Author: Sarah Allsup

Ever wondered what it’s really like to juggle the demands of being a graduate student while diving headfirst into the world of professional work? We’ve asked some of our incredible graduate assistants (GAs) in the Division of Student Affairs to share the inside scoop, from the challenges faced to the triumphs celebrated.

Abdul Wasay ’24 is a graduate assistant for Academic Initiatives in Residence Life and Student Housing and is pursuing a Masters in Computer Science (AI Track). Read his insights below!

What is your favorite thing about your academic discipline/program?

AI being the most buzz-worthy trend of the year, it’s thrilling to be able to understand and answer questions about a topic that garners so much attention. It also helps that it is unlikely my role will be taken over by AI. *fingers crossed*

What are your potential career plans after graduating?

AI/ML Engineer, Data Scientist, Project Manager for AI/ML Projects

What skills, experiences, or relationships have you gained from your GA experience?

In my GA role at SMU, I’ve deepened my understanding of the university’s robust support systems and honed my skills in data-driven insights, contributing to impactful changes for future semesters. Witnessing the RLSH team’s commitment to “making campus home” has been incredibly inspiring, offering me a fresh perspective on the power of a strong, mission-driven approach. Additionally, my interactions within the department have fostered relationships that will outlast my tenure as a GA. 

What is your favorite Dallas (or Texas) experience so far?

Going to the rodeo in Fort Worth with the ISSS office. 

If you were in a yearbook for the Division of Student Affairs what would your “Senior Quote” be?

If you are not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. 

Do you have any advice for future GAs?

If you don’t know, just ask. 

Ever wondered what it’s really like to juggle the demands of being a graduate student while diving headfirst into the world of professional work? We’ve asked some of our incredible graduate assistants (GAs) in the Division of Student Affairs to share the inside scoop, from the challenges faced to the triumphs celebrated.

Lily Anderson ’24 works as a graduate assistant in the Hegi Family Career Development Center and is pursuing a Masters in Operations Research at the Lyle School of Engineering. Read her insights below!

What is your favorite thing about your academic program?

I love that my program is small enough that my professors are invested in my academics and career. It’s a privilege to learn from so many people who have real-world and research experience. Having those personal relationships with my professors adds priceless value to my degree.

What are your career plans after graduating?

My career plans after graduating this spring consist of staying in Dallas and working as a technology transformation consultant.

What skills, experiences or relationships have you gained from serving as a GA?

Working on the CDT team has taught me a lot not only about my own career development, but how to foster that development in others as well. I have also been able to deploy skills that I have learned in the classroom to real-world challenges which has been very rewarding.

What is your favorite Dallas (or Texas) experience so far?

I love Dallas in the spring time and enjoy being outside. Whether that means walking around White Rock Lake or the Katy trail, the weather is perfect for these outdoor activities!

If you were in a yearbook for the Division of Student Affairs what would your “Senior Quote” be?

What is meant for you won’t pass you by.

Do you have any advice for future GAs?

You have so many resources and good people available to you so don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance!

Ever wondered what it’s really like to juggle the demands of being a graduate student while diving headfirst into the world of professional work? We’ve asked some of our incredible graduate assistants (GAs) in the Division of Student Affairs to share the inside scoop, from the challenges faced to the triumphs celebrated.

Nicole Sood ’24 works in Residence Life and Student Housing and is pursuing an M.S in Computer Science from the Lyle School of Engineering. Read her insights below!

What is your favorite thing about your academic discipline?

I love the creativity and innovation that drives the development of the field. Additionally, it provides so many opportunities for growth and personal development in terms of how you approach problems and can be applied to so many different fields.

What are your career plans after graduating?

After graduation, I will be working as a Technical Consultant – with hopes to branch into Project Management.

What skills and experiences have you gained from serving as a GA?

Serving as a GA has allowed me to grow as a leader. I have gotten such great mentorship from my supervisors, which in turn helps me to support my own team. Additionally, this GAship allowed me to deeper my connections with the Greater Dallas community and take part in some amazing learning opportunities such as the Place Based Community Engagement Symposium.

