| Kogod’s Helvik at home on bustling college campus Jennifer Helvik’s career in higher education has taken her across the country, from her home state of Montana to Vermont, Ohio, and Colorado. Three years ago Helvik, a graduate student advisor in the Kogod School of Business, landed in Washington—a place where she’d like to stay a while. “My husband and I love living in D.C.,” says Helvik. “We enjoy all the cultural events and the city’s international feel. I just think D.C. is a very pretty, friendly city.” Weekends are spent biking through Rock Creek Park, taking in a live band downtown, or soaking up some sun at a nearby beach. But that’s not all Helvik, an avid reader and skier, enjoys about living in Washington. “I love coming to work,” she laughs. “No day’s ever the same, and no student’s ever the same. I find working with students to be so rewarding. It’s great to feel like you helped someone.” Helvik, who started in SIS as a sophomore advisor, moved across the quad to Kogod last August. In addition to working with MBA, taxation, and information technology management students, this “jack of all trades” is also busy promoting Kogod’s new master of accounting program and recruiting applicants. “It’s fun to be a part of the beginning stages of something,” says Helvik. “We’ll be excited to welcome the first group of accounting students in the fall.” It was during her undergraduate years at Montana State University, where she worked as an admissions assistant and student ambassador, that Helvik decided on a career in higher education. “I’ve always liked the energy that comes from being on a college campus and being surrounded by students. Frankly, it’s just a lot of fun,” says Helvik, who earned her master’s in higher education administration from the University of Vermont. “I’m a strong believer in the power of education,” she continues. “I believe it opens doors for a lot of people in a lot of different ways. And I’m glad to be a part of that.” Helvik also advocates continuing education for her fellow academic advisors. Along with SPA advisor Kate Bruffett, Helvik organizes a brown bag lunch series for AU’s 40 academic counselors. “We talk about student development issues and different theories on how to advise,” she explains. “We believe advisors deserve professional development, and we’re proud to provide some piece of that.” In addition to her advising duties, Helvik is a member of Staff Council and will wrap up her two-year term in May. “I’ve enjoyed meeting people from different parts of campus and being a part of a community that really supports staff’s needs,” she says. “It’s been a fun two years.” —AF |
