By Tayler Butters

Molly Austin recently joined the Department of Computer Science’s advising team. A Lenoir, North Carolina, native, Austin received a B.A. in psychology from University of North Carolina Asheville, an M.A. in human services with a concentration in career development from Lenoir-Rhyne University, and an Ed.S. in higher education with a concentration in community college and university leadership from Appalachian State University.

As a first-generation college student, Austin has a passion for connecting other first-generation students with resources. She enjoys shelping students achieve their goals and guiding them through tough times in their academic journeys. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, going to the gym, thrift shopping, going on beach trips, and watching HGTV with friends. 

Recently, she spoke with us about her path to becoming an advisor, her college experience, and her advice for students. 

What was college like for you?

MA: I went to a small liberal arts college, so it was way different from Virginia Tech. I wasn’t a top student in college because I didn’t have great study skills and had a bad procrastination problem. I also changed majors three times! Some of the cool classes I took in undergrad were Psychology of Language, Art of the Warrior (we learned fencing, archery, and even fabricated our own small pieces of armor), and Ballroom Dance. I still keep in contact with a number of friends from college, and we have made a lot of great memories together.

Tell us about your path to becoming an academic advisor. What drew you to the career, and why do you think it's important?

MA: My master’s degree in career development helped me realize that I loved the entire concept of career development and advising college students during a class on the subject. Academic advising and career advising have a lot of similarities.

Academic advising is a great way to plan the classes you want to take so that you can get into the career you want. Career advising builds on that and helps you think about how the degree you’re completing and the classes you have taken are helping you prepare for a future job or graduate school.

Academic advising is important because having a plan is the key to success. I didn’t really have a plan when I was in college and only met with my academic advisor to get my registration PIN, so I felt very lost both while deciding on classes and afterward when trying to figure out a career path. I am a big fan of the quote: “Be who you needed when you were younger." Advising is my way of being the person I needed when I was in college.

What brought you to Virginia Tech?

MA: The world is such a small place because one of my friends from the North Carolina coast actually works here at Tech! She told me that it was a wonderful place to work, so Tech stayed on my radar while job searching. I applied for a lot of jobs along the East coast, and I am grateful that Virginia Tech ended up being the place where I landed. I have really enjoyed getting to know new people and a lot more about the tech industry as a whole through the department. 

Everyone on campus has been warm and welcoming. I am still learning my way around the campus and southwestern Virginia. I wasn’t really into college sports before working here, but I bought my brother tickets to see the Hokies take on his favorite college team, North Carolina State, in Cassell Coliseum in January, and that was probably the most exciting basketball game I’ve seen in person.

What is something you would like students to know?

MA: College advice: Don’t put off asking for help. We have so many important services here, like the Student Support Center and Career and Professional Development, so prioritizing getting the assistance you need now will pay off in the future.

Life advice: Be sure to create and regularly deposit money into a savings account. You never know what will happen in the future and having a healthy savings account can soften some big financial blows. Don’t forget to treat yourself after you have paid your bills and paid your future self!

What advice do you have for students who may be struggling in computer science or don’t know if the program is right for them?

MA: If you are struggling, reach out for help. Someone is willing to help you figure things out.

Professors, graduate teaching assistants, undergraduate teaching assistants, and your peers are all great resources. Your advisor is also here to help. While we can’t teach you course concepts or help with class projects, we can connect you with any support that you need.

If you aren’t sure if computer science is right for you, it may be a good idea to think about what career objectives you have in mind. If you have the space in your schedule and the means to do so, taking a free elective in a subject outside of CS can help you decide if another subject is right for you. Other majors (and CS!) have exploratory advising, so you can also participate in an exploratory session to find out what another major has to offer.

Career and Professional Development is definitely a great resource to help you figure out what you want to do with your life. They have career inventories and books available to help you clarify what you want in a career and figure things out from there.

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