Fellowships in Academic Administration Testimonials: Ixchel Bosworth (PhD Candidate, Sociology)

How did the Fellow in Academic Administration program contribute to your professional development?
The experience provided an opportunity for candid conversations with administrators who had transitioned from the PhD track, offering valuable perspectives on alternative academic careers. I came away with a clearer sense of the professional mobility possible within higher education administration.

What project from your fellowship are you most proud of?
The project I am most proud of involved working directly with General Studies students to advise and support them as they entered Columbia. Meeting such a diverse range of students reshaped my understanding of what it means to be “nontraditional” within a prestigious university context. The experience broadened my perspective on Columbia’s role and value for students from a wide variety of backgrounds, life experiences, and educational paths.

What skills did you gain during your fellowship?
I strengthened my communication and advising skills by working closely with students from a wide range of backgrounds. Perhaps most importantly, I learned how to balance empathy and efficiency, a skill that is crucial in any profession.

What advice would you give to future fellows to help them make the most of this opportunity?
I would advise future fellows to think carefully about which role or department best aligns with what they hope to gain from the fellowship—even before applying. Clarity about your goals helps you make the most of the experience. It’s also essential to be open and honest with your mentor about your progress and to lean on their guidance if you feel uncertain or overwhelmed.