Pioneer Success Coach

Ali Karayel

College of Business and Economics

Coaching Mindset:

My goal is for students to take ownership of their education by understanding their degree requirements, classes to fulfill them, and resources to help them be successful. I would like students to not only become self-sufficient in their academics, but leaders in their community and a good influence to their peers and classmates.

Higher Education Background:

• Master of Arts (M.A.): Educational Counseling and Student Personnel, San Jose State University 
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): Sociology, San Francisco State University

Interests and Hobbies:

• Running
• Skateboarding
• Reading

Top Defining Moments in Higher Education: 

Finding the right major and declaring into Sociology. During my first years of College I was unsure about what I wanted to study. My first major was film. I then changed to Business Administration. Both of these majors did not feel like a good fit and were not things I was really interested in. I visited a counselor to get some major advice and he recommended Sociology. Sociology was a great fit and I ended up loving the major. Once I got into the right major, I felt more engaged in College and like a part of the community. 

While in college, I experienced:

• A passion for learning and opening my mind to new experiences.

FAQ

Who do I meet with?

I meet with students whose major is within the College of Business and Economics. 

How to be referred to me?

A student may be referred to me by their primary Academic Advisor.

What topics can we talk about?

• Academic Advising such as course recommendations, and understanding one’s degree requirements and courses to meet them.
• Effective study skills, time-management, and planning/prioritizing accordingly.
• Campus wide resources and programs that may be beneficial such as: Student Center for Academic Achievement (SCAA); The Math Lab; Supplemental Instruction (S.I.); Student Health and Counseling Services
• Academic Standing such as guidelines to Academic Probation and how to get back into good Academic Standing. 
• Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid and ‘Academic Plans’ for SAP appeals.