I graduated with a B.A. in Integrated Social Sciences from the University of Washington in June 2017, more than a decade after beginning - but not finishing - my undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California. In the years between leaving USC and restarting at UW, my career focused on the video game industry, including experience at both Square Enix and Microsoft Xbox in areas ranging from production to program management to marketing. I returned to school with two goals: finishing my bachelor’s degree and making a career change to the field of education so I could realize my life-long interest in teaching.

I was so inspired by the helpfulness and commitment of my own academic advisor during my time in the ISS program, that I leapt at the opportunity to join the advising team after graduation. My experience as a student of the program and as a working adult returning to school after a long break give me insight and skills needed to help others transition back into school. I am always excited to meet someone new and to work together to tailor a plan where school fits into and is supporting life goals. I understand the need to connect school to real-life interests, the barriers and challenges that adult learners face in completing their degrees, and the meaningfulness of finishing your education, no matter how long ago you started. 

If you'd like to learn more about me and the ISS program, follow this link to an interview that appeared in a UW newsletter shortly after I joined the ISS staff:

http://www.continuum.uw.edu/story/student-impact/daniel-mcconnell