May 2025 Alumni Spotlight

Kristina Simonsen, MSEd-HEA ’13

On career readiness and doctoral research…
I am planning to explore research around Gen Z students and their perspectives on career preparation and workforce readiness. With many employers reporting a skills gap among recent graduates, it’s crucial to understand where these gaps lie, what challenges students face in developing key skills, and how we, as institutions, can better support their career readiness. I’d be interested in discussing the evolving expectations around career preparation and the unique approaches needed to help Gen Z succeed.

On the importance of networking…
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the invaluable support and insights of my network. Networking has provided me with not only mentorship but also essential perspectives that have shaped my career path. There’s so much value in connecting with others—whether it’s learning from their experiences, gaining advice, or simply finding inspiration. I’d love to delve into the role of networking in professional growth and share tips on how to build and maintain a meaningful network.

On her time at the Marxe School…
When I was at Baruch, we were still called the School of Public Affairs (SPA). “I truly loved my time there; I felt that I received a quality education for the cost.” I do wish I’d been able to take more advantage of campus resources and student activities, but as a commuter grad student juggling three jobs, it was hard to find the time. One of my early professors, Dr. Chris Adams, taught a History of Higher Education course, which quickly became one of my favorites. For a project, I researched my own community college, Suffolk County Community College, and did a deep dive into their archives. It was fascinating to learn about the institution from a completely new perspective.

During my program, I was interning at NYIT within the Career Center, where I met my mentor, Amy Bravo. Through this experience, I discovered that career development was where I could see myself building a future. As graduation approached and I started interviewing for full-time roles, I faced the champagne problem of choosing between two offers—one was a sure thing, and the other was still in process. Amy taught me never to accept a position out of fear. She emphasized that while one offer would get me in the door, the one I truly wanted would launch my career. I held out, eventually received the offer, and went on to spend the next 11 years building my career and serving the incredible students of CUNY John Jay College.