A Q&A Session With Brittney Yandle, a Senior Academic Advisor at SoPA

As a Senior Academic Advisor at the Tulane School of Professional Advancement, Brittney Yandle offers guidance to students every day. Outside of her work at SoPA, Ms. Yandle is also a member of a dance group that performs in parades and other events across the area. Learn more about Brittney by reading her answers to our questions.

Tell Us a Little About Your Role as a Senior Academic Advisor at SoPA.

My role as a Senior Academic Advisor is to work with students from day one of starting classes, until they walk across that stage at graduation, and everything in between. I work with prospective students to see if our programs will be a good fit for their interests and goals. Then, once they are admitted, I work with them each semester to schedule the correct courses and ensure they are on track for graduation. If issues come up in their courses, such as personal struggles impeding academic success, I am the first line of defense that's here to connect them with the necessary resources and be an advocate for the student.

How Can a Student Best Prepare for an Academic Advising Appointment?

Some students come into my office with a list of things they already know they need to talk about—Awesome! Some students come into my office and say, “I’m not really feeling this major, but I don’t know what’s next”—Cool, let’s walk through it together! The only thing I expect from my students when they come into an advising appointment is open communication and honesty. There are no stupid questions! But there are unanswered questions.

If You Could Offer One Piece of Advice to Students, What Would It Be?

Take advantage of the resources provided to you! Your professors are experts in their fields. Pick their brains, ask what to expect post-graduation, build those personal and professional connections. Networking should be your best friend.

What Is Your Go-to Karaoke Song?

There is far too much video evidence for me to try and deny this one: Blank Space by T-Swift.

Aside From Necessities, What One Thing Could You Not Go a Day Without?

Head boops from my kitties. They make every day better!

At the Tulane School of Professional Advancement, Brittney and the other members of our staff are dedicated to helping you develop the skills and professional relationships you need to take the next step in your career. Browse our site to learn more about the degrees and programs we offer.