August 2022 Alumni Spotlight

Alumna Victoria Gnerre (MSEd-HEA ’22) talks about her involvement at Baruch College, her experience in the MSEd-HEA program, her approach to HEA, and more.

You’re one of the more involved students at Baruch College and are a part of the Higher Education Administration Club as Executive Board Member and Social Media Manager. Could you expand on what you do at the club and what is it about higher education that inspires you?
As a Social Media Manager in the Higher Education Club, I oversee creating and posting on social media all job postings and events that are happening in the HEA program as well as all events across Marxe. Being a part of the HEA club has not only allowed me to meet so many of my fellow peers but has allowed me to network with professionals in the field by attending various events that Marxe has offered during my time here. Higher education is really a wonderful field to learn and grow, professionally and personally. I am inspired everyday by the students that I work with, from all backgrounds and of all ages, to help them find their passions and achieve their goals, whatever they may be.

Can you tell us what your experience in the MSEd in Higher Education Administration program has been like? What part of the curriculum has been the most engaging? Any favorite projects?
My experience in the MSEd in Higher Education Program has been amazing. Completing all my courses online, at times have been challenging, but also provided so much flexibility as a working professional. The group of students in the program are so encouraging and supportive, I could not have seen myself attending any other MSEd program other than Baruch’s. In my first semester, I took the Administrative Services in Colleges and Universities Course with Ron Spalter and Linda Shatzer, and we had to complete a group project on budgeting. It was insightful, especially for someone new to higher education, to understand decisions that presidents needed to make that are sometimes hard but for the institution’s best interest. My favorite project has been my capstone. It’s been a lot of work but really gratifying to see all the progress I have made from Fall 2020 to now!

How have the things you’ve learned as a Higher Education Administration candidate help you approach your job as Graduate Admissions Advisor at Yeshiva University?
One of the most important things I have learned as a Higher Education Administration Candidate is putting the needs of the students first. These last couple of years have been challenging for students and as an admissions advisor, I need to be there for them every step. As an advisor, one must have good communication and interpersonal skills as well as having empathy for students. I have gained and strengthened many skills while in the HEA program through different presentations and assignments, allowing me to be more successful in my job. Forming and building these relationships with students are key to being successful in admissions and in higher education.
 
Congratulations! on recently graduating from the Marxe School. On LinkedIn you end your personal summary with: “I am pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College to further my own career goals in admissions and beyond.” Could you expand on that and tell us your career goals? How do you believe it’ll help you fulfill your career aspirations?
When entering the HEA program in Fall 2020, I never thought I would want to pursue a doctorate in education, but it has been something I have been thinking about recently. My goal is to one day be a director of admissions, but I also want to be in the classroom, a professor, learning and growing with my students. My passion is truly to help students find their way and navigate the world of education and what better way to do so than in the classroom. The MSEd program at Baruch has given me the higher education foundation I need to not only further my career goals, but my educational goals as well.