This fall, we are celebrating some of our outstanding students who are graduating this semester. We wish all of our graduating students the best as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.
Name: Marion Soichot
Hometown: Dijon, France
Program: Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies (online M.S.)
Why did you choose your program?
When I decided to transition into the field of Instructional Design, I felt that enrolling in an academic program would meet my expectations to get the essential knowledge and skills in the discipline. As I was exploring the Internet for existing programs, I started to view this challenge as a unique opportunity to embark on a cultural experience. Consequently, I focused my research on US universities, and I soon found that FSU was ticking every item off my list.
FSU promoted an international mindset, allowing students from all over the world to join online and onsite programs while providing market-rate tuition and ongoing support to future students throughout the application process. In addition, the ISLT master's program was (and still is) ranked as one of the best programs in the country, offering both expertise to transmit theoretical knowledge and opportunities to develop and demonstrate practical skills through individual and group projects. Finally, the master's degree was provided onsite but also remotely, which was compatible with a full-time job in my home country.
Looking back, the M.S. ISLT Program went far beyond my initial expectations. Embarking on this human and learning adventure with FSU was one of the best decisions of my life.
What's your favorite part of your program?
There is so much to say! How much time do you have? I will say that there are four main things I particularly loved about the program:
- Getting the support and kindness of my instructors throughout the program
- Benefitting from the expertise and experience of instructors, teaching assistants, and peers who expanded my view of the field tremendously, encouraged me to push my own limits, and made me consider unexpected challenges for my career
- Being part of a community without feeling isolated despite the distance and the cultural gap
- Learning to be accountable for my own development and approaching my career more strategically; in particular, I was encouraged to choose my own adventure, which led me to apply my new knowledge and skills to personal projects in real-time
What do you want to do after you graduate?
Once I graduate from the ISLT M.S. Program in December 2023, I plan to keep serving the academic world in my current position as an ID and faculty support in a French higher education institution. In addition, my academic experience at FSU confirmed my willingness to tackle exciting international projects. In particular, I aim to participate in developing Communities of Practice within international associations to encourage the co-construction of knowledge among healthcare professionals around the world. In parallel, I intend to conduct academic research within my current institution on (1) the implementation of Universal Design for Learning in the higher educational landscape, and (2) the usefulness of reflexive behaviors on the engagement and performance of incoming and experienced professionals.
