Kortnee Burrell, M.Ed.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

I completed my undergraduate studies at CSU-Long Beach from 2008 until 2012. I became heavily involved with the Leadership Academy on-campus to gain skills in teambuilding, leadership, business etiquette, and other professional skills. By 2012, I knew I wanted to pursue a career working with students in a higher education career setting. Upon this realization, I became involved with the Increasing Access via Mentoring (I AM Program), a program that prepares high school students for college admissions. My involvement as a mentor for I AM led to me being accepted into the Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs Program at the University of Sothern California. My master's degree led me to obtain a career as soon as I graduated from USC.

How did you start building your network?

I began to build my network through social media sites like LinkedIn, and of course, through attending conferences and connecting with USC alumni through other social media platforms.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

Began seeking internship opportunities as early as freshman year is the advice I wish someone gave me when I was younger. By interning early on in your college career, you set yourself up as a highly competitive candidate when you apply for jobs after you graduate.

What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?

The most useful piece of career advice I got as a student, is to ensure you have good writing skills. With excellent writing skills, you can obtain a good career and of course, succeed in graduate school.

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

I have been fortunate enough to have family, friends, and mentors who have been supportive of my career goals. If anyone is opposed to your career plans, question them as to why they're indifferent to your plans. Is it for financial reasons? Lack of jobs in your intended career field? By asking these questions, you can evaluate whether your career plan is solid. Ultimately, you need to seek career advise from a professional Career Counselor at your university to ensure you are making the right career decisions.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

When my job gets tough it feels intense, but with organizational skills you can overcome obstacles on the job. Most importantly, always seek advice from your supervisor (granted you've established good rapport) and your colleagues.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

During my undergraduate studies at California State University, Long Beach, I became a mentor for TRIO Student Support Services Program, a program that serves first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds. As a mentor who supported program participants with navigating through challenges (e.g. writing, learning challenges, financial aid challenges, and other challenges), I became intrigued with this area of higher education. I knew my next step after graduating from college was to earn a Master of Education to support my career path of working with students.

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I had to overcome to become a professional working in higher education was earning my Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs. I had to complete fieldwork, complete a numerous amount of coursework, and read meticulously. However, it was worth the time and dedication as I obtained a job subsequently to graduating from my master's program.

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

Currently, I am pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from California State University, Long Beach full-time.