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Jaguar Leadership Network
Abdullah Ali
2023-2024 Academic & Career Development's Peer Advising Team
Purpose
Purpose
As part of my engaged learning experience, I landed an opportunity as a peer advisor at IUPUI’s Office of Academic & Career Development (ACD) within the Institute of Engaged Learning. I applied to the position in early January of 2023 and after two rounds of interviews, I was offered the role with a start set in May of that year. As a peer advisor at ACD, my main job responsibilities included being the first point of contact with University College students, helping incoming and new students adapt to the university, as well as assisting them with understanding certain academic processes.
Throughout my time as a peer advisor, I have had the pleasure of aiding students in several processes such as scheduling advising appointments, guiding them with navigating specific digital tools that relate to course registration, managing and responding to general inquiries, and maintaining comprehensive records of interactions with students that may have an impact on their academic progress. I specifically chose to participate in the peer advisor position because, throughout my job duties, I am able to develop a vast range of valuable skills that are transferable to several career fields. Some of these skills involve the ability to communicate compounded information effectively, display active listening, and partake in critical and creative problem-solving.
Prior Experience
Prior Experience
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with aspirations to further my education by enrolling in an accelerated graduate program at IU. I aim to achieve a Master’s of Science in Economics with a concentration in econometrics. My career goal is to work in the financial services industry; specifically, I aspire to become a financial advisor. Additionally, I possess a strong inclination and interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in economics, with the ultimate ambition of entering academia as a professor of economics. My engaged learning experience as a peer advisor at the Academic & Career Development (ACD) at IUPUI has been an invaluable opportunity, equipping me with numerous skills that will serve me well in my future academic and career pursuits.
My role as a peer advisor has greatly enhanced my adaptability to learning intricate processes, a skill pivotal to grasping complex economic concepts. For instance, the meticulous work of organizing student records has sharpened my ability to systematically manage the extensive coursework associated with economics. Economics, inherently, demands a structured approach, a skill set I have been refining through my responsibilities as a peer advisor. Furthermore, effective communication is arguably the most crucial skill I've fostered, vital for both my aspirations as a financial advisor and as a college professor. Interacting with Student Success Advisors, collaborating with the ACD directorial team, and aiding students has not only fortified my communication skills but has also enriched my capacity for teamwork. Many of these attributes I believe are significant in both academia and the professional world.
Additionally, numerous experiences outside the classroom, such as networking with professionals and employers, correlate directly to my role as a peer advisor. Ultimately, this position has bolstered my self-confidence and equipped me with substantial experiences, enabling me to engage more effectively with professionals in my desired field.
Economic Insights and Professional Pathways - Capturing the essence of my academic pursuit and networking's role in shaping my career in financial services.
Pedersen Major & Career Information Day, ACD Fall Career Week, 2023
My colleague Mahir, and I, during our training in the Summer of 2023.
Community Connections
Community Connections
My position as a peer advisor at ACD has given me several opportunities to engage and learn from people with different communities, backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. Through my daily interactions with other peer advisors, professional student success advisors, and ACD’s team of directors, I have gained a vast amount of knowledge about many different backgrounds, communities, and cultures. If anything, having the chance to work with people with distinct religions, ethnicities, races, and genders, has taught me many valuable lessons, especially as it pertains to approaching life with an open mind and an attitude of acceptance, rather than exclusion.
Furthermore, I have also had the pleasure of working with IUPUI’s diverse community of students, which also strengthened my beliefs and attitudes of being tolerant, nonjudgmental, and respectful to everyone no matter our differences. Engaging in dialogues on topics such as equity, accessibility, and inclusion has further solidified my commitment to fostering an environment where every student feels valued and empowered. My efforts to connect students with resources that respect and acknowledge their unique cultural and personal narratives have been particularly rewarding, emphasizing the importance of cultural competency in our roles.
Moreover, my involvement in diversity and inclusion initiatives has enriched my understanding and contributed significantly to the community's collective growth. Ultimately, many of my experiences equipped me with skills that encourage inclusivity, empathy, and effective communication in a diverse and multicultural environment.
New Skills/Lessons
New Skills/Lessons
One valuable skill that I gained from my work experience as a peer advisor at ACD is mentoring and coaching techniques. I was able to attain mentoring and coaching techniques through my daily activities in my role; however, one experience that gave me a solid foundation on mentoring and coaching techniques was when I participated in being a STAR (Students Taking Academic Responsibility) coach. STAR is an academic success program for University College students on first-time probation or first-time reinstatement after a previous dismissal.
