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Muskaan, Student Study Abroad Councellor at Arizona State University- W.P Carey School of Business: Advize Career Interview

Muskaan's journey is a testament to the power of exploration and self-discovery!

With a foundation in business management and international business, this ASU Student Study Abroad Counselor navigated through a State Farm internship and digital marketing roles before pursuing a master's degree.

The daily life of a casualty claims specialist involved prioritizing claims, determining liability, and managing financial bills. Communication skills are key in this field, where client satisfaction is paramount.

A desire to give back to society fuels a passion for helping others through knowledge and financial assistance. While conflict resolution presents challenges, it also provides opportunities for growth.

Success hinges on authenticity, confidence, and trusting one's judgment. This role offers a depth beyond customer complaints, navigating complex client issues and enterprise management systems.

Entry-level positions like claim specialist, risk analysis, or underwriting assistant provide a valuable entry point. Confidence, embracing new experiences, and seeking guidance are crucial lessons.

Stepping outside comfort zones in college through leadership activities is key preparation. Overcoming cultural barriers and embracing diversity have shaped a career focused on creating welcoming spaces.

Being a WPC 101 facilitator significantly improved communication skills and confidence. Interacting with diverse cultures and staying true to oneself pave the path to success for international students.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Muskaan Gupta

Student Study Abroad Councellor

Arizona State University- W.P Carey School of Business

Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey

Masters in Management- Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

Business Management & Admin, International Relations & Affairs

Coaching

Consulting

Worked 20+ Hours in School

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Career Path Of A Business Management Graduate At Arizona State University

Muskaan's career path began with undergraduate studies in business management and international business at Arizona State University, leading to an internship at State Farm, which turned into part-time and eventually full-time employment as a "property and casualty claims specialist" before transitioning to a digital marketing role at nwi international com Publishers and ultimately pursuing a master's degree at Kellogg School of Management.

Main Responsibilities Of A Property And Casualty Claims Specialist At State Farm

Muskaan, a Student Study Abroad Counselor at ASU, previously worked as a property and casualty claims specialist at State Farm where their main responsibilities included reviewing claims filed by insurers and establishing liability to "see who is at fault and who is not at fault." Part of the job also involved issuing bills to repair shops to determine "how much the company is supposed to pay."

A Day In The Life Of A Claims Specialist At Arizona State University

Muskaan, a Student Study Abroad Counselor, describes a casualty claims specialist's day as beginning with reviewing and prioritizing claims, reaching out to "the insured, all the claimants," and establishing liability; additionally, the specialist handles financial bills, attends weekly meetings with various departments, and may undergo initial training or training when working with different departments.

Most Important Skills for a Student Study Abroad Counselor at Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business

For a Student Study Abroad Counselor at Arizona State University, Muskaan emphasizes that while analytical and technical skills are valuable, "communication skills are very important," especially when interacting with clients. Understanding a client's perspective is essential, even if information seems inaccurate, because "it's always better to make your client happy."

Favorite Parts Of Being A Financial Advisor At W.P. Carey School Of Business

Muskaan enjoys being able to "give back to the society" in their role as a Student Study Abroad Counselor by providing knowledge and financial services to those who need it. They appreciate being helpful to others through the knowledge they possess.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Student Study Abroad Counselor At Arizona State University W.P. Carey

As a Student Study Abroad Counselor, Muskaan finds the biggest challenge lies in "resolving conflict claims" where involved parties disagree, sometimes escalating to the point of needing legal or police involvement. Despite the challenges, this aspect of the role allows Muskaan to learn from other departments, making the work both challenging and "fun as well."

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Study Abroad Industry As A Student Study Abroad Councellor

Muskaan enjoys the opportunity to hone skills like "problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication" as a Student Study Abroad Counselor, but finds the most rewarding aspect of the role is "giving back to the society and helping people." Therefore, Muskaan's answer is about helping individuals find study abroad opportunities and in general, helping others.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry, According To A Student Study Abroad Counselor At Arizona State University W.P. Carey School Of Business

Muskaan believes that individuals who thrive as Student Study Abroad Counselors should possess authenticity and self-assurance, advising them to "be honest, stay confident, be yourself" while trusting their own judgment. Essentially, success in this role hinges on remaining true to one's values and maintaining confidence in one's abilities.

What a Student Study Abroad Councellor at ASU W.P. Carey School of Business wishes they had known before entering the Higher Education industry

Muskaan wishes someone had emphasized the depth and breadth of access the Student Study Abroad Counselor role provides, stating that "it's more than...handling customer complaints"; the role involves navigating complex problems related to client's postal information, privacy data, and the entire company's enterprise management system making it more engaging for those interested in client relations and financial services.

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Operations and Finance Professionals

Muskaan, a Student Study Abroad Counselor at ASU's W.P. Carey School of Business, suggests that undergraduates interested in the field should "consider positions like claim specialist, risk analysis, or underwriting assistant", especially roles focused on "operations or finance". Supply chain, however, was not recommended as a field to explore for entry level positions.

Significant Career Lesson From A Student Study Abroad Counselor At Arizona State University W.P. Carey

Muskaan emphasizes the importance of confidence, even when entering unfamiliar situations; believing that "there are people out there to help," and encouraging others to "get out of your comfort zone" to seek guidance and support. This approach appears valuable in the role of a Student Study Abroad Counselor where navigating new experiences and uncertainties is common for both the counselor and the students.

College Experiences That Helped A Study Abroad Counselor At ASU Succeed

To prepare for a career as a Student Study Abroad Counselor, Muskaan focused on stepping outside their comfort zone in college, specifically getting involved in "a lot of leadership activities" like becoming a teaching assistant and running for elections in the Coalition of International Students, which allowed Muskaan to improve communication and leadership skills while interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Ultimately, the focus was on improving oneself "both professionally and personally" by trying new things without hesitation.

How Identity Has Influenced a Student Study Abroad Councellor's Career at Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business

As an Asian woman raised in India, Muskaan's career in the US, particularly the State Farm internship, presented a "huge cultural shock" and initial hesitation due to being the only Asian person in the workplace, but the experience ultimately taught them the importance of overcoming cultural barriers by embracing interaction with diverse individuals and expressing themselves authentically, even amidst perceived language imperfections because "it's okay if you are from a different country". Muskaan's experience has encouraged them to create welcoming spaces for students from diverse backgrounds, allowing for people to become more comfortable in new cultural landscapes.

Student Instructor Experience at ASU W.P. Carey School of Business

Muskaan found being a WPC 101 facilitator the most impactful experience at WP Carey, as it allowed opportunity "to improve communication skills" and confidence while teaching freshman business students essential leadership skills, and the experience provided free credits and valuable networking opportunities. For Muskaan, the experience would provide a foundation in communication and presentation skills, which now greatly benefits them in their career as a Student Study Abroad Counselor at Arizona State University- W.P. Carey School of Business.

International Student Study Abroad Advice At ASU W.P. Carey

Muskaan, a Student Study Abroad Counselor, found that stepping outside one's comfort zone was crucial preparation for their career as an international student, encouraging students not to hesitate in interacting with people from different cultures, especially Americans, emphasizing that "it's okay to interact with people" despite differences in accent or background. To prepare for a career as an international student, it is important to improve communication skills, stay confident, and "be true to yourself".

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