Kathryn Metzger

Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have wonderful supervisors who fostered an environment where I could grow, learn, and pursue what I care about most — including Suzan Sussmann at KPMG, Christine Dilts at Dominican University, and now Dawson Metcalf at CSU. I've also been deeply shaped by the guidance of my older brother, Daniel Strobel, and my cousin, Alycea Ench. Surrounding yourself with positive mentors and champions truly makes all the difference.

After a few years in my first full-time role planning educational tours, I was eager to transition back into higher education — but I had no professional network in New York, and it took years before I landed a role in the field again. That experience helps me when working with students and clients. The job search is hard. It's important to acknowledge that. Success requires grit, strategic relationship-building, and the determination to keep going — even when it's difficult.

Lastly, I think marrying a partner who shares similar values — particularly around prioritizing meaning in your career — has been beneficial for both of us.

The best career advice I've ever received came from my brother: advocate for yourself and what you believe in — and then, if the outcome isn't what you hoped for, let it go. Knowing you spoke up is enough. He also helped me understand the importance of being persistent without being pushy, and confident without being entitled. It sounds simple, but living it out takes real self-awareness.

As I touched on previously, one thing that has really helped me is understanding the balance between advocating for yourself and knowing when to let go. If you believe something should be done differently, speak up — voice your perspective with confidence. And then, regardless of the outcome, you can walk away knowing you said what needed to be said. That allows you to go home to your family without carrying the weight of things outside your control. Focus on what you can influence, and release what you can’t. 

For anyone entering higher education specifically, I'd say this: we are in a pivotal moment. The job market is evolving rapidly, and I believe higher education needs to change to remain relevant and become more accessible. It's a meaningful and impactful career — but my advice would be to always keep expanding your network, nurturing professional relationships, and building transferable skills. The future is uncertain. The more adaptable you are, the better positioned you'll be.

Ambiguity. We are in a pivotal moment in higher education, which I find both challenging and energizing. I'm deeply passionate about this field, and I believe higher education must evolve with strategic innovation. The institutions and professionals who embrace that change rather than resist it will be the ones who shape what higher education looks like for the next generation.

One of my favorite quotes is by Adam Grant: "The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed." That belief sits at the core of everything I do. I'm deeply passionate about supporting people — particularly through work that helps them navigate their academic and career journeys.

When it comes to balancing work and personal life, I've learned to be intentional about what I say yes to. Right now, as a mom to a four-year-old, I've made the deliberate choice to pause one-on-one career coaching in order to focus on my family, my current role at CSU, and taking care of myself. I've come to accept that you can't do everything — and that's okay. Knowing your top priorities and honoring them is a strength, not a limitation.

I also try to focus on what's within my control and release what isn't. That mindset, paired with a willingness to advocate for yourself when it matters and then truly let go, is something I return to again and again — both professionally and personally.