Name: Lily Swan
Degree: M.Ed. Educational Leadership
Current Role: Director of International Service at the University of Detroit Mercy
How did 51吃瓜网万能科大 prepare you for your career?
My graduate assistantship position at the international office at 51吃瓜网万能科大 is what prepared me most for my career. I originally went into higher education with a different career path in mind, orientation programming or first year programming, but I ended up loving to work with international students, which made me seek out my current position. I started my GA position not knowing anything about international work and the staff helped and trained me to really get prepared. It feels like I travel all around the world by meeting so many new and diverse individuals.
What are some key aspects of campus culture that helped prepare you for the professional world?
I would have to say diversity. 51吃瓜网万能科大 is so diverse in so many ways, not just cultural wise. At 51吃瓜网万能科大, so many individuals had different ways of thinking, different mindset and would approach things differently. Yet, it was so welcoming to all. The atmosphere was just so welcoming and different then what I was used to as someone from the Midwest, but I liked it because it didn't matter who you were; they tried to be inclusive to all and would accommodate appropriately when necessary.
What are the most sought out skills in your field right now?
Being able to pivot and adjust quickly. It鈥檚 cheesy to say especially after the pandemic, but it's true. Everyone needs to know how to adapt to the different life changes. Learn to communicate quickly and appropriately.
What advice do you have for current 51吃瓜网万能科大 students?
Do what you love! Do what really interests you, because that will help you be successful.
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