Camara White

I had the opportunity to conduct an informational interview with Lawrence alumna Alejandrina Medina ’21. Medina currently attends the University of California, San Diego as a soon-to-be PhD candidate in the Integrative Studies Program (Music) and graduate specialization in Critical Gender Studies. In this reflection, I will touch on some of the main talking points from our interview with, including Medina’s career path and advice for Lawrentians interested in pursuing graduate school.

How Lawrence Shaped Medina’s Career Interests

Medina’s academic journey began with a love for music education and performance, aiming to become a public K-12 music educator. But her path took a fascinating turn when she discovered a passion for research, writing, and interdisciplinary practice. By junior year, Medina had crafted a self-designed major in Performance Studies, blending musicology and creative practice. This pivotal decision allowed her to explore graduate school opportunities with the support of mentors like Brigetta Miller and Sonja Downing. During her final year at Lawrence, Medina secured a Graduate School Exploration Fellowship through the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. This experience solidified Medina’s focus on research, ultimately leading to her acceptance into a PhD program at the University of California, San Diego. This phase of her journey highlights the importance of adaptability and the willingness to pursue interests beyond initial expectations.

Navigating an Evolving Career Path

The evolution of Medina’s career pathway demonstrates the interconnectedness of varied experiences. From her beginnings in music education and performance, Medina embraced interdisciplinary research during her PhD program. She painted a vivid picture of her doctoral journey—fusing music studies with critical theory, performance art, literature, philosophy, and more. This multifaceted approach has not only deepened her expertise but also inspired innovative ways of understanding art and music. Beyond academics, she has dedicated four years to teaching, initially as a teaching assistant and now as an instructor leading her own class on race, sex, and performance in Latin American music. Medina’s story reinforces the idea that career paths can evolve and intersect in unexpected yet enriching ways.

Advice for Current Lawrentians

Medina’s advice is straightforward yet profound: just take the leap. Apply to graduate programs if that’s your goal—there’s value in starting the journey. She emphasized the importance of preparation, not only academically but also professionally, such as teaching independently as early as possible. Her experiences also underline the value of exploring nontraditional opportunities, like internships in nonprofit arts management, to broaden professional horizons. One of Medina’s key takeaways from Lawrence University was the emphasis on flexibility and a willingness to experiment with new paths. This adaptability equipped her to navigate the challenges of a less-defined academic and professional future with confidence.

Alejandrina’s story is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary education and the courage to embrace uncertainty. It’s a reminder that where you start doesn’t have to limit where you can go.

I had the chance to interview the Senior and Associate Directors of Education at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee. During our conversations, we focused on questions specifically designed to get a better understanding of current employers’ perspectives on professional behaviors, and their advice to students who are preparing to enter the workforce. What stood out to me was their unique approaches to and reasoning behind professionalism.

John Bragle (Director) defines professionalism through preparation, execution, collaboration, and accountability. His approach stems from his personal definition and practiced behaviors as a seasoned musician and educator. John doesn’t anticipate that new hires will already be professional according to his or the workplace’s definition. John states, “Skills and behaviors are learned, and it’s dangerous to assume otherwise. College students are taught to be students, not to fit certain job descriptions off the bat.” He stresses the importance of transparent expectations, personal connections, and maintaining boundaries when in collaboration with others. The only way that this can be accomplished of course is through clear and direct communication. John also emphasizes that unprofessional behavior can be managed through learning opportunities, setting limits on repeated mistakes, and maintaining consistent communication. He learned professional behaviors through personal expectations, learning from mistakes, and prioritizing transparency for young professionals.

Krystal Esty (Associate Director) defines professionalism by supporting the mission and value of the Conservatory. She also highlights growth and accountability as core values, along with finding creative ways to bring music into different spaces and fostering community partnerships. Krystal’s hiring process reflects the practices and standards expected in the position, and she believes it’s a mutual process where candidates try out the organization as much as the other way around. She provides resources to help new hires succeed and stresses the importance of implicit and direct communication in achieving professionalism. Krystal maintains that unprofessional behavior can be mitigated from an advisor standpoint by supporting faculty, preparing them for challenges, and emphasizing communication and empathy. She believes in reaching out regularly to create trust-based working relationships. Krystal learned professional behaviors through necessary conversations, valuing individuality and personable-ness in the arts, and approaching actions with genuine curiosity rather than confrontation.

From these interviews, I learned that modern workplace ideas on professionalism are constantly evolving, and generation gaps are leading to significant culture clashes. However, the key takeaway is to uphold the core values of communication, collaboration, teamwork, and accountability.