Karen Watson

College: College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Years as an academic advisor: 26
Why did you choose to be an academic advisor? I started academic advising as a temporary job and I found my passion! I like seeing the light come on in a student's eyes when it all starts to come together. I like helping a student who is trying to find their way in a major or class. I like hearing about students' triumphs. I love the energy and excitement at commencement when parent are full of pride and students walk across that stage in recognition that they have earned their degree!
What do you wish students knew about academic advisors? I wish students knew how much their academic advisors value their relationships with their advisees and how much they want to help them.
What is one of your favorite parts of your role as an advisor? A favorite part of my role as an advisor is the face-to-face conversations with students where we can chat about our lives and then work together on the hard issues they are facing.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to a brand new advisor? Participate in all of the professional development opportunities they have here at Virginia Tech and network at all of them.