As a STAR coach, I was responsible for coaching five separate students, all of whom had been previously dismissed and reinstated into the university, by helping them set real and measurable academic goals, pointing them to necessary resources across the University, and addressing any other concerns or needs they might have. My experience as a STAR coach reinforced my knowledge about the different IUPUI campus resources and gave me an opportunity to apply multiple skills including leadership, communication, active listening, empathy, and constructive thinking.
Meeting with students throughout my role as a STAR coach allowed me to gain coaching and mentoring techniques by actively engaging in one-on-one sessions, where I practiced empathetic listening, provided personalized guidance, and formed strategies to help each student overcome their unique challenges and achieve their academic goals. This hands-on approach not only honed my ability to adapt my coaching style to meet individual needs but also deepened my understanding of the complexities involved in academic rehabilitation. Additionally, it underscored the importance of building trust and fostering a supportive environment, which are crucial elements in the mentoring process.
Artifact #1: The front desk of ACD on the 3rd Floor of Taylor Hall. I spent the vast majority of my time working from the front desk, which involved taking phone calls, helping in-person students, coordinating with staff members, and communicating with my STAR students via phone, email, or in-person contact.
Artifact #2: A Weekly Goal Commitment Form used to help STAR students write down tangible goals and action steps they wish to accomplish.
Impact
Impact
My engaged learning experience as a peer advisor at IUPUI's Academic & Career Development (ACD) profoundly influenced my personal and professional growth, significantly boosting my confidence in communication and self-representation. Through mentoring students, particularly in the STAR program, I made a meaningful impact on their academic success and personal development. This role deepened my understanding of cultural diversity and inclusivity, enriching my interpersonal skills and broadening my cultural awareness. The gratitude from students underscored the tangible difference empathetic guidance can make.
Moving forward, I aim to explore similar roles in different industries to apply and expand upon my acquired skills, such as collaboration and effective communication. This experience has fundamentally shifted my perspective on the value of engaged learning and its role in education. The feedback from the community I served not only validated my efforts but also highlighted the lasting difference that informed support can achieve.
Reflecting on this journey, I recognize the indelible impact it has had on my approach to learning and mentorship. As I anticipate my next engaged learning opportunity, I am inspired by the potential for further growth and the chance to make meaningful contributions across diverse settings. This experience has instilled a commitment to continuous improvement and a deeper sense of empathy, shaping my future endeavors.
Career Connections
Career Connections
Building upon my engaged learning experience as a peer advisor at IUPUI's Academic & Career Development (ACD), I am now more equipped and confident to pursue opportunities that align with my career aspirations in financial services, insurance, and transportation and logistics. This experience has not only honed vital skills such as collaboration, interpersonal communication, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, but it has also instilled in me the importance of meticulous record-keeping and the ability to convey complex information succinctly. These competencies are directly transferable to my short-term goal of securing internships in these sectors, enabling me to further refine my professional capabilities.
In the long term, my ambitions extend towards academia, where the skills in mentoring, coaching, and fostering inclusive environments will be invaluable. Thus, my next steps involve actively seeking internships that offer the chance to expand upon my current skill set while also exploring roles that will allow me to contribute to educational and academic fields. This dual focus not only aligns with my immediate professional objectives but also lays the groundwork for my eventual transition into academia.
The engaged learning experience has reinforced my commitment to continuous personal and professional development, setting a clear path for my future endeavors and enabling me to champion new causes with confidence and expertise.
Abdullah Ali, at the ACD office receiving a stuffed taco as a token of appreciation from my colleagues to signify my contribution and dedication into our work.
Summary
Summary
Throughout my engaged learning experience as a peer advisor at IUPUI's Academic & Career Development (ACD), I developed essential skills and gained profound insights into academic advising, mentorship, and student support. My role involved guiding University College students through academic processes, enhancing my communication, active listening, and problem-solving abilities. This experience was directly influenced by my academic background in Economics and my career aspirations in financial services and academia, highlighting the importance of adaptability, structured thinking, and effective communication.
Engaging with a diverse student body deepened my understanding of cultural competency and the significance of inclusivity and empathy in educational settings. My work, especially through the STAR program, underscored the impact of mentorship on students' academic rehabilitation and personal growth, reinforcing my commitment to fostering supportive environments.
Reflecting on this journey, I recognize the lasting impact it has had on both my personal and professional development, motivating me to pursue future opportunities that align with my career goals in financial services and academia. This engaged learning experience has fundamentally shaped my approach to learning, mentorship, and the value of engaged learning in education, setting a solid foundation for my future endeavors.
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