My path to Jacobs

Like many young musicians, I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music because it was something I was good at and enjoyed doing I entered my undergraduate program (at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa) planning to get a degree in elementary music education. But while I made plans, life had other ideas. While completing my BA in music, I got to travel to the Czech Republic and China, took a handful of elective classes in world religions, global musics, counterpoint, creative writing, and ethnography. I started researching graduate programs in Ethnomusicology and Music Theory. My goals shifted from elementary education to 1) traveling the world and 2) learning everything I can about music. Then I took an opportunity to have an adventure teaching English at a high school in southern Japan for two years before grad school.

In Japan, I experienced a lot of firsts—first apartment by myself, first full-time job, first time away from my family for more than a month—all while adapting to life in a very different culture to my own. I also applied to four graduate programs in music, and the Jacobs School of Music was the only school to ask me to audition. When I was accepted to Jacobs, I felt like I had a clear path ahead of me—complete a master’s in music theory, then go on to complete a PhD, and become a music theory professor. Again, while I made plans, life had other ideas. Over the next several years, while I achieved PhD candidacy, I became less interested in a career pathway in academia, and I started a career transition. After working with a career coach in the Jacobs Office of Entrepreneurship and Career Development, I identified one type of work throughout my career that had consistently filled me with joy and purpose—supporting students.

This led me to work as an academic advisor in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. I developed skills in coaching conversations, advising on undergraduate degree requirements, and offering holistic student support. I finally felt I had found my purpose, but I was always looking for more ways to incorporate music into my life. Then an academic advising position opened in the Undergraduate Programs Office here at Jacobs, and I jumped on it. I was finally back in my academic home, able to advise students going through a Bachelor of Music program, just as I did. After a year in Jacobs Undergraduate Advising, I transitioned to the role of career advisor in the Office of Entrepreneurship and Career Development.

What is my job?

In the OECD, I have one-on-one conversations with undergrads, grad students, and JSoM alumni about their career paths. Some of these conversations consist of assisting musicians with developing their portfolio documents (resumes, curriculum vitae, biographies, etc.), conducting mock interviews for students in job searches, and helping students find summer opportunities such as internships, competitions, and festivals. Starting in fall 2024, I will teach MUS-U 250/550 Music Career Development, a 2-credit course available to undergrads and grad students in which students develop portfolio materials and an individualized career action plan. I love that I get to support members of the Jacobs community with a variety of interests and possible career pathways. The best part of my job is getting to interact with students, so please don’t be a stranger! Once you’re admitted to Jacobs, set up your Handshake account and schedule a meeting with me or one of my colleagues in the OECD! You can also stop by our office during your New Student Orientation. My colleagues and I are excited to meet you and support you in your academic journey.