hometown: Valley City, N.D.
Major/Minor: Business Administration 
Graduation Year: 2027

What are you involved in on campus?
My involvement on campus includes being a Cru leader and a student employee doing videography work with the VCSU marketing department.

How has your perspective on your career changed since switching majors?
Originally coming to VCSU to major in elementary education,  I switched to a business major to pursue my personal photography business. My perspective has shifted to having a singular focus on my business over splitting my time between teaching and photography. It has made my future and perspective clearer as to where I’m supposed to be.

How did you get started in photography?
I started my photography journey as a sophomore in high school while helping create the yearbook. Starting in sports photography, I expanded to lifestyle photography and began my business adventure. After four years, my business has grown and continues to do so into something I never thought possible as a sophomore in high school.

What has been your favorite event or moment to capture on camera?
I have an equal passion for both sports and lifestyle as they each have their own personalities that make them special to me. I love getting to capture the joy athletes experience on the court. A core memory of mine is being able to capture the Valley City Hi-Liners girl’s state basketball championship win. In the lifestyle world, I have recently gotten into the wedding department and love being a part of people’s special day. Apart from weddings, seniors are my favorite to capture and be creative with.

How do you plan to combine your business skills with your photography passion?
Getting a business degree, I hope to grow in knowledge and skill in owning my own business. Taking business classes will help me learn how to have a successful business to go along with my photography skills I already have acquired over the years.

Have you faced any challenges as the photographer “behind the camera,” and how did you overcome them?
Creating a business while still being in high school, I sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome having a successful business so young. I have learned to just believe in myself and my passion and trust that I know what I’m doing, and others will trust me too. Having others trust my skills and abilities, I need to be confident and trust in myself as much as others do.

What advice would you give to students looking to pursue creative careers alongside their academic studies?
My advice for others is to just go for it and believe in yourself. Entrepreneurship is hard and can be challenging but you have to trust in your abilities to do what you love and do it well.