Behind the Scenes: My Life as a Graduate Assistant
When I first accepted my graduate assistantship position at Fisher, I was excited at the opportunity to support the program that I was about to embark on myself. At the time, I was not sure what exactly my position would entail, and how I would impact the experiences of prospective students, something I had been myself only a year prior. However, after six months of working within the Graduate Programs Office (GPO), I have gained valuable insights and had unique experiences- not only into how admissions and student support function, but also into some of the skills I will likely take with me into my future Human Resources career.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is being a point of contact for prospective students. Whether I am responding to emails, attending Teams calls, or meeting with students one-on-one, I get to provide insight into what life in Fisher’s graduate programs is really like. I firmly believe that getting to talk to a student in the program gives these students the best idea of what to expect, far beyond a recruiting call or application. By engaging one-on-one with someone who is living the "Fisher experience" and has a fresh perspective on the program can be a huge selling point, as well as a critical resource. Additionally, reviewing video interviews for applicants to the Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM), Master of Accounting (MAcc), and Specialized Master in Finance (SMF) programs has given me a unique perspective on what makes a strong applicant. It has also reinforced the importance of communication skills and authenticity—both in the admissions process and in professional settings. My passion for Talent Acquisition and recruiting has expanded since I began this position, and these virtual interviews are a large contributor to this passion, something I am able to approach from both sides- having been both "interviewer" and interviewee.
Beyond admissions work, my role also allows me to serve as an ambassador for Fisher, attending graduate panels and speaking with prospective students informally about my experiences. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to the undergraduate Human Resources Association on why I chose graduate school and what makes an applicant stand out. Having these conversations has reminded me of my own decision-making process when choosing a master’s program and has deepened my appreciation for the supportive and collaborative environment Fisher creates. It’s a full-circle moment to now be in a position to guide others through the same journey.
Balancing my graduate coursework, jobs, and personal life has been a challenge, but my assistantship has helped me develop strong time management and adaptability skills. Reflecting on my time as a GA so far, I’m grateful for the professional growth, the connections I’ve made, and the opportunity to contribute to Fisher in a meaningful way. This role has shown me just how much work goes into shaping a strong graduate program, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in the months ahead.
