Officially, One Degree Hotter — Now What?

Having a master’s degree has always been a goal of mine. I wasn’t sure when I’d obtain it or which field to pursue, but earning that official degree was always my aspiration as a child. Now that I have graduated, it all feels very surreal. Achieving this significant milestone in life has left me feeling giddy and fulfilled, but I also find myself in a state of introspection, trying to understand what lies ahead. It’s exciting to step into an industry I have no experience in. Yet, I feel grounded and steady because I am ready to take on the challenge and look forward to facing the unexpected. RIT's visual communication program has prepared me to explore options, take risks, be resilient, and strive for the best through critical assessment of my work, while at the same time instilling the quest for further improvement and excellence.

What are you up to now? Tell us about your current job, research, or any exciting projects.

I’m working as an associate Graphic and Motion Designer with the Teaching and Learning department at Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign. I work primarily as an instructional development specialist for online graduate degree programs, certificates offered by Gies (iMBA, iMSA, iMSM), and business minors for undergraduate programs. I create video course materials for Coursera and Canvas platforms and collaborate with faculty and learning designers to develop course outlines, materials, graphics, and animations on topics in business, finance, accountancy, commerce, economics, and digital marketing.

My current research interests involve artificial intelligence and its integration and impact on academia, university culture, multimedia design, and teaching. I am also exploring ways to elaborate on my thesis project, which involved creating an AI-integrated brainstorming interface. Communication Arts magazine recognized my thesis work by featuring me in their "2025 Interactive Annual" journal.

My current projects include creating expandable solutions for increasing the number of online undergraduate courses. I’ve also been working on personal explorations and projects that should take concrete form this year.

What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since graduating?

My biggest lesson has been the change from being a student to a professional, and working in a different business & cultural environment. Student life has been more of learning the nuances of design, exploring ideas, etc., while the professional world is more of implementing ideas and creative thinking, leveraging the learning and its practical usage, keeping target audience, market needs, benefits, cost & time. The professional world requires continuous learning and exploration of ideas, in-depth research, and identifying the most appropriate solution meeting the stakeholder objectives. You're considered a subject expert when you step into your role as a professional in your field. You remain a subject expert if you keep evolving in your field, which comes with constant learning and exploring. Staying inquisitive and grounded, being curious about what else is out there to explore and learn, figuring out how you can keep evolving in your field, even if you are in a particular field doing one thing, how can you make that one thing better? That will always depend on how much knowledge you’re willing to go after, and I believe no amount of knowledge is enough, but the cycle of learning and applying is key to growth.

What’s a recent achievement or milestone you’re proud of?

Besides the courage to submit my projects for awards and winning some (which I am incredibly grateful for since it is a form of acknowledgment from my community and industry), I am very proud of being financially independent for the first time since I started my journey as a designer. I owe it all to my lovely family’s initial financial support, the fact that I was able to come to America and obtain a master’s degree. I am finally entirely financially independent, which I am very excited about since it makes me feel immensely grown up.

How do you stay connected to the RIT community? or what are ways you’d want to?

I try to keep up with my RIT professors, classmates, and friends. I also keep track of all the events at RIT through emails and social media, even if I don’t live in Rochester anymore. I enjoy the frequent emails I get about convocation (I still feel like an RIT student sometimes when I receive those emails, which makes me very happy). I love to keep tabs on the RIT website, media spaces, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other spaces to get updates about the college and its recent highlights or community members doing exceptional work in their fields. I made some of my most cherished friends at RIT, and I love staying in touch with them, even through memes or mutual TV obsessions – anything and everything to keep the community close to me even after graduating. Once a tiger, always a tiger!

If you could give one piece of advice to current grad students, what would it be?

Channelize your energy, stay focused, and be consistent on your primary goals. Step outside your comfort zone, network with people, explore new ideas, and challenge yourself. I made numerous connections at RIT by approaching people and saying ‘Hi’ during my grad orientation week. Since I had to finish 60 credits in just two years, I realized that orientation was my chance to forge as many connections as possible. I seized that opportunity and have never been more grateful. You can put yourself out there at various points throughout your grad school journey. It may seem daunting and impossible, but confronting that challenge now significantly enhances your overall experience. School can be challenging, and the weather can be relentless, so it’s essential to rely on the support of the wonderful community at RIT to keep you steady and fulfilled.

What’s next for you? Any exciting plans, goals, or projects in the works?

Right now, I’m exploring being a graphic and motion designer in education and academia and what that has in store for me. I have always wanted to be in academia, so this is my opportunity to give this industry a spin and see where that road takes me. My goal is to keep challenging what it means to be a designer in the online education space and how we can build more immersive and exciting experiences for the learners worldwide. I am also building on my minor experiences in video production and editing by working with the fantastic digital media team at Gies College of Business, assisting them on project shoots, making connections with instructors, and learning from my wonderful colleagues. There are so many projects I want to work on, but so far I’m focusing on e-learning and edu-tech and what it means to be a designer and educator with the growing boom of artificial intelligence.

Anything else you’d like to share about your journey since RIT?

Moments of Reflection

These past couple of months since I graduated have been quite interesting. Attending RIT meant that every day was packed with tasks and emotions, and slowing down was never an option for me because grad school was all-consuming in the best way possible. Graduating has allowed me to slow down, relax, and enjoy the fruits of my labor. It wasn’t easy to adjust since I’ve always been constantly in motion and at the highest intensity level. So, having time for reflection and introspection on my journey has been refreshing. I've finally had some time to myself, allowing me to ease into my new life and find my own pace in my new job and city. My experiences at RIT will stay with me for a lifetime. I made the best memories, friends, and some of my best work at RIT, and I will always cherish these years of my life. I am forever grateful for this community and all of my experiences.

Officially one degree hotter! Now what? I’ll let life surprise me.