Kenzie Sherrell, Marketing & Communication
What was your undergraduate degree?
Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in graphic design
How would you describe what you do with Student Affairs Marketing and Communication?
As a graduate assistant in Student Affairs Marketing and Communication, I create marketing materials that connect students with resources, programs and opportunities available through Student Affairs. I get to be creative while sharing information that can have a huge impact on students’ experiences at MSU. Ultimately, my role is about helping students feel informed and connected to Student Affairs’ many resources.
What is one thing you wish MSU students knew about Student Affairs Marketing and Communication or the resources Student Affairs provides?
Student Affairs has a multitude of resources and opportunities available to students. There is truly something for everyone, whether you are looking for support, ways to get involved, leadership opportunities or simply a way to connect with others. Student Affairs is here to help you make the most of your college experience, and the Department of Marketing and Communication is here to make sure that you know all about the ways that the division can best serve you!
What advice would you give MSU students?
College is the perfect time to get out of your comfort zone and grow into the person that you want to be. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take advantage of all the opportunities around you. Your time on campus goes by quickly, so try something new, get involved, find your people and don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. You don't have to have it all figured out either; take it day by day and take time to be present where you are.
What made you interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education?
Honestly, I didn't think about getting my master’s in Student Affairs and Higher Education in undergrad, and I didn't know the opportunity really existed. Throughout my undergraduate experience, I was involved in many organizations and leadership opportunities that shaped my college experience and helped me grow into the person I am today. I had the opportunity to serve my peers and those around me in a capacity that completely altered my future. I also had several mentors who made a lasting impact on me and inspired me to explore what a career in higher education could look like for me.
Before entering the SAHE program, what did you think a career in Student Affairs looked like, and has that changed?
Before entering the SAHE program, my view of Student Affairs was mostly shaped by my undergrad experience, which mainly included Student Affairs administrators and Student Activities. While those are two major pieces of Student Affairs, it is so much more than that. Careers in the field span from areas like student involvement, student support and wellness to marketing, housing, university recreation and so much more. I’ve also learned that a career in Student Affairs doesn’t necessarily mean working at a university. The skills that you learn throughout the program are transferable. There are opportunities to take the skills you develop in this field into a variety of settings and organizations, which has really opened my eyes to how many different paths are available.
How has working in Student Affairs Marketing and Communication complemented what you are learning in the classroom?
The unique thing about working in Student Affairs Marketing and Communication is that I get insight into every Student Affairs department. I often know what is happening on campus and in higher education more broadly, which has given me a broad perspective on the field. In the classroom, we learn how to work with and support students, and through my graduate assistantship, I get to apply that knowledge in a different way. I can think about what students need, how they best receive information, and how we can best communicate resources and opportunities to them. I've seen how the concepts we discuss in class translate into everyday Student Affairs work and how important clear communication is to ensure students feel informed, supported and connected.
What would you tell a student who has never considered Student Affairs as a possible career?
I was in your shoes just a short three years ago! I did not truly realize Student Affairs was a career path I could pursue. The further I have gotten into my master’s in SAHE, the more I have realized how applicable the skills I am learning in class are to not only future career opportunities but also life in general. We learn many skills that can help you thrive in any field where you’re working with people, from communication and leadership to problem-solving and building meaningful relationships. What I love most about Student Affairs is the chance to have a direct impact on students. You get to be part of someone’s college experience, help them navigate challenges and connect them with resources and opportunities. I would encourage students to explore Student Affairs with an open mind. You might be surprised by how many different areas of the field there are and how many of your own interests and strengths can fit into it.