Horst received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2008. After college, she traveled with the global education program Up with People. During her 6 months with Up with People she participated in the Marketing and Operations internship and was then hired as a Field Marketing and Operation Manager. Duties included event planning for large groups, negotiations, public relations, organizing community service and performance events, and dealing directly with all forms of media. She then worked as the Vocal Instructor for 3 tours teaching and maintaining the musical aspect of the production.

She finished her Master's Degree in Student Development Administration from Seattle University in 2013. During graduate school, she worked as a Residence Hall Director at Cornish College of the Arts. In her 12 years in higher education, she has worked in housing, recruitment, academic advising, and career coaching. She currently serves as the Senior Career Coach in the College of Business Career Center.