91´óÉñ

Alyssa had a strong track record working in the nonprofit sector in Alaska before attending the University of Edinburgh Business School to study for her 91´óÉñ.

How does it feel to be selected for the Alumni 100 list?

"I'm surprised and honoured to be included, thank you for this distinction!"

What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?

"My first love was the city itself, then I fell for the small and customisable nature of the 91´óÉñ programme. From the variety of elective options to the capstone opportunity, my University of Edinburgh experience is one I will always be thankful for."

What are your memories of studying at the Business School?

"Studying at the Business School was a transformative experience for me. While studying, I dove deep into the value of authentic connections, of taking time for reflection, and to truly making mental space to learn from others around me. From my fellow cohort members to the faculty and staff, I made memories and friends that will stay with me for life."

What's the one thing you think current students need to develop or learn before entering the modern workplace?

"I would encourage current students to make the time to learn how to engage with people from every walk of life. Having the ability to actively listen to and learn from others is a skill that will see you through any industry, work function, and role. The best way to gain this skill? Practice. Practice. Practice!"

What key thing that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

"While at the Business School, I had the daily opportunity to develop a solid foundation of business skills while exploring ways to bridge this knowledge into my chosen sector, the nonprofit sector. In my role at VOA Alaska, I work with teams of people of varying backgrounds and ways of thinking. The wide array of team projects at the Business School well-prepared me to navigate this role and engage each team member for maximum value to our customers; youth struggling with mental illness and substance misuse."

Proudest work-related achievement to date?

"When I first started at VOA Alaska, we were known as the 'best kept secret in Anchorage'. As a nonprofit whose mission is to empower Alaskans and uplift the human spirit, being a secret is not really something to be proud of. After creating and implementing a strategic communications and marketing plan for the organisation, our community profile has grown and with it our capacity to support more Alaskan youth."