What is your favorite Dallas (or Texas) experience so far?

My favorite Texas experience definitely has to be all the good food that Texas has to offer! Especially in Dallas, having access to so many different cultures – leading to some amazing snacks!

If you were in a yearbook for the Division of Student Affairs what would your “Senior Quote” be?

“In my GA Era”

Do you have any advice for future GAs?

Take all the opportunities the department has to offer! You will not regret it. Student Affairs has such a diverse population of employees, all with different backgrounds and experiences. Everyone is willing to have a conversation and support you in whatever you need.

Ever wondered what it’s really like to juggle the demands of being a graduate student while diving headfirst into the world of professional work? We’ve asked some of our incredible graduate assistants (GAs) in the Division of Student Affairs to share the inside scoop, from the challenges faced to the triumphs celebrated.

Navi Kaur ’24 works as a graduate assistant in the Hegi Family Career Development Center and is pursuing a Masters in Counseling at the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Read her insights below!

What is your favorite thing about your academic discipline/program?

I love building connections with people who share similar passions and getting to know all the wonderful professors in my program!

What are your career plans after graduating?

I plan to work in the mental health profession helping individuals with a wide variety of issues such as relational challenges, anxiety, depression, career exploration, decision making, and self worth. 

What skills, experiences or relationships have you gained from serving as a GA in the SMU Division of Student Affairs?

I have gained direct one on one experience career counseling students where I have learned how to ask students what would be most meaningful to them in that moment and deliver information that is curated to their needs. From the other counselors I work with, I have learned different ways to approach mock interviews, resumes, and networking, which has helped me develop personally and professionally. 

What has been your favorite Dallas (or Texas) experience so far?

Going to Velvet Taco with classmates after the last day of class. 

If you were in a yearbook for the Division of Student Affairs what would your “Senior Quote” be?

Breathe and take it one day at a time!

Do you have any advice for future GAs?

Know that you have so much support from SMU faculty when you are a GA and reach out if you need anything!

Ever wondered what it’s really like to juggle the demands of being a graduate student while diving headfirst into the world of professional work? We’ve asked some of our incredible graduate assistants (GAs) in the Division of Student Affairs to share the inside scoop, from the challenges faced to the triumphs celebrated.

Jordan Mitchell ’25 works in Student Center and Activities as the graduate assistant for Leadership Programs and is pursuing a Masters in Higher Education at the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Read her insights below!

What is your favorite thing about your academic discipline?

School has always been my sanctuary, so it is really cool analyzing how school is or is not a sanctuary for other people, and how we working in higher education can make things better! Ultimately, I want to help students feel safe and secure in higher education like I always have, and I wholeheartedly believe that this program will help me do that.

What are your career plans after graduating?

Coming from a sports journalism background, I would love to either work in athletics as an academic counselor/learning specialists or in a student-athlete success-esque position. Eventually, I want to earn my doctorate and contribute to research regarding how academic counseling strategies can positively/negatively impact student-athlete academic success.

What skills, experiences and relationships have you gained from working in the Division of Student Affairs?:

By serving as the Leadership Programs Graduate Assistant for the past semester, I have grown immensely as an event planner. I now can confidently plan an event that requires indoor/outdoor reservations, catering/food, activities and equipment such as tents. I have also become more comfortable with adapting when things go awry. This will be a marketable skill to put on my resume, as I have intentions to apply to jobs that require programming.

What has been your favorite Dallas (or Texas) experience so far?

Watching Texas beat Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship. Hook ‘Em!!!

If you were in a yearbook for the Division of Student Affairs what would your “Senior Quote” be?

BRR, it’s cold in here! 

Do you have any advice for future GAs?

SMU is special in that it is really easy to connect with the people that can help you make things happen. So if you have a big idea, go for it, because there are so many people that want to help you succeed!