Meet Jennifer Key: ’17 BA in interdisciplinary studies
Jennifer Key chose the Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies because it gave her the freedom to choose two concentration areas — special events and tourism management. Following an event planning internship opportunity, she knew special events was the path for her.
“My mentor at the time would test me by pointing out things at an event and quizzing me on what looked wrong,” Key says. “This helped me become detail-oriented and that’s a skill I carry with me in my current role at ASU.”
As the community engagement coordinator for CISA’s Recruitment, Outreach, Engagement, Events and Internships department at ASU, Key uses many of the skills she learned as a student.
“I came back to ASU because I wanted to work here after my positive undergraduate experience,” she says.
She looks forward to growing in this role and continuing her journey at ASU.
Question: Why did you choose your degree?
Answer: I had previously been at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College because I wanted to be a teacher, but as time went on, the courses weren’t fulfilling, so I scheduled an appointment with my advisor to re-evaluate. During that appointment, I expressed that I enjoyed being involved in the community and event planning. She introduced me to the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts and informed me of a degree that I could customize and be creative with — interdisciplinary studies. So, I switched my major to interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in tourism management and special events.
Q: Did you earn any awards/accolades during your time as an ASU student?
A: Yes, I was given the Best Program Award by the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) for an event I designed for students who needed to de-stress during finals. The event featured donuts, a safe place to talk about the stress of finals and tools to successfully help with finals so students felt heard about their worries and fears.
Q: Do you believe that your degree set you up for success in your career?
A: Yes, my degree set me up for success. I went into the degree with little to no experience about what the workforce had in store, but after being involved with NRHH and completing my internship, I had a real understanding of what I was looking for after graduation and the type of career I wanted. No one's path is the same and I love that ASU has so many different paths for every single story.
Q: What is your favorite memory from your time as an ASU student?
A: As a first-year student, I was chosen to be on the football field during a game, was featured on the jumbo tron and was given a signed game ball. Being on the field to see the game up close was such a great experience because I love ASU and football. I gave the signed football to my nephew, and he thought I was the coolest aunt ever.
Q: What was your first job after graduating from ASU?
A: My first job out of college was as an administrative assistant at a powerline company, where I learned about corporate companies and teamwork.
Q: Why did you decide to come back and work at your alma mater?
A: I came back to ASU because I wanted to work here after my positive undergraduate experience. I would check every so often to see if there was a posting that would fit my skillsets. I eventually found the position I am in now and was so excited to apply. I have been with CISA for a year-and-a-half now.
Q: What does the future hold for you?
A: Professionally, I would like to keep growing with CISA and learn as much as possible. Eventually, I want to become a leader in the college to make an even bigger impact.