 In both high school and college, she competed in forensics and debate, which fostered her interest in rhetorical studies.Before entering graduate school, Zaeske was employed as a reporter and copy editor for the "Milwaukee Journal", the "Racine Journal-Times", the "St. Paul Pioneer Press", and the "Wisconsin State Journal".Zaeske earned her masters and doctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin, winning an American Association of University Women Fellowship to support completion of her dissertation.