College Experiences That Helped a Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves Succeed
Allison, Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves, emphasizes the value of embracing "new adventures," citing a transformative study abroad experience in Brazil and the Amazon as crucial to career development. The interviewee also recommends a balanced approach, incorporating diverse coursework and extracurricular activities, while advising students to avoid prematurely defining their post-graduation path, suggesting instead a willingness to explore options and "take one step at a time."
Career Exploration, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Motivation, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Allison Bajracharya
Chief Strategy Officer
America Achieves
Middlebury College, 2000
USC, MPP
Environmental & Related Sciences
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Business Strategy
Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Be open to new experiences and adventures, such as studying abroad or taking classes outside your major.
2. Don't feel pressured to figure out your entire career path immediately after college; explore different options and see where they lead.
3. Maintain a good balance between working hard and enjoying college life; pursue hobbies and interests outside of academics.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
What were they doing as an undergrad? I wish it were just a couple years ago, but it's been a few years now. I was really open to new adventures, so studying abroad was a very defining moment for me.
I studied in Brazil and the Amazon. That was honestly quite lonely and intimidating at times, but it was a great opportunity to put myself out there, learn a new language, and connect with communities I otherwise wouldn't have known. It was also an incredible experience in humility, recognizing the importance of entering new communities with an open mind.
I also took classes outside my major that I found interesting. I wish I'd done even more of that, like sociology and economics. They offered a good balance and were a fun way to complement my major.
Finally, I spent a lot of time working hard and playing hard. I went skiing a lot, had adventures with friends, and attended different events. I placed a huge emphasis on figuring out exactly what I wanted to do immediately after college, and I was lucky that it worked out.
I was able to apply for and pursue Teach for America, which was totally transformative for me. However, I recognize now that it would have been okay if I had taken another year or two to travel abroad. That would have been an incredible experience too.
I encourage college students and recent graduates to recognize that you don't have to figure it all out right now. In fact, you probably won't and shouldn't. Just take one step toward something exciting and see where it leads next.