Maggie O'Brien advises students in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (Photo by Sal Misseri)Maggie O'Brien
didn't initially set out to be an academic advisor, but
it's not the
first time life had other plans for her. A Double Demon, O'Brien earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in French. After teaching French as an adjunct, she began advising
Kellstadt Graduate School of Business students in 2023. Recently, she began advising within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
In just a few short years, she has epitomized excellence by meeting students where they are, with what they need, when they need it.
At Convocation, she will be honored with the Gerald Paetsch Academic Advising Award, in recognition of her excellence in advising undergraduate and graduate students. Jason Majchrzak will also be honored with the award. In this Q&A, O'Brien shares her personal journey and reveals how advising has changed her life.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally?
Receiving this award was a pleasant surprise, especially since I haven't been advising for long. It's incredibly rewarding to know that my students nominated me. Their recognition feels meaningful both personally and professionally. It shows that my approach resonates with them and that they feel supported, which is my main goal. Even though I've switched offices, I still maintain friendships with many students, and this award feels like validation of those relationships and my impact. It's also a nice acknowledgment for my advising team, faculty and staff partnerships, and the greater Driehaus community.
This award is really the representation of my relationships with my advisees and my role in their academic, professional and personal journeys at DePaul. I would not be here without them and the trust and faith that they put in me. I am incredibly lucky to have had so many wonderful connections with students, and I'm happy to be able to continue stay in touch even after moving to LAS.
What inspired you to pursue a role in advising?
I began my college journey at the University of Michigan, but after a brain injury my freshman year, I had to move home. Upon transferring to DePaul, I worked with an amazing advisor, Corban Megumi 恵 Sánchez, who really helped me navigate my path. Coming into DePaul, I was 26 and eager to graduate quickly, but I ended up staying for three years to take advantage of all the university has to offer. I would not have had this experience without Corban who listened, suggested opportunities and helped me secure internships in France and a student teaching position. When my undergraduate French classes were nearly done, she advocated for me to be the inaugural MOL combined degree student, which was instrumental in my academic success. Her belief in me, empathy and generosity allowed me to grow into the person and advisor that I am today.
Now, I strive to offer the same level of support to my students as Corban did for me. Advising is not just about class schedules. It's about understanding students' goals, presenting them with relevant opportunities and helping them grow both professionally and personally. Building relationships and networks is crucial, and I aim to provide that guidance in an academic setting.
How do you approach building meaningful relationships with the students you advise?
I primarily
worked with undergraduates before moving to the business school, so I was unsure about advising graduate students. Some people said it would be more transactional, but
I found that
wasn't always the case. While some graduate students are quick and focused on getting things done, others, like some undergraduates, want a more personal connection.
I've built meaningful relationships with students, having longer
advising sessions where we also discuss personal topics. Also, my approach is to meet students where they are — whether they prefer brief email exchanges or in-depth conversations.
It's all about understanding their needs and providing the support they
seek.
In my award statement, I emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding and building relationships with students, even in challenging situations. Whether it's delivering tough news or just having a brief meeting, I strive to connect with each student. Some of my most memorable moments include early morning Zoom meetings with students in India or unexpected interactions with former students who appreciated my help. I believe in bringing empathy to every meeting. It's crucial to work collaboratively with your team and other offices as well, as these connections ultimately benefit both students and the university.
What advice would you give to someone new to the field of advising?
Most advisors have degrees in higher education or counseling. Before joining Kellstadt, I faced challenges because my master's was in French — not a traditional advising field. I was fortunate that Ellen Dawson Van, who leads the graduate advising team and remains a friend and mentor, valued my student experience and took a chance on me. If you're looking to enter this field, consider pursuing a relevant graduate degree, such as in educational leadership, counseling or higher education administration. DePaul offers excellent programs.
In interviews, emphasize how you work with students and handle challenging situations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, and provide concrete examples of your experience. Additionally, conducting informational interviews with current advisors can offer valuable insights into the field and help you understand the day-to-day job experience, learn about the necessary skills and qualities of an advisor and determine if it is the right career path for you.