Alumni reflect on value of leadership experience during graduate education
Societal changes create a growing need for advanced degree holders in our workforce,
which is reflected in increasing numbers of K-State graduate students. Today, over
4,100 graduate students account for 21% of K-State students. The value of a graduate
education extends beyond gaining specialized knowledge in a discipline. Involvement
opportunities help graduate students build competencies that prepare them for diverse
careers.
Since its inception, K-State has awarded over 64,600 advanced degrees. Here are a
few examples of alumni who benefited from leadership roles on the Graduate Student
Council (GSC).
During his graduate career, Tucker Jones ’21, who earned a master’s degree in psychology
and a Ph.D., served as GSC president-elect and president. “This leadership role required
me to leave the comfort and familiarity of my lab and gave me the opportunity to connect
with people from all around campus,” he said.
Now an assistant professor of psychology at Washburn University, Jones said, “Serving
in a leadership role taught me the importance of service work and shared governance.
This experience better prepared me for the demands of a faculty position.”
Leadership experience also prepares graduate students for non-academic careers.
Narmadha Meenu Mohankumar ’22, who earned a Ph.D. in statistics, served as GSC treasurer
and fundraising committee chair. “My leadership roles broadened my ability to effectively
communicate and collaborate with individuals from diverse disciplines,” said Mohankumar.
As a data scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Mohankumar’s role involves
collaboration with professionals from academia, government and industry. “My GSC experience
proved invaluable in preparing me for this dynamic environment, allowing me to seamlessly
navigate my career.”
Leadership experience can also facilitate career changes.
Courtney Martin ’12, who earned a master’s degree in counseling and student development,
was a graduate student senator and served on the Student Insurance Advisory Committee.
After graduate school, Martin began a career in higher education. “My leadership experiences
gave me an even deeper understanding of higher education as I prepared for my first
professional role,” she said.
Martin currently serves as community relations program director at Texas Health Presbyterian
Hospital. “As my career path has changed, I still find myself drawing on what I learned
while serving on the Student Insurance Advisory Committee.”
— Article courtesy of Mike Sellman ’12, K-State Graduate School