College Experiences That Helped An Assistant Professor Of Political Science At California Lutheran University Succeed
To prepare for a career in academia, Kiku pursued a broad undergraduate education, taking "a broad array of courses" to explore interests and build a strong foundation. Leadership roles in student organizations and study abroad experiences in Mexico fostered confidence, self-awareness, and valuable organizational skills—insights that shaped their career trajectory and continue to inform their approach to work and community building.
Leadership, Broad Education, Study Abroad, Career Exploration, Community Building
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kiku Huckle
Assistant Professor of Political Science
California Lutheran University
Western Washington University, 2000
MATS - George Fox Evangelical Seminary; MA - Political Science, Villanova; MA and PhD Political Science - University of Washington
Spanish & Other Languages, Political Science, American Studies
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Took a broad array of courses to explore diverse interests and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
2. Took on leadership opportunities in student organizations to develop organizational and motivational skills.
3. Studied abroad to develop personal confidence, identify professional preferences, and understand what constitutes a fulfilling work environment.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I took a broad array of courses. When I started undergrad, you didn't declare a major immediately. The idea behind general education was to take a variety of classes to figure out what genuinely interested you and what you wanted to pursue.
I enjoyed this process and continued taking classes in departments outside my major even after declaring it, simply because they interested me. This gave me a much broader foundation of understanding about how the world works, providing a deeper well of knowledge from which to draw.
When I returned to graduate school, I also took on leadership opportunities. I was the head of the Political Science Honors Society and took a leadership role in the Asian Pacific Islander Student Union. I was also on the lacrosse team, helping to plan and market events to encourage participation.
This kind of leadership experience is helpful because you learn how to organize. You also see firsthand the challenges of generating interest and motivating participation on a campus, regardless of whether it's a commuter or residential campus. The goal is to make students aware of events, pique their interest, and get them to attend and participate.
Lastly, I would say I studied abroad. I went to Mexico as part of an exchange program during my sophomore year of college and returned for an internship after graduation. That experience truly opened my eyes and helped me develop as an individual.
It also increased my confidence in my ability to navigate life as an adult, which I believe is an important part of college. The experience helped me recognize where I excel, what environments suit me best, and my preferences regarding work, society, and how I wanted my life structured.
These are lessons I've carried with me. As I've moved across the country for school or jobs, I've learned how to establish a community that makes me happy. I know which opportunities to pursue and which to let go of because I understand what I don't like, largely thanks to the leadership roles and study abroad experiences I had as an undergrad.
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