Culture
A Day in the Life of a Trailblazer: Senior Student Success Manager Alyssa Zawack
Senior student success manager and workshop visionary by day; multi-talented musician, teacher, and martial arts athlete by night. Oh, and one of two winners of our 2021 Student Engagement Trailblazer Award. Is there any challenge Alyssa Zawack can’t conquer?
Across the Student Engagement team, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who exudes our values more than Alyssa. She enters every meeting with an infectious smile. She’s passionate about her team. She’s driven to provide world-class service to students. And she continuously looks for new challenges—a mentality maintained whether delivering her daily best at 2U or traveling the globe competing in Judo tournaments.
Alyssa has always been supremely passionate about learning. Before joining our team, she was a co-founding instructor of a K-8 charter school. Now, Alyssa’s been at 2U for four and a half years, and in that time she worked her way up to leading a team in Admissions, then pivoted to leading a Student Success team in helping support learners in achieving their dreams of attaining a degree.
Between Alyssa’s disarming personality and dedication to transforming lives, it wasn’t surprising to see the nominations flood in that ultimately led to her Trailblazer Award win. This one in particular truly represents our team’s overarching sentiments: “Alyssa’s always looking for—and following through with—new ways to ensure our team’s continued development. She has also personally been invested in my growth since the day we met.” How does Alyssa do it all, and more? I recently sat down with her to find out. We discussed her knack for keeping her eyes focused on the big picture and her heart focused on real human connection. That’s the sweet spot we love to see at 2U.
Alyssa, you’re so extraordinarily unique; there’s so much to dig into! As they say in superhero comics, what’s your “origin story”—and what compelled you to join 2U?
I’ve had many jobs prior to 2U, but most recently I was a music teacher and band director. I was interested to move into the higher education space, while still positively impacting and spreading the power of learning. The company’s culture and vision is so prevalent and inspiring. 2U leadership walks their talk and embodies our Guiding Principles. It’s a great place to work.
You’ve really taken our mission to heart. How would you describe your day-to-day work as a senior student success manager?
First and foremost, I’m a coach and people manager—that’s my primary “hat.” I’m also a gatherer of resources and thought partner. I’m a strategic thinker and problem-solver. I’m a policymaker and stakeholder. And I’m a data analyzer and pattern identifier. It’s an incredibly fun job.
It’s so important to have fun while doing great work and inspiring your team. What’s another important leadership lesson you’ve learned throughout your time at 2U?
“Ask first.” When it comes to seeking perspective, understanding shared goals or personal interests, clarifying the problem we’re trying to solve, overcoming and moving beyond previous challenges and experiences, or stretching a person’s skill set, it’s critical to ask first, actively listen, and then share. We’re all still a work in progress!
You’re right—no one’s ever finished learning around here. What’s one of the most rewarding parts of your job? How about the most challenging?
Bar none, the most rewarding aspect of my job are the amazing humans I work with every day. I love helping folks, setting goals, and watching people shine and achieve. The most challenging part is the time we live in. Sometimes I feel like the world and our respective communities are just taking hit after hit, so it’s incredibly important to look for and celebrate the wins, no matter how “small” they seem.
Well, I’d say a big win in your world is the series of development workshops you’ve been spearheading for the team. How’s that going so far?
Oh boy, one of my favorite things! This development course series is a set of competency-based workshops designed to help our fabulous senior admissions counselors and senior student success advisors sharpen their skills, network, and grow in the department. In 2022, I hope to add a series for aspiring managers and another led by senior trainers. Through the courses, I’m able to shine a light on amazing directors, managers, and others across the team who serve as panelists and subject matter experts. I’m extremely grateful for all the support I’ve received in the series’ development, as it hasn’t been an individual effort.
No one here works in a vacuum, for sure. But outside of 2U, you also play and teach music? And practice Judo? You’re a jack of all trades!
Yep, I can play scales on every Western instrument that uses air to make sound, but I keep up on the flute, clarinet, and saxophone. Once a band teacher, always a band teacher! But as you said, most of my life outside of work is Judo. I’m a national referee and coach for USA Judo, third-degree blackbelt in the sport, and national athlete in my weight division. I also run a foundations class for adult athletes at Denver Judo with my husband Kedge, who’s a fellow third-degree blackbelt and nationally ranked athlete. Come try a class anytime, Dobbs! Sadly, I’m currently in month three of ACL knee surgery recovery, but that isn’t keeping me down long. I’ll be back to competing this summer.
Here’s to a speedy recovery on that…and to me mustering the nerve to join your class at some point! Speaking of competing—well, winning, really—you were a co-winner of our team’s Trailblazer Award. What does this honor mean to you?
I’m still in a state of disbelief and gratitude. The nominees and finalists are all incredible, and I felt humbled to stand among their ranks. This team recognition fuels me to work harder and invest more into our department to pave the way for future trailblazers to come!
You’re also in the midst of an online Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, which is a 2U-powered program. How has that experience been helping you personally and professionally?
Go Waves! I’ve been loving every minute of my program. My cohort started together with the hashtag #ThanksCOVID because we all began when the world shut down and saw meeting each other as the small silver lining. My favorite courses so far, which I leverage regularly, are “Managing Virtual and Cross-Cultural Teams” and “The Psychology of Conflict in Communication.” I love learning, meeting folks, and walking alongside students in their goal to achieve their educational dreams. I’m incredibly grateful that 2U offers tuition reimbursement as a benefit for full-time employees.
And we’re clearly grateful to have you on our team. As we wrap up here, what’s one piece of advice you have for someone else interested in starting a long and rewarding career at 2U?
Never once in my time at 2U has anyone denied me a conversation or 20-minute meeting—and I’ve asked a number of people who are quite high in the hierarchy! If you’re a curious person, this is the place to be. Ask away. Be prepared, make an agenda, and get in there and learn. This place is filled to the gills with amazing people, and 2U really nurtures folks with grit, passion, and innovative ideas.
~~~
Inspired to join us and, like Alyssa, help lead the charge in eliminating the back row in higher education? We're hiring.