This week the Communication Studies Department is excited to spotlight Sarah Feit, a new advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Please provide a brief description of your academic history and a brief description of your role.
As an undergrad, I attended the University of Delaware-Go Blue Hens!-where I majored in Art History with minors in Women’s Studies and Anthropology. After graduating, I moved to Dallas, Texas and had an internship for a year at the Dallas Museum of Art. I then completed a Master’s degree in Art History with a Certificate in Museum Education from the University of North Texas. I worked in museums for nine years before making a switch to academic advising. In August, I became an academic advisor within the College of Arts and Sciences. I work with students who are majoring in Classics and Religious Studies, Communication Studies, Ethnic Studies, Latin American Studies, Philosophy, and Women’s and Gender Studies.
What made you pursue your current position as an academic advisor?
After I graduated from UNT, I knew that I wanted to work at a museum connected to a university. I ended up working at the Sheldon Museum of Art and then switching to Morrill Hall. Even though I switched from an art museum to a natural history museum, one of the things that remained the same was that I was able to work with students. Academic advising was a way for me to work with more undergraduates from multiple majors. I enjoy meeting others, talking with them about their goals, and helping students make the most of their time at UNL. I’ve been in the position a little over a month now, but I’ve already worked with so many driven and engaged students-I find their excitement contagious!
What are some pieces of advice that you would offer to undergraduate students?
The advice I would offer students is to try and connect the learning they are doing in their classes to experiences and opportunities outside of class. Reach out to your advisor, friends, faculty members, or career services to explore internships or research you can be involved in as an undergrad. Don’t wait until you graduate to explore careers. Often times, an internship or volunteer experience you have while a student can give you valuable insight into potential career paths.
What is one aspect of the Communication Major that you find interesting?
COMM courses are designed to teach students to negotiate, relate, and advocate. Those three skills are essential to so many different career paths. Having a major that gives you the flexibility to take many different courses, while also making sure that all the courses you take are linked by core skills is such a great strategy.
Where is your office located and what are you walk in hours?
My office is located on the third floor of Louise Pound Hall, room 305 C. Students can make an appointment through MyPLAN. This semester, walk-in hours are on Tuesdays from 1:00-3:00. You can also find me in 107 Oldfather Hall on Friday afternoons from 12:00-3:00.